Kindzmarauli semi-sweet red wine: Georgia's famous PDO

Kindzmarauli is a naturally semi-sweet red wine produced in the Kvareli district of eastern Georgia. Made entirely from the native Saperavi grape, it relies on strict temperature control rather than added sugar to achieve its characteristic sweetness. Tasting it directly at the source clarifies why this appellation holds Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

The Saperavi grape

By law, Kindzmarauli is made exclusively from Saperavi grapes. Saperavi is a teinturier grape, meaning it has both red flesh and red skin. This gives the wine a deep ruby to garnet colour. The wine features aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum.

Natural sweetness and PDO standards

Kindzmarauli’s sweetness is natural, achieved by halting fermentation before all the grape sugars convert to alcohol. Fermentation is stopped by cooling the wine to around 2°C. Standardised production using this technology began in 1942.

To qualify for its PDO status, registered on 30 March 2006, the wine must meet specific parameters:

• Alcohol content: 10.5–12% ABV.
• Titratable acidity: 5.0–7.0 g/L.

The Kindzmarauli micro-zone

The Kindzmarauli micro-zone is located in the Kvareli district of the Kakheti region, in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. It lies within the Alazani Valley, which is approximately 110 kilometres long and 28–30 kilometres wide.

The micro-zone’s elevation is between 250 and 550 metres above sea level. The Duruji River forms an alluvial fan near Kvareli, measuring 10 by 6.5 kilometres.

The soils are alluvial, featuring gravel, limestone, and deluvial black shale. Dark stones delivered by the Duruji River absorb heat, making the soil 3–5°C warmer than surrounding areas.

Visiting the wineries

Kindzmarauli Corporation

Kindzmarauli Corporation is a major producer located in Kvareli. The corporation was privatised in 1993, and its grounds contain preserved buildings dating back to the 16th century. The cellar maintains a constant temperature of 14°C. The corporation produces approximately 1.5 million bottles annually and exports to 19 countries.

Facilities include a wine museum, tasting rooms, a shop, and a restaurant. The winery offers a tour of the grounds and a sit-down wine tasting for around 20 GEL per person.

Kindzmarauli Marani

Kindzmarauli Marani is another winery in Kvareli, open from 10:00 to 19:00. A bottle of Kindzmarauli purchased directly at the winery costs 12–18 GEL.

TEMI Community Winery

TEMI Community Winery is located in the Kindzmarauli micro-zone and produces organic qvevri wines. The winery supports around 70 people with different abilities and backgrounds.

Planning your Kakheti wine trip

Most wineries in the Kakheti region close between 17:00 and 18:00.

Travel times and tour prices

• Organised commercial wine tours: Typically cost $120–180 per person per day.
• Private day tours: A private 10-hour winery tour from Tbilisi to Kindzmarauli Marani costs from 225 GEL per person. Tours depart at 09:00 and return around 18:00.
• Self-drive itineraries: A self-drive wine tour in Kakheti for three days costs approximately $260–430 per person, including car, fuel, and meals.
• Long-distance transfers: A private transfer from Bakuriani to Kindzmarauli Marani takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. A private sedan (up to 3 seats) costs $117–183, while a minivan (up to 7 seats) costs $161–390.

Staying in Telavi

Our Old House is a four-room guest house in the centre of Telavi with free private parking on site.

Kindzmarauli wine price guide

Retail prices in Georgia

• Kiskisi Kindzmarauli: Around 14.99 GEL (discounted from 25.49 GEL).
• 8000 History Kindzmarauli: 20.49 GEL.
• Jobava Winery Kindzmarauli: 50.49 GEL.

International retail

The retail price of Teliani Valley Kindzmarauli 2024 in the US is $17.99 to $19.99.

Taking wine home on a flight

Most airlines allow up to 2 litres of alcohol (about 5 bottles) in checked luggage.