Rtveli in Imereti and Racha

Western Georgia picks later than Kakheti. Imereti's white grapes, Tsitska, Tsolikouri and Krakhuna, come in from late September, and winemakers here traditionally use less skin contact, so their amber wines are lighter. In Racha the Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes for Khvanchkara are often left until October to build sugar.

Harvest in the west is quieter and more personal than in Kakheti. A day with a family in an Imeretian village, or in the vineyards above Ambrolauri, is often the most memorable part of an autumn trip.