Vardzia Terraces
#First harvest after 400 years #Restored historical Meskhetian vine terraces #came back 24 unique meskhetian grape species #First terrace wines after 400 years
Meskheti, a historical region of winemaking..
Grape hunter and collector Giorgi Natenadze did the Rehabilitation of ancient Meskhetian terraces that were destroyed many times by the invasions and occupations of Ottomans.
In 2015, Natenadze started his unbelievable and super expansive project with his partners of rehabilitation and restoration of ancient vine terraces. Before the 16th century, it was known that there were more than 300 local Meskhetian grape species in the region.
When Natenadze uncovered more than 24 local grapes species, he decided to plant it on ancient historical terraces and he did it.
Once people said: “Giorgi it is crazy what you are doing, stop it, you could not do it” - but I did because I see now that I am really crazy after this.. ;)
On October 3, the winery Vardzia Terraces harvested restored historical varieties of rare grapes for the first time in 400 years. The event was held on the territory of the Khizabavra Meskhetian terraces, in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
“Our company started the rehabilitation of 30 hectares of land. The first 12 hectares have already been restored and 24 historical varieties of grape have been planted in this area. These unique vine species have not been produced for the last four centuries. Soon, we will have the first wines made from these ancient grape varieties.
I really put my full hidden energy and my heart into this project. This place is known for its harsh climatic conditions; winter is very cold here and the entire harvest can be spoiled in a day, so, having such sweet grapes here is the result of a lot of hard work. We are covering nearly 30 000 plants for winter time to keep vines alive.
Georgian scientist Levan Ujmajuridze and collector of Meskhetian grape varieties, Giorgi Natenadze made great contributions to the project, identifying more than 20 Meskhetian vines at the Saguramo Scientific Research Center. many unique species of the Meskhetian vine have been destroyed and lost.
In 2016, we started planting these ancient vine species on the Meskhetian terraces. At this stage, we have about 24 varieties of vine here. Today, we see the result of our hard work: the first grape harvest in such a short period of time. This event is important and a celebration worth having, not only for Meskheti but for the whole of Georgia as well.
Meskheti is one of the most ancient sites of viticulture in Georgia and some scientists believe that ancient Georgian varieties could have origins there.
Ancient Meskheti was formerly the home of stonewall terraces meant for vineyards and orchards. The area was famous for its unique grapes that made among the best wines in the country.
Centuries ago, viticulture was well-developed in Meskheti, evidenced by the centuries-old grape varieties and unique vine presses hollowed out of the rock, called ‘Satsnakheli.’
At the end of the 16th century, the last grape harvest was arranged on the Meskhetian terraces. Afterward, many ancient varieties of Meskhetian wine were destroyed due to historical events and known difficulties.
said Giorgi ...
#First harvest after 400 years #Restored historical Meskhetian vine terraces #came back 24 unique meskhetian grape species #First terrace wines after 400 years
Meskheti, a historical region of winemaking..
Grape hunter and collector Giorgi Natenadze did the Rehabilitation of ancient Meskhetian terraces that were destroyed many times by the invasions and occupations of Ottomans.
In 2015, Natenadze started his unbelievable and super expansive project with his partners of rehabilitation and restoration of ancient vine terraces. Before the 16th century, it was known that there were more than 300 local Meskhetian grape species in the region.
When Natenadze uncovered more than 24 local grapes species, he decided to plant it on ancient historical terraces and he did it.
Once people said: “Giorgi it is crazy what you are doing, stop it, you could not do it” - but I did because I see now that I am really crazy after this.. ;)
On October 3, the winery Vardzia Terraces harvested restored historical varieties of rare grapes for the first time in 400 years. The event was held on the territory of the Khizabavra Meskhetian terraces, in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
“Our company started the rehabilitation of 30 hectares of land. The first 12 hectares have already been restored and 24 historical varieties of grape have been planted in this area. These unique vine species have not been produced for the last four centuries. Soon, we will have the first wines made from these ancient grape varieties.
I really put my full hidden energy and my heart into this project. This place is known for its harsh climatic conditions; winter is very cold here and the entire harvest can be spoiled in a day, so, having such sweet grapes here is the result of a lot of hard work. We are covering nearly 30 000 plants for winter time to keep vines alive.
Georgian scientist Levan Ujmajuridze and collector of Meskhetian grape varieties, Giorgi Natenadze made great contributions to the project, identifying more than 20 Meskhetian vines at the Saguramo Scientific Research Center. many unique species of the Meskhetian vine have been destroyed and lost.
In 2016, we started planting these ancient vine species on the Meskhetian terraces. At this stage, we have about 24 varieties of vine here. Today, we see the result of our hard work: the first grape harvest in such a short period of time. This event is important and a celebration worth having, not only for Meskheti but for the whole of Georgia as well.
Meskheti is one of the most ancient sites of viticulture in Georgia and some scientists believe that ancient Georgian varieties could have origins there.
Ancient Meskheti was formerly the home of stonewall terraces meant for vineyards and orchards. The area was famous for its unique grapes that made among the best wines in the country.
Centuries ago, viticulture was well-developed in Meskheti, evidenced by the centuries-old grape varieties and unique vine presses hollowed out of the rock, called ‘Satsnakheli.’
At the end of the 16th century, the last grape harvest was arranged on the Meskhetian terraces. Afterward, many ancient varieties of Meskhetian wine were destroyed due to historical events and known difficulties.
said Giorgi ...
