Akhmeta in Full Splendor

Nestled at the meeting point of the Alazani, Ilto, and Orvili rivers, stands the proud little town of Akhmeta, immersed in grand history. It has long been a focal point, and the administrative center of a unique region, once known as the foothills. Today this area represents the Akhmeta Municipality and is stretched across the eastern reaches of Georgia in the Kakheti region… read more

Biodiversity

The unique nature of Akhmeta Municipality, stretching from the Alazani lowlands to the frozen peaks of the Caucasus, resembles a multi-layered library. Its plains, ravines, valleys, ridges, and glaciers carefully preserve a vast repository of the world’s biological diversity, a unique catalog of endemic species, and millennia of accumulated natural wisdom… read more

History Etched in Stone

Beyond written history, another undeniable chronicler of Akhmeta’s past is its history carved in stone. Across every inch of its land, from expansive plains to remote mountain peaks, lie stone imprints—unique monuments of cultural heritage, ancient settlements, temples, fortresses, and dwellings that echo the creative and historical essence of different epochs… read more

The United Kingdom of Colors: Ethnographic Treasures

Since time immemorial, on the lands of Akhmeta, the Nature and the Human have lived in perfect harmony, seamlessly blending the lifestyles of the highlands and the lowlands. Alongside the indigenous Kakhetian population, various ethnic groups that settled in the region coexisted in balance, bringing with them their unique customs and cultures. This dynamic grew particularly strong in the 19th century, during the widespread and spontaneous migrations of peoples across the Caucasus. Many ethnic groups, seeking refuge from the harsh mountain terrain, found a home in Akhmeta, enriching this corner of Kakheti with a vibrant new ethnic tapestry… read more

The Mystery of Solitude – The Transhumance

In the depths of centuries, within the high mountains of Tusheti, the unique tradition of herding sheep has been molded, defining the extraordinary lifestyle of the Tush people and intertwining three regions: Tusheti, Alvani, and the Shiraki-Samukhi Plain… read more

Discourse of Flavours

Nothing breathes life into a tapestry-draped Akhmetian hearth like the sight of a host offering dishes prepared with care and tradition. In multicultural Akhmeta, the hosts come from a rich mosaic of origins: Georgians, Ossetians, Kists, Chechens, and relocated Pshavs and Khevsurians, not to mention the Tush people. Through harmonious coexistence and the exchange of traditions, these communities have, over centuries, crafted a truly unique culinary culture… read more

The Secret Captured in Amber – Akhmeta’s Wine  

An unbroken 8,000-year harvest marks the genesis of wine on Georgian soil. The course of history shifted when archaeologists uncovered grape seeds from the 6th millennium BCE at Dangreuli Gora in Kvemo Kartli and identified traces of wine residue on clay vessels found at Gadachrili Gora. These artifacts established Georgia, a small country in the Caucasus, as the birthplace of wine, securing its place on the global map. Over centuries, Georgia’s fertile lands nurtured more than 525 indigenous grape varieties… read more

Strength is in Unity: The Tradition of Feast

Oral tradition has always relied on a skilled storyteller and a receptive listener; without sharing, it could neither endure the centuries nor thrive with diversity. The culture of Akhmeta has always been extroverted, rooted in the ideas of collective creation and shared experience. This essence finds its purest expression in public celebrations of the region. Traditions of abundant festivals, holidays, and sacred feasts through centuries have formed an unbroken chain that continues to this day… read more

The Guild of Weavers

In the mountains, everything is interlinked, much like the intricate threads of an old Georgian tale. One of the finest examples of nature-man collaboration is the unique textile tradition that emerged from sheep breeding and herding practice. Tushetian sheep, grazing on rich, herb-laden pastures, produce an exceptional wool, renowned as the finest in the Caucasus. It is soft, delicate, and lustrous. Legend has it that Tushetian wool absorbs dyes beautifully, retaining its rich colours without fading over time. Thanks to shepherds, this premium wool reaches local artisans and workshops. Currently, several craft studios are scattered across the region, including “The Shepherd’s House,”“Tushetian Rug,”and “Aisi”. Despite these organized workshops, most master weavers, as in ancient times, continue to work from their homes… read more