Telavi

თელავი

The historic capital of Kakheti, home to the imposing Batonis Tsikhe royal fortress and a giant 900-year-old plane tree. It serves as the region's main hub and gateway for exploring the surrounding wine country.

Things to do

• Batonis Tsikhe Fortress — Explore the 17th-century royal residence of Kakhetian kings, including the palace, museum, and Erekle II's throne room.
• 900-Year-Old Plane Tree — Marvel at the giant sycamore tree near the fortress, with a trunk so wide it takes several people to encircle it.
• Statue of King Erekle II — Photograph the equestrian monument to Kakheti's beloved 18th-century king overlooking the Alazani Valley.
• Alaverdi Cathedral — Visit the towering 11th-century monastery a short drive north, one of Georgia's tallest medieval churches surrounded by vineyards.
• Ikalto Monastery — Wander the ruins of a medieval academy where the poet Shota Rustaveli is said to have studied, with ancient qvevri wine vessels on site.
• Tsinandali Estate — Tour Prince Chavchavadze's 19th-century manor, English-style gardens, and historic winery a few kilometers from town.
• Wine Tasting Tour — Sample Kakhetian Saperavi and Rkatsiteli at family cellars around Telavi, learning about the traditional qvevri fermentation method.
• Nadikvari Park Viewpoint — Stroll the terraced park for sweeping panoramas of the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus mountains beyond.

Food to try

• Khinkali — Juicy Georgian dumplings filled with spiced meat, eaten by hand and best paired with local wine.
• Mtsvadi — Kakhetian barbecue of pork or veal skewered and grilled over grapevine cuttings for a smoky flavor.
• Churchkhela — A candle-shaped sweet of walnuts strung and dipped repeatedly in thickened grape juice, sold at markets throughout Telavi.
• Qvevri wine — Amber and red wines fermented underground in clay vessels, the ancient Kakhetian method recognized by UNESCO.
• Khachapuri — Cheese-filled bread; try the Imeruli round style or a hearty version alongside your supra feast.
• Chakapuli — A spring stew of lamb or veal simmered with tarragon, green plums, and white wine.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the supra tradition — At a Georgian feast a tamada (toastmaster) leads elaborate toasts, and you drink only after the toast is made.
• Cover up at churches — Women should bring a headscarf and skirt wrap for monasteries like Alaverdi, where dress codes are enforced.
• Buy wine directly from families — Small household cellars around Telavi sell homemade wine and chacha, often inviting you to taste before purchasing.
• September is harvest season — Visit during rtveli, the grape harvest, to join in picking and stomping and experience the region at its liveliest.

Nearby

• Tsinandali Estate — 8 km
• Gremi — 13 km
• Nekresi Monastery — 27 km
• Kvareli — 28 km