Just an hour’s drive from the capital Tbilisi, Kakheti, nicknamed “Little Tuscany”, is not only one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia, with endless views of the Caucasus Mountains and vineyards, but also the origin of the ancient method of wine production in amphorae (“Qvevri”). It’s no coincidence that Georgia is considered one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world and that its “orange wine”, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, has become increasingly popular among gourmets in recent years.

But there’s more: a growing number of producers, winemakers and restaurateurs who are shaping the region’s culinary identity.

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When I traveled through Georgia for 6 months last year, I was lucky enough to meet Tekuna Gachechiladze, Georgia’s most famous chef. With her restaurant “Littera” in the capital Tbilisi, she’s considered the pioneer of modern Georgian cuisine. In fact, she took a whole week (!) out of her busy schedule to show me her favorite places in Kakheti during a road trip together, and to introduce me to the producers, winemakers and restaurateurs who are shaping the culinary identity of the region: from Odlisi, one of Georgia’s few artisan cheesemakers to Nekresi Estate, one of the few wineries that also produces pét-nat, to Doli Restaurant with a focus on modern Kakhetian cuisine.

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Here’s also a reel I shared that shows some summery impressions of our road trip through Kakheti: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_YErVit58p/?hl=de

Gallery:

See below for a curated collection of photos.

More images available here: https://adobe.ly/4fHlrQQ