Karalashvili Wine Cellar: A Taste of Georgian Heritage
Experience centuries of Georgian winemaking tradition at Karalashvili Wine Cellar, where history and passion blend in every exquisite glass.
Karalashvili Wine Cellar is more than just a place to taste wine; it's a journey through Georgian history and culture. Located in Old Tbilisi, at 19 Vertskhli Street, this cellar has been a family legacy since 1396. For over 600 years and seven generations, the Karalashvili family has been crafting wines in traditional qvevri, large earthenware vessels buried beneath the earth. This method, recognized by UNESCO, gives the wines a distinctive depth and complexity. King George VII recognized the Karalashvili family's contribution to viticulture in the 14th century, granting them noble status. Today, Lasha Karalashvili, the seventh-generation winemaker, continues the family's legacy, crafting limited-quantity wines available at the historic cellar. Visitors can explore white, amber, and red qvevri wines, each carrying the soul of Georgian wine. The knowledgeable staff guides guests through tastings, sharing stories behind each bottle and the winemaking process. The cellar also hosts events and wine-pairing dinners, offering a comprehensive experience for wine enthusiasts. Visiting Karalashvili Wine Cellar provides an intimate atmosphere to unwind, socialize, and appreciate Georgia's winemaking heritage. It's a chance to taste history and tradition in every glass, discovering why Georgia is considered the cradle of wine.
Local tips
- Visit in the evening for a more intimate and cozy atmosphere to fully savor the wine tasting experience.
- Enhance your tasting by trying local cheese pairings that complement the unique flavors of Georgian wines.
- Ask the staff for personalized recommendations to discover hidden gem wines based on your taste preferences.
A brief summary to Karalashvili wine cellar
- silver 19, 19 Vertskhli St, Tbilisi, Old Tbilisi, 0105, GE
- +995555995522
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-11 pm
- Saturday 11 am-11 pm
- Sunday 11 am-11 pm
Getting There
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Walking
Karalashvili Wine Cellar is located in Old Tbilisi, easily accessible on foot from many central landmarks. From Freedom Square, walk south on Kote Afkhazi Street, then turn right onto Ivane Machabeli Street. Continue onto Vertskhli Street; the cellar will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. Note that the area has cobblestone streets and some inclines.
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Public Transport
The nearest metro station to Karalashvili Wine Cellar is Liberty Square. From there, you can take bus routes 301, 311, or 350 to Baratashvili Street, which is a 5-minute walk to the cellar. A single metro or bus fare costs 1 GEL. You can purchase a MetroMoney card for 2 GEL to pay for your rides.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Tbilisi and are a convenient way to reach Karalashvili Wine Cellar. A short taxi ride from Freedom Square to the cellar typically costs between 3-5 GEL, depending on traffic and the time of day. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Yandex Taxi are also popular and offer fixed fares.
