Immerse yourself in the allure of the Tsinandali Estate, a captivating destination in Kakheti, where a winery and a modest yet stunning palace stand as testament to the illustrious history of Prince Aleksandre Chavchavadze’s family. The Chavchavadze name held immense influence in 19th-century Georgia, evident in the numerous streets that bear their legacy.
During this transformative period, Western ideals and values infused into Georgia, and Aleksandre Chavchavadze, a multifaceted poet, translator, military figure, businessman, and founder of Georgian romanticism, played a pivotal role in introducing European culture and education to the eastern regions of the country.
As you explore the Chavchavadze Estate, the refined taste and progressiveness of the family will envelop you at every turn. The Tsinandali palace, crafted in European style, sits amid grounds artfully designed by European landscapers, adorned with exotic plants across twelve hectares of lush gardens.
Renowned for legendary hospitality, Aleksandre Chavchavadze and his wife, Salome Orbeliani, hosted vibrant salon nights within the palace walls, attracting talented poets, writers, and intellectuals who indulged in classical music and discussions on local and global affairs. The likes of Alexandre Dumas père and other foreigners graced the Chavchavadze household with their presence.
Step back in time as you wander through the palace interior, furnished to evoke the Chavchavadze’s remarkable life and the ambiance of their esteemed salon nights. From the first piano in Georgia to the inaugural billiard table, the expansive library, and treasured manuscripts, every detail tells a story of their cultural contributions.
Aleksandre Chavchavadze’s pioneering spirit extended to agriculture, where he introduced European technologies, revolutionizing brandy and wine production in early 19th-century Georgia. Notably, he was the first to bottle Georgian wine in the European style.
Delight in the historical wine cellar of Tsinandali, home to over 16,000 wine bottles, including Aleksandre’s personal wine collection, which houses the prized Saperavi from the 1841 vintage and a plethora of unique Georgian and foreign wines. During your visit, savor a tasting of locally-produced wine, further enhancing your journey into Georgia’s vinicultural heritage.
Today, the palace museum is privately owned, while the historical wine cellar plays a pivotal role as part of the esteemed Tsinandali Radisson Collection Hotel, preserving the legacy and charm of the Tsinandali Estate for generations to come.