Georgian Grape Harvest Adventure

Georgia: The Birthplace of Wine

Georgia is a renowned grape-growing and wine-producing country with a rich tradition of winemaking throughout its history, a tradition that has persisted to the present day. The country is considered one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, with a wine history dating back 8,000 years. Georgia is known for its distinctive grape varieties, traditional production methods, and wine culture. Here is more information about vineyards and wine production in Georgia:

Grape Varieties and Rich Diversity

Georgia is home to a wide variety of grapes. These include famous grape varieties such as Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, and Kisi. Each offers different taste profiles and characteristics, contributing to the diverse flavor notes of Georgian wines.

Traditional Wine Making: Qvevri

One of the traditional methods used for winemaking in Georgia is the use of "qvevri," clay vessels buried underground. This method involves the fermentation of grape juice and skins in the clay vessels. Qvevri not only enhances the flavor of the wine but also holds significant importance as part of Georgia's traditional winemaking culture. This traditional production method has been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Vineyard Harvest Season

The grape harvest season in Georgia typically lasts from mid-September to early November. During this time, grapes in the vineyards are harvested. Harvesting often becomes a celebratory event, with families coming together for rituals of collective grape gathering. The harvest season marks the time when grapes are at their ripest and most flavorful.

Wine Regions

Georgia boasts several important wine regions, including the most renowned ones such as Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti, and Samegrelo. Each region has its own unique grape varieties and winemaking methods, resulting in wines with distinct taste profiles.

Wine Tours and Cultural Experiences

Georgia is a popular destination for wine tourism. Tours to vineyards and wine production facilities offer visitors the opportunity to experience this traditional art up close. Additionally, wine festivals and events provide excellent opportunities to better understand and celebrate the country's wine culture.

In conclusion, Georgia is a country with a rich history of wine production and vineyards, preserving these traditions and bringing them into the modern world. The vineyard harvest season, traditional winemaking methods, and rich grape diversity make Georgia a paradise for wine enthusiasts. Visitors to this country have the opportunity to explore this fascinating world of wine, which is an integral part of Georgia's historical and cultural heritage.

We set off from Trabzon, illuminated by the first rays of the sun, towards Georgia, known for its warm hospitality and mystical beauty. At the beginning of our journey, we cross the border at the Sarp Border Gate, marking the boundary between the two countries. Throughout this wonderful tour, you will experience the magic of nature and begin to explore the unique beauties of Georgia.

Accompanied by our guide, after completing our passage with our identity documents, we set off towards the city center. Along the route, we see the bust of Saint Andrew, known as the Enlightenment Path, before heading towards the Gonio region. As we pass through Gonio, we catch sight of Gonio (Apsaros) Fortress on our right. After panoramic views of the fortress, which is where St. Matthias, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, was allegedly killed by the locals, we continue our journey through a route lined with eucalyptus trees. Further along our route, on the left, we see the shooting range used during the Soviet era. Continuing onwards, we cross over the Çoruh (Chorokhi) River, which originates from Bayburt, and make our first entry into the city center. Along the road, we notice Batumi Airport and its communication tower, resembling a princess skirt, both bearing the signatures of Turkish contractors. Continuing along the boulevard, we notice tourism investments on our left, including the Collosseum Hotel and the White Restaurant (upside-down house), before continuing our route and observing the interesting upside-down milk bottle-shaped architecture of the Batumi Courthouse on our right. Passing through the city center, we catch sight of the Dolphinarium, where dolphin shows are held, and adjacent to it, Nurigeli Lake, one of Batumi's two large artificial lakes. Further on our left, we see the Shota Rustaveli State University and its campus, named after the famous medieval Georgian poet. As we approach the city center, we catch a glimpse of the house where the famous Russian literary figures Anton Chekhov and Maxim Gorky lived for 15 years, now serving as the Bern Restaurant, before continuing our journey towards Kutaisi.

Upon arrival in Kutaisi, we explore the enchanting natural beauty of this fascinating region, visiting the Martvili Canyon, famous for its calm waters and magnificent views, and the Prometheus Cave Natural Monument, named after the legendary hero of Greek mythology, which houses fascinating stalactite formations and underground rivers. After our exploration here, we settle into our hotel and have free time until dinner.

We wake up in our hotel to the freshness of the morning and start the day full of energy with a magnificent breakfast. Then, an unforgettable city tour awaits you in the mysterious streets of Kutaisi, this historic city. As we stroll through the charm of historical landmarks such as the Colchis Fountain, the White Bridge, the Opera House, and the Theater Building, we visit the Bagrati Cathedral before heading to the Bodbe Monastery located in Sighnaghi.

