Odo's Winery: A Taste of Tradition in Martvili

Odo's Winery, or ოდოს მეღვინეობა, is more than just a winery; it's a family home steeped in history and tradition. Located in the Martvili region of Georgia, the winery is housed in a traditional wooden Megrelian house, known as an 'Oda,' characterized by its pillars and shady veranda. The estate dates back to 1933, when it was founded by Parten Gagua and Olgha Gegia. After a period of decline, the winery was revived in 2016 by their great-grandson, Zaza Gagua, and his wife Keto, who returned to the family estate to transform it into a thriving winery. Odo's Winery focuses on producing wines from rare Megrelian, Imeretian, Lechkhumian, and Rachian grape varieties. The vineyards are cultivated using ethical and organic agricultural principles, avoiding synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Keto Ninidze, Zaza's wife, is a journalist with experience in organic winemaking, and she plays a pivotal role in the winery's operations. The winery also has a restaurant that works to reintroduce forgotten Megrelian dishes, emphasizing seasonal cuisine, sustainably grown fresh ingredients, and authentic regional tastes. Visitors can take guided tours, participate in wine tastings, and even assist with grape picking during harvest season.