Kakheti, located in eastern Georgia, is the country’s most important wine region, responsible for around 80% of the national grape harvest and representing the very heart of Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking heritage. One of the oldest inhabited areas in the Caucasus, it has been a center of viticulture since as early as 6000 BC, as archaeological evidence shows. Throughout history—under Persian, Ottoman, and later Soviet influence—Kakheti maintained and preserved its indigenous grape varieties, revitalizing them after Georgia’s independence in 1991. Today, the region blends ancient traditions with modern innovation, offering a rich cultural and sensory experience for wine lovers. Kakheti’s climate is highly diverse, ranging from mild subtropical areas to arid zones, resulting in multiple mesoclimates well-suited to a wide array of grape varieties. Most of the region experiences dry conditions with winter rainfall, while more humid areas, such as Shida Kakheti, require irrigation due to high evapotranspiration. A defining feature of Kakheti’s terroir is its distinctive cinnamonic soil—sandy, reddish-colored, calcareous clays rich in iron. These soils promote rapid decomposition of organic matter, encouraging vines to develop deep, complex root systems, which improve water retention and nutrient absorption. The result is wines with depth, structure, and a rustic, mineral character that is unmistakably Kakhetian. The region’s vineyards are home to both Georgian and international grape varieties, creating a stylistic bridge between East and West. The bold, deeply colored Saperavi and the structured Cabernet Sauvignon dominate red wine production, while Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvani are the leading white varieties. A hallmark of Kakhetian winemaking is the traditional method of fermenting grapes in large clay vessels (qvevri) buried underground, often with extended skin contact and without filtration. This ancient approach, particularly for white grapes, produces the region’s famous amber (orange) wines, which combine the texture and tannins of red wines with the freshness and aromatics of whites. Kakheti is more than a wine-producing area—it is a cultural landmark that embodies Georgia’s deep-rooted connection to the vine. From small family-owned cellars preserving age-old methods to larger modern wineries experimenting with new styles, the region offers a wealth of experiences along the Kakheti Wine Route, which weaves through its sub-regions and microzones. For visitors, Kakheti is not only a journey through exceptional terroir and diverse wine styles but also a direct link to the living history of the world’s oldest winemaking tradition.