ZURABTRAVEL
Gastronomical and winery tour of Kakheti is even more popular among tourists than cultural heritage and natural wealth. Georgia is motherland of winery. The fertile valleys and protective slopes of the Transcaucasia were home to grapevine cultivation and neolithic wine production (Georgian: ღვინო, ɣvino) for at least 8000 years. As the birthplace of winemaking, the country of Georgia is home to more than 500 varieties of indigenous grapes—roughly one-sixth of the world’s total grape varieties. Georgia’s vineyards include endangered vines found nowhere else on earth. Today, some vineyards feature living vine libraries, where visitors can sample rare grapes. Georgian cuisine is considered as an art which can satisfy even the most demanding person. Above mentioned tour will open you doors to magical space of gastronomy and winery which will introduce you wine making history, you will be able to differentiate between European and Georgian wine making technique. And the profusion of different kind of wines will add additional charm to the tour. Alazani Valley is a sub region within Kakheti in the Georgia Republic. It is the place where so-called golden fund of wines are, their name are connected to the place where are they mostly found. For example : Kindzmarauli, Akhasheni, Mukuzani. Alazani Valley is slightly warmer than the rest of Kakheti, and so the grapes tend to get riper and more sweet. The region's main grape variety is Rkatsiteli, which means "red stem", and it is made in a semi-sweet style that starts out with a light straw color, and grows more golden as the wines age. It is common to pair these wines with dessert or fruit and cheese courses. To get to Allazani valley you should use the route of Gombori range the highest mountain being at 1,991 m above sea level. The pass itself by transport peaks at 1620 meters above sea level. Our first destination will be Alaverdi monastery complex, which was formed in the second part of 6th century. At the end of the XIX century Alaverdi Cathedral was completely whitewashed inside. After clearing the walls (1966) several layers of painting were revealed: The first and most important are the fragments of the XI century painting. The frescoes of XV-XVI centuries have remained on the southern walls and XVI-XVII centuries frescoes on the western and northern walls. Next not less important spot on our way is Ikalto Monastery, which was founded in the 6th century but now we can see only 8th century remains. There was an academy where according to a legend the famous 12th century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied. Ikalto Academy was the highest educational institution in Georgia during XI-XII centuries. This is confirmed by the ruins of the building that remain in the monastery yard, which are more like the construction of secular-purpose building than the monastery. The ruins are visible on the base. Ikalto academy mastered theology, rhetoric, astronomy, philosophy, geography, geometry, chanting, etc. In addition to the theoretical courses, pupils studied metal processing, ceramic production, viticulture and winemaking, pharmacology and others. On our way we will visit Telavi(town) there’s beautiful architecture around every corner, and best of all there’s a lively undercover market in the centre of town. There is a biggest tree in Georgia located in the city center of Telavi (Region of Kakheti). It's not only giant, it is more than 900 years old as well.