Racha-Lechkhumi Wine Festival
A regional wine fair for the producers of Khvanchkara, Usakhelouri and Tvishi in the mountains of western Georgia.
AmbrolauriPhoto: Deu from ka.wiki, Public domainRacha and Lechkhumi are small wine areas with big names. Khvanchkara, the naturally semi-sweet red made from Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes, comes from the hills around Ambrolauri, and Tvishi and the rare Usakhelouri come from Lechkhumi. A regional festival brings dozens of wineries to one square: the first edition was held in Ambrolauri, a later one in Tsageri.
Harvest in Racha comes later than in Kakheti, often in October, so a visit in early autumn sees both the festival season and the grapes still on the vine.
- Check the National Wine Agency and Ambrolauri municipality for the year's date.
- Ambrolauri is about 2 hours from Kutaisi via the Nakerala Pass.
Where to see it
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
Tours around Racha-Lechkhumi Wine Festival
More in September and after
An old harvest and church festival at Alaverdi Cathedral, with liturgy, songs and wine in the Alazani Valley.
Varies: recent editions have been held either in late April or on the first weekend of September; check each yearBatumoba (Batumi City Day)Batumi's city festival, with concerts, fairs and fireworks in the old town and on Europe Square.
Season: from early or mid-September into October; start announced each year by the authorities and wineriesRtveli: Grape Harvest in KakhetiHarvest season in Georgia's main wine region: picking, pressing, qvevri filling and long supras in the vineyards.