Numisi Cellar Museum, Telavi Travel Guide

Nestled in the picturesque village of Velistsikhe, in the heart of Kakheti, the Numisi Cellar Museum is a captivating destination for those seeking to explore Georgia's deep-rooted winemaking traditions. Established in 2010 as a private historical museum, Numisi welcomes visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the legacy of Georgian winemaking, with origins dating back to the 16th century.The museum is housed within a meticulously restored 16th-century family wine cellar (marani), constructed from white river stones and bricks, showcasing the classical architecture of the region. The cellar features arched wine storage, a centuries-old limestone wine press (Satsnakheli), and 33 qvevri (traditional clay wine pitchers) buried underground for wine fermentation. Spanning 250 square meters, the museum houses over 5,000 artifacts, including clay, glass, copper, and wooden vessels, offering insights into Georgia's winemaking history. The collection also includes women's jewelry, 18th-century brass wine vessels, old carpets, and traditional furnishings. Rare artifacts include a French grape press and vintage German wine allocator pumps.Visitors can explore the ethnographic exhibition, savor naturally aged wine straight from the qvevri, and enjoy a traditional Kakhetian lunch. The museum provides opportunities to witness the winemaking process, from grape harvesting to fermentation, and sample local wines paired with Georgian cuisine. The surrounding vineyards and mountains add to the experience. The museum is open daily (except Monday) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.