Ateni Wine Region

Ateni is Kartli’s single PDO, and is Georgia’s only appellation dedicated to sparkling wine. Located about 10 km south of the town of Gori, in the hilly east-facing tertiary foothills of the Trialeti Ridge, our vineyards lie between 620 to 750m. The region is made up of both flat plains by rivers and hilly areas in the foothills with a mixture of sand and white clay soil. Permitted grape varieties include Georgia's Chinuri and Goruli Mtsvane. Both the methode Champenoise and the charmat method are allowed to be used in the production of wine. The wines in this region are really tasty and they're different from the taste of wine from other regions.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Ateni Wine Region

Where is the Ateni Wine Region

Ateni is in the central part of the viticulture zone Inner Kartli, which is south of the Georgian city Gori on the right bank of the River Mtkvari.

History of Ateni Wine

The long-standing tradition of making sparkling wines laid the foundation for building a modern winery in the village of Ateni in the 1950s, producing 900 tons of wine per year. The work of the winery stopped at the beginning of the 1990s, due to the known circumstances. The crisis in the wine industry across the Grand Valley lasted for 10-15 years. This micro-zone is well known for the quality of its wines and is one of the best wine growing regions in Georgia. In the past decade, a new era for wine has been initiated in the micro-zone of Ateni.

Terrior of Ateni

CLIMATE - The micro-zone belongs to a moderately humid subtropical climate region, with a climate transferred from mild steppe to mild humid, characterizing with hot summers and cold winters. The average annual air temperature is ten degrees Celsius. The warmest month, August, is about 22°C and the coldest month, January is -1.5°C.

SOIL-Two types of soil exist; brown and alluvial. Related to this are deluvial and proluvial soils, which appear in small spots. Soil profiles vary in thickness from about 0.7-1.5 meters and the active humous layer varies from about 30-60 cm. Soil is typically heavy loam and clay, with a clay content of 40-70%. Clay concentration may be increased by the addition of sediment (particles smaller than 0.081 mm) because these soils belong to the sedge-silt group. They are slightly carbonated - 2-14%, with soil area reaction (pH) slightly or moderately alkaline, at 7-8.

Ateni Wine Characteristics 

"Atenuri” can be white and slightly sparkling wine. The color of this wine ranges from light straw to straw. Aroma and taste – harmonized, pleasant and cheerful, perfect, having aroma tones characterizing the location with meadow flowers aromas. Fruit tones are developed with ageing. The requirements for this wine are: Volumetric spirit content - no less than 11%; Concentration of finished extract mass - no less than 16 g/l; Sugar content - 4 g/l; Titrated, volatile acidity - no less than 5 g/l.

Food to pair with Ateni Wine

1.Ojakhuri

Ojakhuri is a Georgian dish consisting of roasted meat and potatoes. It's considered the national dish and each family has their own recipe, variations and seasonings.

The dish is usually garnished with slices of pickled vegetables and served with accompaniments such as tkemali or ajika sauces. The tenderness of the beef and the way it complements any Atenuri wine is very mouth-watering.

2. Pkhali

Pkhali is a traditional Georgian dish typically consisting of many different leaves such as spinach, beetroot, cabbage, or nettles. These are combined with vinegar to make a delicious dish. Pkhali is a traditional dish made with a unique vegetable mixture and shaped into balls that are traditionally garnished with pomegranate seeds. It typically accompanies soups or stews as an appetizer or a relish. Pkhali tastes amazing with Atenuri wine.

3. Chakhokhbili

Chakhokhbili is a traditional Georgian soup dish made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, vinegar and spices such as coriander, parsley and green peppers. The dish typically includes chicken pieces which are simmered until the meat becomes tender. The stew was thick and hot, served in a claypot with freshly chopped coriander. Served alongside rice or bread. It pairs nicely with Atenuri wine.

Places to visit near Ateni

1.Dashbashi Canyon

Dashbashi Canyon is very near from Ateni. Scattered vegetation and picturesque waterfalls create a completely different micro-landscape on steep slopes. It is the perfect place for a day trip. It's worth visiting.

2.Gori Fortress

Gori Fortress is a medieval citadel located above the city of Gori on a rocky hill. The outlines of the fortress follow the natural relief and that's why it's shape is irregular. It's a beautiful and wonderful thing to see.

3.Dmanisi Sioni

The area of Dmanisi is located 95 km southwest of Tbilisi, the capital city and it's in the Kvemo Kartli region. It was excavated by Lordkipanidze and studied. Paleontologists have found the first ever fossils of modern-day humans in Europe. They have dated back to 1 800 000 years ago, proving that our ancestors were in Europe as well- not only Africa.

Frequently asked questions about Ateni Wine Region