Meskheti

If Racha–Lechkhumi is precision, Meskheti is memory. Located in southern Georgia, along the upper valleys of the Mtkvari River and the historic region of Samtskhe–Javakheti, Meskheti represents one of the oldest — and longest forgotten — wine cultures in the country. Unlike Kakheti or even Imereti, this is not a region of continuous tradition. It is a place where viticulture disappeared for centuries, and has only recently begun to return.

This is not revival in the conventional sense.
It is reconstruction.

Historical sources describe Meskheti as an important wine-producing area, with a distinctive system of terraced vineyards carved into steep hillsides. These stone terraces, many of which still survive today, are among the most striking viticultural landscapes in Georgia. They speak of a time when wine was deeply embedded in the region’s agricultural and cultural life.

Then, it stopped. Historical cataclysms, wars, conflicts, and shifting agricultural priorities during the soviet times led to a near-total disappearance of viticulture. For generations, wine was no longer part of Meskheti’s identity. What we see today is something new — built on fragments of the past.

Meskheti is unlike any other wine region in Georgia.The climate is cooler and drier, with significant diurnal variation. Winters are cold, growing seasons are short, and ripening can be difficult. At the same time, high altitude and strong sunlight allow grapes to develop freshness, structure, and aromatic precision.

The identity of Meskheti lies in a group of almost forgotten indigenous varieties, many of which exist nowhere else in Georgia. Among them: Meskhuri Mtsvane, Shavi Aspindzura and Chitistvala. These grapes are not yet fully understood. Many are still being studied, replanted, and reinterpreted. Yields are low, and consistency varies, but what they offer is something rare — a direct link to a lost viticultural past.

Vasiubani Estate – Chitistvala (from Samtskhe-Javakheti teraces)
A rare and finely detailed expression of southern Georgia. The nose opens with green apple, quince, and subtle citrus peel, followed by wild herbs and a light floral lift. On the palate, the wine is structured and precise, with vibrant acidity and a distinct mineral backbone shaped by the terraced landscape. There is a quiet tension throughout — nothing excessive, everything in balance. The finish is long, clean, and slightly saline, leaving a lasting impression of clarity and restraint. Score: 8.8/10

Natenadze Wine Cellar — Meskhuri Mtsvane
A defining expression of the region. Green apple, citrus peel, and wild herbs lead into a firm, mineral structure. The acidity is pronounced but integrated, giving the wine a long, focused finish. It feels architectural — built more on line than on volume. Score: 8.7/10

Beyond this, wine production in Meskheti remains largely experimental and small-scale. Many vineyards are still being restored, and numerous local grape varieties are only now returning to cultivation.

Explore the Region