We start out early for our journey out to the Kakheti wine region in Georgia. This area is known as the cradle of wine and I am hoping the next couple days are full of charming towns and tasting of interesting wines. The wine here is made a couple different ways but the traditional style is fermentation in clay pots called qvevri. Earlier excavations had Georgia amoung the oldest wine making countries but it wasn’t until a discovery in 2017 could it claim that it has the oldest evidence of wine making.
Our first stop of the day is in Sighnaghi, the city of love. This charming small town’s claim to fame is that it used to be a place where people could come to get married 24/7…kind of like a Vegas of Georgia. People can still get married here but it doesn’t have the get married at a moment’s notice theme anymore. We buy some souvenirs and climb the cobbled streets for a few hours. If we had more time I could have probably could have had an overnight stay and a nice meal with a view.
After Sighnaghi we are invited to a home cooked meal. Here they show us how khinkali are made (georgian soup dumplings). Some attempt to make their own with varying results. The meal served is spread of many different georgian foods such as khinkali, salad, pickled vegetables, beets, cheese, bread, potatoes, beans, and of course home made wine.
Before we check into our wine resort and spa we make a last stop is at a former residence of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze. The Chavchavadze were an influential family during the 19th century and even though the orginal house and contents were destroyed in a fire, the relics inside were actually owned by the family at the time. The relics displayed were stored at their other residences but they are now here for viewing how life was like during those times. Besides having an interesting garden there is also a temporary exhibition of the Georgian National Ballet, a ballet that tours internationally. Before my trip to Georgia I researched performances of the ballet but none are scheduled – I would love to see their unique shows someday. Our visit to Georgia coincides with the graduation time for students so we see students taking photos at the residence to celebrate. Graduation time in this country includes car honking parades, white shirt signatures and pictures in formal wear – basically young people happy to be done with school.
We arrive at the winery resort just in time for my massage appointment. As part of our travel package a massage is included and I selected an early time slot this evening. The traditional massage is wonderful but it causes me to miss out on the last wine tasting of the day. I need to make an effort to attend a tasting tomorrow.
I’ve missed the tasting but it doesn’t stop me from buying my own bottle to enjoy on my beautiful balcony. I watch beautiful sunset views of snow capped mountains in the distance before joining the others for dinner. This portion of the trip is a good time to finally get to know the wonderful group I am traveling with. I’ve enjoyed my time with every person so far and that is a good sign that I’ve chosen well in signing up for this trip.
