Kakheti is one of the magnificent regions of Georgia. It is located in the east part of the country and occupies the biggest territory among the other regions of Georgia with approximately 11 342 square km. The number of population exceeds some 400 000. It is divided in two by the Civ-Gombori Mountains shaping Iori Valley on the west and the Alazani Valley on the east. Snowy Mountains, beautiful plains and fields of corn and vineyards lay side by side and are organically integrated with the unique Georgian architectural monuments.
The Regional Center of Kakheti is Telavi, one of the most ancient cities of Georgia. The territory of modern Telavi was inhabited before Christ and the first records about the town are found with the Greek scholar Ptolemy (II century AD).
Kakheti has always been one of the important players within the whole history of Georgia. Kakheti is known as the cradle of Vine and Wine. The vineyards cover the best part of the territory of the region. The best-known wine appellations are found here: Tsinandali, Teliani, Napareuli, Vazisubani, Mukuzani, Akhasheni, Gurjaani, Kardenakhi, Tibaani, Kindzmarauli, Manavi, Eniseli, Gremi. The biggest wine companies, such as Badagoni, Telavi Wine Cellar, Teliani Valley, Corporation Kindzmarauli, GWS, Mildiani, Kindzmaraulis Marani, Shumi, Tsinandali Old Cellar and etc are also located in Kakheti.
The wines produced in these wineries are of worldwide recognition. Winemaking and Viticulture remains the most vital branches of Economics of the region. Home-made wine is available in every family in Kakheti. The guests are treated with pleasure with divine Georgian wine and the delicious Georgian cuisine.
Kakheti is the region of ancient culture. The Stone Age residences have been detected here. This region should have been heavily populated already by 6-5th millennium BC. Kakheti was on the cross of The Great Silk Road. There are thousands of historical and architectural monuments scattered on the territory of the region which used to serve different purposes in the old times.
Kakheti is the home of some of the ancient and unique historical monuments: Nekresi Church Remnants (4th century AD), Davit Gareja Caved Monastery (6th century AD), The Old Shuamta Basilica (5-6th century AD), NinoTsminda Citadel (7th century AD), Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century AD), Bodbe Monastery (9-11th century AD), Gremi Archangel Monastery Complex (16th century AD), etc.
The climate is mild and the landscapes are very diverse and controversial in Kakheti: one is constantly impressed with the luxurious beauty of Alazani Valley, with the views of Civ-Gombori and Caucasus Mountains, with Davit Gareja Desert, with the Mountainous Tusheti, with the uniqueness of Vakhlovani and Lagodekhi national Parks as well as the inactive volcano Akhtala in the very heart of the region