In the heartland of Georgia's rich winemaking tradition, the municipality of Ambrolauri celebrates its treasured contribution to the world of wine - Khvanchkara. The massive Khvanchkara Wine Monument embodies the region's devotion to viniculture and stands as a homage to the celebrated red wine, Khvanchkara. This unique monument manifests in the form of a monumental wine bottle, paying tribute to a wine borne out of a rich blend of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grape varieties native to the region.
Nestled in one of Ambrolauri's bustling town squares, the Khvanchkara Wine Monument stands as a testament to the region's renowned viniculture. It serves as a compelling attraction, drawing wine aficionados and tourists alike, and encapsulating the municipality's pride in its wine heritage.
The Khvanchkara wine, recognized as one of Georgia's distinguished PDOs - Protected Designations of Origin, has its roots firmly planted in the soils of the Khvanchkara village. A velvety dessert wine, Khvanchkara is the product of a harmonious assemblage of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. Its creation dates back to the late 19th century, credited to the local noblemen Luarsab and Dimitri Kipiani, and was originally known as the "Sakipiano Wine."
The legacy of Khvanchkara wine transcends local boundaries, with its fame reaching international acclaim. In 1907, wine merchants Nestor Tsereteli and Varlam Papuashvili showcased the wine at an expo in Belgium, earning the coveted Grand Prix. However, the wine's namesake was altered with the advent of the Soviet regime's industrialization of wine production, attributing it to the village synonymous with the growth of the Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes.
Today, Ambrolauri teems with wineries that continue to perpetuate the fame of Khvanchkara wine, safeguarding the tradition and enriching the region's vibrant wine culture.
