Adjara

Adjara occupies the southwestern corner of Georgia, sharing borders with Guria to the north, Turkey to the south, Samtskhe-Javakheti to the east, and the Black Sea to the west. The region spans multiple municipalities, including Kobuleti, Khelvachauri, Keda, Khulo, and Shuakhevi. Vineyards are planted in the mountain foothills and river valleys of the Chorokhi and Acharistskhali rivers, at elevations ranging from sea level to 500 meters. The surrounding mountains reach beyond 3,000 meters, creating a dramatic topographic backdrop that shapes local mesoclimates.

• Southwestern Georgia between the Black Sea and the Lesser Caucasus Mountains
• Key municipalities include Kobuleti, Keda, Khulo, and Shuakhevi
• Vineyards follow river valleys of the Chorokhi and Acharistskhali rivers
• Elevations range from sea level to 500 meters for vineyards; mountains exceed 3,000 meters

Adjara holds the distinction of being one of the wettest parts of the Caucasus. The climate is humid subtropical, with mild winters, warm and humid summers, and a long growing season. Coastal areas receive approximately 2,200 mm of rainfall per year, while west-facing slopes can accumulate up to 4,500 mm annually. This exceptional rainfall presents significant viticultural challenges, including susceptibility to powdery mildew and gray mold. Soils are primarily clay-based and alluvial, with high fertility and good mineral content. Calcium-rich soils are also present throughout the region.

• Humid subtropical climate; one of the wettest parts of the Caucasus
• Coastal areas receive 2,200 mm annually; west-facing slopes up to 4,500 mm
• Soils are clay-based, alluvial, and calcium-rich with high fertility
• High humidity drives risk of powdery mildew and gray mold in vineyards

Adjara's vinous identity rests on two key indigenous varieties. Tsolikouri produces light-bodied, fresh, and aromatic white wines that emphasize immediacy over structure. Chkhaveri yields delicate pink and rosé wines with red berry aromatics and a refined, fragrant character. Both varieties reflect a regional priority for freshness and aroma rather than aging potential. Beyond these two flagbearers, the region contains a remarkable collection of rare indigenous varieties, including Satsuri, Skhalturi, Batomura, Brola, Burdzghala, Khopaturi, Klarjuli, Mekrenchkhi, Kviristava, Shvashura, and Jineshi. Restoration of these historical varieties is a central goal of Adjara's current wine revival.

• Tsolikouri: light-bodied, fresh, aromatic white wines
• Chkhaveri: delicate rosé with red berry notes and floral aromatics
• More than 50 native and introduced varieties documented in the region
• Wine style emphasizes freshness and aroma over structure and aging potential

Adjara is home to two distinctive vine-training systems well-suited to its humid, mountainous terrain. The Maglari and Olikhnari methods, in which vines are trained to grow up living trees, remain common in mountain areas. These systems lift the canopy to improve airflow and reduce disease pressure, a practical adaptation to the region's relentless rainfall. Late harvests are characteristic: the season often extends from November through January, reflecting both the long growing season and the challenges posed by humid conditions. Winemaking employs both traditional Georgian qvevri fermentation and modern techniques.

• Maglari and Olikhnari methods train vines up trees in mountain areas
• Harvest can extend from November to January due to high rainfall
• Both traditional qvevri and modern winemaking techniques are in use
• Keda Municipality is the historical heartland of Adjaran viticulture

Georgia's 8,000-year winemaking tradition, recognized by UNESCO, is deeply embedded in Adjara's cultural heritage. The region's ancient history includes its role within the Colchis and Iberia Kingdoms, Greek colonization in the 5th century BC, Roman rule from the 2nd century BC, and the Lazica Kingdom from the 1st through 8th centuries AD. Viticulture suffered significantly during the Soviet period, when many vineyards were destroyed. Further damage came from powdery mildew and gray mold outbreaks. In recent years, producers and researchers have begun an active restoration of historical grape varieties and vineyard sites, positioning Adjara as one of Georgia's most compelling revival stories.

• Ancient viticulture traditions dating back 8,000 years; UNESCO-recognized living culture
• Historical ties to Colchis, Iberia Kingdoms, Greek colonists, Roman rule, and the Lazica Kingdom
• Soviet era destroyed many vineyards; powdery mildew and gray mold caused additional losses
• Active modern revival focused on restoring indigenous varieties and expanding production