Chachkari Village
Giorgi Natenadze
President of Chachkari Development Fund
"Chachkari is my native village. Even though I do not currently live there, my roots go back to Chachkari. This is a unique place on Earth, which reveals our ancestors’ legacy, lifestyle, and love of wine and traditions in a beautiful, mysterious way. Chachkari is where wine was made for King Tamar in the chiseled wine presses. Thus, its name is fitting – Chachkari i.e. Chacha’s Gate. Today we are all obliged to take part in the restoration of this beautiful and historic village. I have begun to revive the initiative that was first thought up by my ancestors and then passed down from generation to generation. This is how legends are brought back to life. I take pride in my Chachkari roots and is heading this project. I am proud that so many people have backed this project and that we are all in this together. We are all making history come alive. Everyone who is contributing to this project should remember that their name will go down in the history of this village and Georgia.”
Terraced Vineyards
Vineyards in Chachkari, pursuant to the geographic characteristics of the region, were arranged on terraces surrounding the village. This allowed for efficient use of the rugged land and helped to effectively harness the sun’s energy for agriculture.
Located just outside of the built, central part of the village, there is a unique still living grapevine, which is estimated to be four centuries old.
Rock-Hewn Wine Presses
Wine presses carved from the rock cliffs are some of the most prominent objects of cultural heritage on the site. There are over 50 such wine presses located throughout and even above the village. The abundance of presses once again attests to the long-standing tradition of wine-making in the region. One of the fascinating artifacts is a wine press with the capacity to process up to four tons of wine at a time.
The Village Revitalization Project seeks to transform Chackari village into an open-air, living history museum. There are many such successful museums of this kind in the modern world and they enjoy significant popularity amongst tourists, both domestic and international. Contemporary trends in tourism have long transcended the usual tourist routes. This museum-come-to-life concept responds to one of the biggest current trends in global tourism, wherein tourists seek out unique, rare experiences in lieu of, or in addition to, the traditional sightseeing locations.
Imagine a traditional donkey cart, or Uremi, transporting you, not only physically but also temporally, from Vardzia to Chachkari, where you will experience the 12th century come alive before your eyes. Imagine a traditional Meskhetian village nestled on the ancient architectural and cultural landscape, the villagers welcoming you in traditional, King-Tamar era attire, the hosts offering you Meskhetian food, spending the night in the flat-roofed houses, participating in traditional games, making and tasting wine with local villagers, trying on traditional clothes and experiencing traditional customs. You will also be able to visit museums, buy souvenirs, and learn about the unique history and culture of old Meskheti through the eyes of Chachkari residents and the architecture of Chachkari village.
The Revitalization Project involves:
Rehabilitating and preserving the built heritage of Chachkari so that the existing unique historic buildings can support touristic objectives. For example, it is possible to transform the cave houses into unique accommodation experiences. Different museums, eateries, and other amenities can furthermore fill Meskhetian Darbazis houses; Catering with Meskhetian food and wine. This presents a unique experience for both domestic and international tourists; Organizing festivals and other events. This will generate an additional source of tourism inflow and income for local residents. Meskhetian wine, Meskhetian cuisine, folk crafts, festivals and events; Creating tourist attractions (funfair rides and games) pursuant to the village landscape, e.g. Rock climbing paths that are popular among adventure seekers.
Chachkari will be the first and the only open-air living history museum in Georgia and it will, without a doubt, attract massive tourist interest.
Chachkari Today
Today Chachkari is an abandoned village. The population left it decades ago and relocated to the nearby village of Gogasheni in pursuit of better living conditions. The locals are primarily involved in livestock rearing. There is only one animal farm in Chachkari now. Sadly, the local population uses the village and its surroundings as pastures, eroding historical and cultural monuments and protected territories in the process. Considering this, the rehabilitation of the village is an urgent matter to ensure that the village can be well preserved for future generations and to ensure its rightful place in the patrimony of Georgia.
Restoring the village was first proposed by a local man whose family hails from Chachkari, Mr. Giorgi Natenadze. Today he is one of the founders and initiators of the Chachkari project. Giorgi was instrumental in putting forward the issue of assigning the status of national cultural heritage to the site. He managed to motivate and involve various stakeholders in the process, which has helped the project to be structured, grounded in reality, and feasible to implement. Giorgi Natenadze is at the forefront of the Chachkari Development Fund, which unites the villagers under one goal and will act as one of the organizers of the project in the future.
Location
The village of Chachkari is located in Akhalkhalaki Municipality, 30 kilometers south of Aspindza, in a valley to the immediate north-east of the Vardzia Cave Monastery. It is this location that makes Chachkari such a unique tourism destination. What gives Chachkari a competitive edge is the site’s proximity to one of the most prominent historic monuments in Georgia – Vardzia, a mere 10 minutes away from Chachkari.
Chachkari, as a historic and cultural monument, is part of the region’s main tourism destination chain within the Khertvisi-Vardzia Cultural Landscape, which includes: Khertvisi Fortress, Vanis Kvabebi (Vani’s Caves), Tmogvi Fortress, Vardzia Cave Monastery, and others smaller, yet significant sites. The Khertvisi-Vardzia Cultural Landscape is on Georgia’s tentative list for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Cultural Heritage
Since 2016, the Village of Chachkari has been considered an Immovable Cultural Monument of National Significance in Georgia.
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Giorgi Natenadze
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