In Sighnaghi, also known as the City of Love, we enjoy the romance while preparing for adrenaline-filled moments with the Sighnaghi Zipline. By panoramic views of important landmarks such as the Marriage Hall and the Theater Building, we unravel the mysteries of this enchanting city. We then offer a unique experience for those who want to follow the traces of the past by visiting the Sighnaghi Regional Museum, which offers an in-depth look into Georgia's history and culture with its historical artifacts and exhibitions. To gain further insight into the rich heritage of Sighnaghi, we see the Memorial Wall, which displays various memorabilia reflecting the city's history and culture. Continuing our tour, we see the Sighnaghi Ramparts, built throughout history to protect Sighnaghi, as we walk along the walls, offering magnificent panoramic views of the city.

We spend the evening in an elegant hotel in the Kakheti region, adding yet another memorable experience to our journey.

We wake up to the beauty of a new day and indulge in a magnificent breakfast at our hotel. Within the mystical atmosphere of Kakheti, known as the center of wine production in Georgia and hailed as a historical treasure trove, we first visit the Kvareli Money Museum. This unique museum houses a collection of ancient coins and paper currency, offering us the opportunity to explore Georgia's economic past and the history of money.

Next, we proceed to the Ilia Chavchavadze Museum. Dedicated to the life and works of the great Georgian poet Ilia Chavchavadze, this museum allows us to delve deeper into the richness and history of Georgian literature.

After discovering these cultural treasures, we offer our guests the option to participate in masterclass lessons on wine, traditional Georgian bread baking in stone ovens, and making Köme, a traditional Georgian sweet. Through these masterclass sessions, we step into the wine production process of these magnificent vineyards. We embark on electric off-road vehicles towards the vineyards, allowing us to witness Georgia's vineyards and natural beauty up close. Amidst the silence of electric off-road vehicles, we journey through Kakheti's steppe landscapes and vineyards, discovering the natural beauty of the region and the vineyards that form the foundation of wine production. Here, we join in the grape harvesting activity, getting the chance to taste this delicious fruit firsthand. Guided by experts, we learn the intricacies of winemaking, from crushing grapes to fermentation processes, and the crafting of exquisite Kakheti wines. We offer the opportunity to taste the magnificent Georgian wines stored and matured in underground cellars. Accompanied by guides, you will have the chance to explore these unique wine cellars and gain a deeper understanding of Georgia's wine culture and history. We indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience in Kakheti, known as paradise for wine enthusiasts.

Following the wine-making experience, we participate in lessons on making traditional Georgian bread in stone ovens. In this experience, guided by local masters, you will have the chance to uncover the hidden secrets of Georgian cuisine, as well as learn how to make Köme, a traditional Georgian sweet made from grapes.

For lunch, we have the opportunity to taste the delights of Georgian cuisine at a traditional restaurant in the region, taking a pleasant lunch break amidst the magnificent natural beauty of Kakheti.

In the afternoon, we return to our hotel to explore the unique landscapes and cultural riches of Kakheti, allowing for some free time. In the evening, we continue to experience the charm of this historic region by staying at our hotel in Kakheti. Today, we offer an adventure filled with Georgia's wine and cultural heritage.

We wake up in our hotel to the freshness of the morning and begin our journey to the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi, known for its rich history and cultural diversity, with the first light of the day. Accompanied by our guide, we set out to explore the unique beauties of Tbilisi. Our first stop is the famous Rustaveli Avenue.

Walking along Rustaveli Avenue, we feel the rhythm of the city's heart and visit the Freedom Monument. Additionally, we see the statue of Georgian artist Shota Kavlashvili and the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater. We explore traces of Georgian Orthodox tradition at the Anchiskhati Virgin Mary Church. Then, we experience the dynamic spirit of the city at Shardeni Bar Street. Next, we visit the area where the sulfur baths, a hidden secret of Tbilisi's historical depths, are located. These baths, forming part of the city's old texture, stand as silent witnesses to Georgia's long and complex history. Originally built in the Middle Ages, these magnificent structures have evolved over time with various cultural touches and have become an integral part of the city's cultural identity. Passing through the historic narrow streets above the sulfur baths, we reach the Jumah Mosque. While feeling the historical atmosphere of the mosque, we embark on a journey towards the city's tranquility. Crossing the Peace Bridge, we witness the magnificent view of the Tbilisi cable car under the shade of the Tree of Life. Climbing up to the King Vakhtang Gorgasali Monument, we admire the panoramic view of Old Tbilisi.

We provide free time for lunch to taste delicious Georgian cuisine and for shopping. At the end of our tour, we return to our hotel in Tbilisi to relax and enjoy free time for dinner. Guests who wish to do so can attend the unforgettable experience of the Georgian Gala evening for dinner. At this special event, they will immerse themselves in the richness of Georgian culture and discover traditional dances, music, and flavors.

