In the land of eagles and steep cliffs. Behind the legendary Usakhelauri wine
About this experience
The excursion starts from the capital of ancient Colchis - Kutaisi, one of the oldest cities on the planet. You will listen to the legends of the mountaineers, feel the breath of the mountains, and of course, taste Usakhelauri - a rare and most expensive Georgian wine made from the eponymous grape variety that grows only in a couple of mountain villages in the Racha-Lechkhumi region. Throughout the journey, you will be accompanied by mesmerizing views of grandiose cliffs, steep mountain trails, and authentic villages with houses seemingly clinging to the rocks, where everything has remained the same as a hundred years ago.
What to expect
Rioni River and bathing in waterfalls
You will see the grand canyons of Rioni and its tributaries - this river was written about by many ancient authors, including Herodotus and Strabo, and according to legends, the Argonauts sailed up the river for the Golden Fleece. At one of the wonderful waterfalls, you will have time to swim and take vibrant photos. Along the way, we will stop near mountain springs and underground lakes to drink natural, beneficial, and clean water.
Authentic landscapes and the life of local residents: everything as it was a hundred years ago
You will come across abandoned cells of monks-hermits in the towering cliffs of the Racha Ridge and overlook the picturesque Lajanur Gorge. You will see the sown slopes of steep mountains where beans, potatoes, and tomatoes grow, and the land is plowed by ox-drawn plows. I will tell you about the ancient way of life of local peasants, their daily routines, entertainment, traditions, and peculiarities of their mentality. And if it doesn't rain, I will take you to an unnamed cave near the Khvamli mountains, where you can take a short walk and explore its ancient geological formations.
Usakhelauri tasting in its homeland
The extraordinarily picturesque and tranquil slopes of the Racha-Lechkhumi mountains, planted with valuable grape varieties such as Usakhelauri, Khvanchkara, Ojaleshi, and Tvishi. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to discover the taste and aroma of one of the rarest wines of the region - Usakhelauri. It used to be very popular among the nobility, the princes Dadiani and Kipiani, and still maintains its prestige. In a village or at an old winery, you will have a tasting of this reportedly healing wine awaited. You will learn about the nuances of its modern production and find out how in the old days grapes were pressed and what techniques were used during the aging process when there was no modern technology.
Organizational details
- Included in the price: transfer, snack on the way, water.
- Not included in the price: tasting (10-15 euros) and wine purchase.
- What to bring: headgear, sunglasses, swimming essentials.
Elena
July 23, 2024
I enjoyed the tour:) The route was very beautiful and we managed everything, although the ascent to the mountain required good physical fitness, as it was along a steep wooden staircase where some steps were missing. The views from the mountain were stunning, and the ancient monastery also impressed...
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Arailym
September 5, 2023
Hello everyone, on August 28 we had a great time with Sergo, he became our friend. An excellent guide and a great person, take tours with him, you will definitely not regret it👍👍👍
Irina
August 24, 2021
Sergei is a very pleasant and educated person. He has answers to all your questions. As for the excursion itself, it mainly focuses on natural objects: waterfalls and landscapes. For those interested in fish, you can visit a fish farm. We tried the wine - it was good, but very expensive 😜. At my re...
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