A Visit to Chateau Mukhrani

Last weekend we were invited to Chateau Mukhrani Winery, for their Harvest Festival. It was a day full of wine and food degustation and great company.

Chateau Mukhrani lies on the estate of a Georgian Prince, a descendant of the oldest royal dynasty in the world, the Bagrationi. Prince Ivane learned the fine art of win making in Bordeaux and Champange regions. He returned to produce some exceptional Georgian wines, his first harvest being in 1882.

The castle on the estate was designed by French architects. Construction started in 1878 and took 12 years to complete. The castle and the royal family frequently hosted very elaborate parties and entertained many prestigious guests. During the soviet period, the estate was abandoned and fell into disrepair it is only now, that the castle is nearly ready to reopen after many years of restoration.

At the moment the only wines sold are made in a European style. But at the festival a Qvevri was opened and we were lucky to sample the wine.

This is what the Qvevri looks like above the ground

During the day these beautiful horses and there riders dressed in traditional dress, and rode around the venue. We toured the winery, picked grapes, ate some lovely Georgian food and wine tasted.

Beautiful day lots of fun had by all.