We wake up to the beauty of a new day and join the magnificent breakfast at our hotel. We bid farewell to Tbilisi and embark on an unforgettable journey towards Batumi. As we begin our city tour in Batumi, our first stop is the Batumi Central Mosque, also known as the Batumi Valide Sultan Mosque, with its enchanting wooden interior completed in 1866. We then explore the magnificent city planning and beautiful squares of Batumi, including:

- Piazza Square, reminiscent of European city squares, and the St. Nicholas Church located within this square,
-The statue of Memed Abashidze, a Georgian politician, writer, and public figure who was killed by the Bolsheviks in 1937, with the inscription "Let everyone who loves Georgia know me and my Adjarian brothers" located in Europe Square,
- The Batumi Astronomical Clock, formerly used as the central bank,
- The Medea Statue, completed in 2007 at a cost of 1 million Lari,
- The Administration Building of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara on Konstantine Gamsakhurdia Avenue,
- The Poseidon Statue, one of the most magnificent sculptures in the city, representing ambition and power,
- Exploring Theatre Square, listening to its tragic stories, and taking photographs,
- Proceeding to the Old Batumi Boulevard with its lush greenery and breathtaking coastline,
- Admiring the "custom design wedding hall," one of the intriguing modern architectures,
- Viewing the Alphabetic Tower, which houses 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet and serves as a restaurant, after taking photos by the fountains on the Old Batumi Boulevard,
- Visiting the historic lighthouse in Miracle Park and taking pictures,
- Viewing the moving sculpture of "Ali and Nino," the characters from Kurban Said's famous novel completed in 2010 by Tamara Kvesitadze and Pataa Sanaiya, and listening to the stories of Georgian Princess Nino and Azerbaijani Gentleman Ali from our guide.

Afterwards, we have free time by the sea for tea, coffee, and shopping. Once we've enjoyed our beverages, we head towards our hotel in Batumi at the time and meeting point set by our guide. Guests who wish to do so can attend the unforgettable experience of the Georgian Gala evening for dinner. At this special event, they will immerse themselves in the richness of Georgian culture and discover traditional dances, music, and flavors.

We wake up at our hotel with the excitement of a new day and, after enjoying breakfast, we check out and set off toward the Sarp border gate. After completing the border crossing procedures for the final part of our journey, we spend some time at the Setur Duty Free store, where we can shop freely and pick up memorable gifts for our loved ones—and ourselves.

Following the shopping break, we step back into Turkey and head toward the Fırtına Valley. Famous for its lush greenery and the crystal-clear river that runs through its depths, Fırtına Valley offers a perfect setting for a short walk and a peaceful breath of fresh air. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of traditional villages, stone houses, and green meadows.

After exploring the Fırtına Valley, we continue toward one of Turkey’s most famous highland plateaus—Ayder. Hidden among the mountains like a paradise, Ayder Plateau is known for its natural hot springs and dense forests. Here, you can take a walk in the fresh mountain air and capture beautiful photos with breathtaking mountain views. The serene atmosphere of Ayder serves as a peaceful farewell to our tour.

We then proceed to Trabzon. With the stunning nature of Rize still in our minds and the unforgettable memories created throughout the journey, we bring our tour to a close. This travel program is an ideal choice for discovering the natural beauty and touristic charm of the Black Sea region and Georgia. Accompanied by expert guides, the tour allows you to experience the region’s historical, cultural, and natural richness up close.

This journey offers a truly unforgettable experience filled with lasting memories.

Laz Tour Travel Agency: Discover Georgia, Experience the Difference!

Since 1998, Laz Tour Travel Agency has been providing services with deep expertise and experience focused on Georgia's rich culture and diverse trade in various sectors. What sets us apart from other travel agencies is our commitment to providing our valued guests with unforgettable experiences.

Meet the Local Texture of Georgia: We operate with an expert team fluent in the local language of Georgia, Georgian. This enables us to offer you a deeper and more authentic experience. We respect the culture, strive to understand and immerse ourselves in the local fabric.

The First Turkish Travel Agency: Laz Tour Travel Agency, established in 2010 in Georgia, is the first Turkish travel agency in the country. This historic step not only defines us as a travel agency but also provides us with the opportunity to bring Georgia closer to our guests. Our privileged experiences begin with this historic milestone.

Establish Strong Bonds with Local Services: As Laz Tour Travel Agency, we have strong connections locally by providing various tourism sector services such as car rental, guiding, hotel accommodation, meal arrangements, dealer meetings, and fair organizations to many travel agencies from Turkey. Our professional team pioneers the industry, ensuring quality service and seamless organization for you.

Are You Ready for Exploration with Laz Tour? From the mysterious streets of Georgia to the peaks of the mountains, Laz Tour Travel Agency is here to guide you on a discovery. We assist you in collecting unique memories, feeling the local texture, and making your journey unforgettable. Discover the enchanting atmosphere and warm hospitality of Georgia with us!

24/7 Support: Throughout your journey, for any needs, you can contact us via our support line at +90 850 532 08 08 through WhatsApp or by phone, available 24/7.

Laz Tour Travel Agency - A Different Perspective, An Unforgettable Journey!