Wine Tunnel at Khareba Winery
K'akheti
The Wine Tunnel at Khareba Winery is an extraordinary underground complex located in the Kakheti region of Georgia, a renowned center for winemaking. This tunnel stretches over several kilometers and is carved into the rock, providing ideal natural conditions for aging wine. It serves both as a storage facility for thousands of bottles and as a tourist attraction showcasing traditional Georgian wine culture. Visitors can explore the vast corridors lined with wine barrels and bottles, learning about the ancient methods of wine production that date back thousands of years in Georgia. The winery itself is a modern facility that combines innovative techniques with traditional practices, emphasizing the rich heritage of Georgian viticulture. The tunnel's unique microclimate, with stable temperature and humidity, is perfect for maturing wines, enhancing their quality and flavor. This attraction offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and craftsmanship of Georgian wine, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and cultural tourists alike.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Wine Tunnel is during spring and autumn when the weather in Kakheti is mild and pleasant. It is recommended to book guided tours in advance through the official website or by phone to ensure availability. Visitors should consider taking part in wine tastings offered at the winery to fully experience the variety of Georgian wines. Discounts or special offers may be available for groups or during certain seasons. Comfortable footwear is advised due to the tunnel's length and underground setting.
Interesting facts
- •The Wine Tunnel stretches over 7 kilometers underground, making it one of the longest wine tunnels globally.
- •It maintains a constant temperature of around 12-14°C and humidity of 85-90%, ideal for wine maturation.
- •Khareba Winery is one of the largest wine producers in Georgia, exporting wines worldwide.
- •The tunnel was originally built during the Soviet era to improve wine storage capabilities.
- •Visitors can taste a wide variety of traditional Georgian wines, including those made from indigenous grape varieties.
History
The Wine Tunnel at Khareba Winery was constructed in the late 1960s as a state project to create optimal conditions for wine storage and aging in the Soviet era.
Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the largest underground wine cellars in the world.
The tunnel's development reflects Georgia's long-standing tradition of winemaking, which is one of the oldest in the world, dating back over 8,000 years.
Since its inception, Khareba Winery has integrated modern winemaking technologies while preserving traditional Georgian methods.
The tunnel has become both a functional storage site and a cultural landmark representing Georgian wine heritage.
Place Guide
Main Wine Tunnel Corridor1960s
The central corridor of the tunnel extends for several kilometers, lined with thousands of oak barrels and bottles of wine aging in ideal natural conditions. Visitors can walk through this corridor to see the scale of production and storage.
Wine Tasting Area
A dedicated area within the winery where visitors can sample a selection of Khareba's finest wines, including traditional Georgian varieties. This area offers expert guidance on the characteristics and history of each wine.
Contact
Phone: 591 91 89 41