Racha, Georgia —Caucasus Mountain Paradise

“There’s a wine festival”

We didn’t need to hear too much more… but what we discovered was far more than the pungent, sweet and unique Khvanchkara Red wine that is only produced in Racha, Northern Georgia.

Here is a selection of images from our 3 day road trip in late August 2014. We experienced a severe hail storm blocking us in overnight at the mountain resort of Shovi. There are still cabins there that you can rent at reasonable prices, the nature and air is incredible up there.

Yes that really is Stalin’s retirement home, you can just wander in and have a look around, if you’re an investor it would make an amazing hotel & spa…

All images either iPhone 4s or Ricoh GR

Shaori Resevoir on the way up to Racha

Shovi is top right

Local red wine grapes

Bridge at Utsera

Typical Georgian Gate detail

Idyllic living in the mountains…

The view from our room at the Guest House in Utsera

Working hard to make the famous Racha Honey

Just left as it was…

We might want to make some vodka, save those bottles…

Not going anywhere soon.

The magnificent view set aside for Stalin

Stalin’s uncompleted retirement home — yours to explore!

Chez Stalin

Over the mountains lies Russia

Not exactly a swimming river…

The day after the storm

This is what happens after a hail storm

Downtown Ambrolauri

Wine professionals

Start ‘em young…

Games at the Festival

Too bad Georgia has a real litter problem…

Buy my vines!

The road home