VELLINO Wine Cellar, Telavi Travel Guide

Perched in the picturesque village of Kakabeti within Georgia's renowned Kakheti wine region, VELLINO Wine Cellar embodies the timeless tradition of Georgian winemaking. Founded by passionate winemaker Beka Jimsheladze and his family, this organic winery crafts 12,000-15,000 bottles annually using natural fermentation in buried qvevri clay vessels, preserving ancient techniques that date back thousands of years. The estate's vineyards thrive in the mineral-rich soils and sunny climate of Kakheti, yielding varieties like Rkatsiteli for crisp whites and amber wines, Mtsvane, Saperavi for robust reds, and even Pet-Nat sparklers and smooth chacha spirits.

A visit to VELLINO offers a personal immersion into the winemaking process. Guests are often welcomed by Beka himself, who shares insights into both traditional qvevri methods and innovative organic practices. Tours wind through the cool, underground cellars—both the historic originals and newer expansions—revealing rows of qvevri filled with fermenting wines. Vineyard walks showcase the estate's lush rows under Kakheti's dramatic Caucasus foothills, where the air carries hints of ripening grapes and earth. Tastings feature flights of estate wines, from golden amber qvevris to deep Saperavi, accompanied by local cheeses, homemade sweets, and hearty Georgian dishes like khachapuri or churchkhela.

What sets VELLINO apart is its genuine, family-oriented atmosphere. Beka and his wife Mariam treat every visitor like kin, often lighting fires, playing music, or introducing their young son and friendly pup during tastings. The winery's commitment to organic production ensures low-intervention wines free of chemicals, appealing to purists seeking authentic flavors exported to countries like the USA, Japan, and across Europe. Special experiences can be arranged in candlelit cellars for couples or groups, blending sensory delights with stories of Georgian wine heritage.

Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, VELLINO welcomes drop-ins and bookings, with tastings typically costing around 25 GEL per person. Located at 39th St. N11 in Kakabeti, it's an ideal day trip from Tbilisi (about 1 hour by car), near Sagarejo. The rural setting offers tranquility, with stunning vineyard panoramas perfect for photos, though access requires a vehicle as public transport is limited. Pair your visit with nearby Kakheti attractions like Tsinandali or Sighnaghi for a full wine country adventure.

In a region boasting over 500 varieties and 8,000 years of winemaking history, VELLINO shines through its small-scale, heartfelt operation. It's not just a winery but a living testament to Georgia's UNESCO-recognized wine culture, where every glass tells a story of passion, soil, and sun. Whether you're a novice or connoisseur, the combination of world-class organic wines, bountiful hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes makes VELLINO an unmissable gem.