Numisi Cellar Museum: A Journey Through Georgian Winemaking History

Nestled in the village of Velistsikhe, in the heart of Kakheti, Georgia's premier wine region, the Numisi Cellar Museum is a unique cultural destination. Established in 2010, this private historical museum is located in a wine cellar dating back to the 16th century. Built with white river stones and bricks, the cellar showcases the classical architecture of the region. Inside, visitors can explore a vast collection of over 5,000 artifacts related to winemaking and Georgian culture. The museum boasts a centuries-old limestone wine press (Satsnakheli) and 33 qvevri, traditional clay vessels buried underground for wine fermentation. The Kakhetian method of winemaking in qvevri jars was acknowledged and entered into UNESCO's list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. The exhibits include clay, glass, copper, and wooden vessels, as well as women's jewelry, 18th-century brass wine vessels, old carpets, and traditional furnishings. Rare artifacts, such as an old French grape press and vintage German wine allocator pumps, add to the museum's allure. The Numisi Cellar Museum offers more than just a historical perspective. Visitors can savor naturally aged wine straight from the qvevri, enjoy a traditional Kakhetian lunch, bake Shoti bread, and listen to live Georgian folk music. The museum provides an immersive experience into Georgia's winemaking traditions and cultural heritage. Velistsikhe itself is an ancient village, dating back to the 5th or 6th century, adding to the historical significance of the location.