VELLINO Wine Cellar Travel Guide

In the rolling hills of Kakabeti village, Kakheti region, VELLINO Wine Cellar embodies Georgia's ancient winemaking traditions blended with modern organic practices. Founded by passionate winemaker Beka Jimsheladze and his family, this boutique operation crafts 12,000-15,000 bottles annually using indigenous grapes like Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, and Mtsvane. The winery's qvevri method—fermenting in buried clay vessels—preserves natural flavors without additives, resulting in amber wines, crisp rosés, and robust reds celebrated worldwide.

Arrive to warm hospitality as Beka personally guides you through the old and new qvevri cellars, explaining traditional techniques alongside innovative touches. Stroll the lush vineyards, learn about the local terroir, and witness the family's commitment to organic farming. Tastings feature standout wines like the exceptional Saperavi that surprises even seasoned palates, effervescent pet-nat, and velvety chacha, often accompanied by homemade cheeses, breads, and sweets sourced locally.

What sets VELLINO apart is its home-like ambiance. Guests are treated like family, with fireside settings, live music, and candlelit cellars for special occasions. Traditional Georgian supras (feasts) elevate the experience, pairing wines with khinkali dumplings, churchkhela, and fresh produce. The young owners, their son, and even the family pup create memorable, relaxed encounters amid the peaceful countryside.

Located an hour east of Tbilisi in Sagarejo municipality, VELLINO fits perfectly into Kakheti wine tours. The area's microclimate nurtures hearty vines, and the winery's exports to Europe, USA, Japan, and beyond highlight its quality. Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, it's ideal for day trips, offering a genuine taste of Georgia's 8,000-year winemaking history.

VELLINO prioritizes low-impact viticulture, avoiding chemicals for pure expressions of terroir. Ongoing expansions, like the new cellar, signal ambitious growth while maintaining boutique charm. Visitors leave not just with bottles, but stories of passion, innovation, and the soul of Georgian wine.