Here is the itinerary of our trip to Georgia (organized by Jim Krigbaum - www.2020dc.com/wine.html). It was kindly put together by Clark Smith (Appellation America) and now I'm adding some pictures to it. More detailed stories about the visits will be posted in the next few days.
Saturday
Met by J Levan Davitashvili
Dinner with group at the Mirzaani Brewery
We enjoyed a nice bottle of the Tavkveri Rosé (and a couple of other bottles)
Sunday
Drove to Kakheti region (2 hrs) - Some traditional (and delicious) sweets "churchkhela" that are sold on the road
Visit to Twins Winery in the Kakheti region
Lunch at Twins Winery with Qvevri Symposium group
Visit 16th Century Gremi citadel and church
Formal International Wine Tasting of qvevri wines at the Khareba Winery
Feast lead by toastmaster John Wurdeman (Pheasant’s Tears - www.pheasantstears.com)
Live traditional music and dancing
Monday
Tour of Iqalto Monastery of 6th Century, Iqalto Wine Academy from 11th Century
Wine Cellar http://marani.co in Telavi - Owner Zurab Ramazashvili
We spent the afternoon tasting Marani wines. A very productive (and pleasant) afternoon...
Diane Letulle (and her beautiful smile) among the vines
Visit Kakhuri Winery http://www.kakhuri.com - Winery tour and tasting, meeting
Rebecca Murphy (and some other flowers)
We were served a Traditional Georgian Supra hosted by Zura Goletiani of Kakhuri Winery (left)
On the center, the "chef". On the right his son and assistant (does anyone can tell me their names?)
Tuesday
Visit Alaverdi Monastery and 11th Century wine cellar
Qvevri wine tasting at Alaverdi Monastery
Tasting of qvevri wines at Alaverdi Monastery
Visit to Mildiani Family Winery in Tsinandali. They were busy receiving grapes!
Tour and wine tasting at Mildiani Family Winery.
Walk through Signagi town with John Wundeman (Pheasant’s Tears). Clark Smith is taking notes...
Visit Pheasant’s Tears http://www.pheasantstears.com
Tasting of qvevri wines and traditional Georgian supra at Pheasant’s Tears. Joel Butler MW adds more charm to the picture.
Wednesday
Tasting with David Maisuradze, consulting winemaker for Wine Man and Maisuradze Winery
Lisa Granik MW checking some grapes
Visit Schuchmann Wines Georgia/Vino Terra http://www.schuchmann‐wines.com
Winery tour with winemaker Giorgi Dakishvili (“Gogi")
Wine tasting and TGF (Traditional Georgian Feast). Peter Koff MW enjoys a nice glass of the Schuchmann sparkling wine with an hibiscus flower in it.
Thursday
Drive to Tbilisi
Visit National Museum of Georgia and special exhibition of wine related artifacts, meeting with Dr. Davit Lordkipanidze and scientists (wine historians and archeologists) of the museum
Visit Chateau Mukhrani winery http://www.mukhrani.com
Winery tour, wine tasting and meeting with company management: Jacques Fleury (picture), Director; Lado Uzunashvili, winemaker; Irakli Talakhadze, Commercial Director
Friday
Masters of Wine "Master Class" at the Tbilvino Winery in Tbilisi. Patrick Farrell MW leads the way.
Tour of Tbilvino Winery
Tasting with George Margvelashvili (President Tbilvino)
Visit to Bagrationi Sparkling wine producing company http://www.bagrationi.ge
Wine tasting with George Ramishvili, General Director and influential Georgian Wine Assn. Board Member and Hilarius Pütz, Chief Wine and Vineyard Specialist
TGS (traditional Georgian Supra) hosted by Bagrationi company
Saturday
(no pics - I was sick and spent the day at the hotel)
Visit Sarajishvili historical wine brandy producing company http://www.sarajishvili.ge, tour and tasting of cognacs Chief Technologist David Abzianidze
That's it for now...
Cheers,
LA
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One of the pillars of TheWineHub is Wine Tourism. Whether you are a wine maker, or a wine drinker, we all enjoy having discoveries...
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