SHUMI Winery #26
Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Georgia
SHUMI Winery & ESTATE is located in a historical place and borders the National Park and Museum named after A. Chavchavadze. Previously, the territories of SHUMI and the national park were one property, which at different times belonged to the kings of Georgia and Kakheti, prince Alexander Chavchavadze, Georgia’s national poet, and served as the summer residence of the Russian Emperor Alexander III.
The mission of SHUMI is to acquaint humanity with the ancient and rich cultural heritage of the world, which our ancestors have created over thousands of years, Georgian culture, grapevines and wine, to share and popularize the historical past and introduce our own innovations.
At the end of the 90s, due to the difficult economic situation in the country, there was a threat of extinction of Georgian autochthonous varieties. SHUMI began active work to save them: collecting what little was left from the state collections, providing proper care, and also organizing expeditions to search for endangered grape varieties in different parts of Georgia. As a result, several dozen varieties were saved from extinction. In 2003, SHUMI created the First Private Collection of Vines in Georgia. The search for grape varieties continues to this day, both inside and outside the country. It is currently the largest private ampelographic collection in the world! Currently, the collection includes more than 2000 varieties of grapes from 49 countries, of which 33 varieties are still unknown, as scientists have not yet been able to identify them. The collection also includes varieties of Georgian wild vines.
SHUMI Comprehensive Varietal Collection Vineyard serves as a base for scientific research, in fact, the scientific research value of the collection has been recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and has its own unique code GEO036. On the basis of this unique vineyard, Georgian, French, Italian, Japanese and other scientists conduct research and experimental work. SHUMI participates in international research projects. SHUMI specialists are constantly researching and identifying the wine potential of rare Georgian autochthonous grape varieties. SHUMI was the first to cultivate autochthonous vines that were on the verge of extinction, such as Ubakluri, Simonaseuli, Shavi Rkatsiteli and others, and created a new line of wines “Lost Collection”.
The revival of rare ancient grape varieties is a big challenge that requires a lot of work, more than decades. But SHUMI, aware of their value and paying tribute to the ancestors who have grown grapes for thousands of years, and thanks to the work of scientists who have preserved the collections, has taken on the mission of reviving these varieties and producing rare wines from them.
SHUMI founded The First Wine Museum in Georgia, which contains exhibits of ancient Georgian household and winemaking traditions. Most of the exhibits are artifacts found during archaeological excavations in Kakheti, which embody the life and development of winemaking in different eras of Georgia. The oldest artifacts of the museum are more than 6,000 years old.
SHUMI created the Georgian Ethnographic Pavilion in its territory, where visitors could actively participate in ancient Georgian household and winemaking traditions. Visitors were offered information and educational tours, tasting of alcoholic beverages and various master-classes. The creation of such a place was the first initiative of its kind, which laid the foundation for the development of enotourism in Georgia.
SHUMI founded the First Tourist Complex in Georgia, its infrastructure is very diverse and has no analogues in the world, both in the terms of attractions and service. Mythological heroes “come to life” in the SHUMI Tourist Complex. The territory of the Tourist Complex is decorated with hundreds of art objects and works, including characters of Georgian mythology.
Georgian polyphony is the musical DNA of the nation and one of the most complex types of choral singing in the world. Recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible heritage, Georgian polyphony was born thousands of years ago and has become an integral part of every feast, turning an ordinary meal into a sacred ritual. In 1977, the American agency NASA, having begun a global study “Voyager”, sent the Georgian folk song “Chakrulo” into space as an example of the musical abilities of mankind. In order for guests to fully experience this living connection of times, SHUMI has created its own ensemble. The collective, consisting of local professional performers, introduces visitors to the unique phenomenon of polyphony. These ancient melodies, sounding under the arches of the pavilions, create an inextricable thread between the legendary past of Georgia and its hospitable present.
All this and much more can be found in one place – SHUMI.
An incomparable experience of Georgian culture
SHUMI has given a start to the development of enotourism in Georgia.
To date, SHUMI Tourist Complex has no analogues in the world, both in infrastructure, operation and service. Nowhere else will you find so many examples of Georgian culture gathered in one space as in SHUMI.
SHUMI Winery & Tourist Complex is located in a historical place and borders the National Park and Museum named after A. Chavchavadze. Previously, the territories of SHUMI and the national park were one property, which at different times belonged to the kings of Georgia and Kakheti, prince Alexander Chavchavadze, Georgia’s national poet, and served as the summer residence of the Russian Emperor Alexander III.
Travelling to SHUMI is not just a visit to a winery, it is an immersion in the very cradle of human culture, where myths come to life and ancient traditions find a modern breath. SHUMI’s commitment to authenticity and the highest standards of service has been widely recognized internationally. The Tourist Complex has been awarded many prestigious tourist awards, confirming the status of the company as one of the best eno- and cultural tourism not only in Georgia, but also in the world.
Visitors to SHUMI have the opportunity to delve into the history of Georgia and get acquainted with its culture. Here they can meet the heroes and gods of Georgian mythology, depicted on stone frescoes and painted by Saperavi wine, the Georgian alphabet, the largest private collection of vines in the world, where they get acquainted with grape varieties created by folk selection for thousands of years, and taste grapes. In the Ethnographic Pavilion, guests can learn about Georgian eno-gastronomic traditions, attend various interesting culinary master classes and other events, participate in the traditional Georgian Supra with toastmaster and polyphonic songs performed by the SHUMI ensemble, take part in various rituals, such as the Qvevri Opening and the Lazarus Ritual, ceremony of initiation into the Kakhetians and many others.
On the territory of the Tourist Complex there are hundreds of art objects and works, including characters of Georgian mythology: Devi, Barbale, Lazare and many others, created by famous Georgian artists and sculptors: Merab Merabishvili, Lado Gudiashvili, Zurab Tsereteli, Gia Japaridze, Gela Durujeli, Sergo Tbileli, Gia Khizanishvili, David Gelashvili and others.
Explore the Tourist Complex
SHUMI Tourist Complex spans more than twelve hectares, with diverse infrastructure and numbers 41 locations, including:
-
- The First Wine Museum in Georgia, where the most of the exhibits are artifacts found during archaeological excavations in Kakheti, which embody the life and development of winemaking in different eras of Georgia, the oldest artifacts of the museum are more than 6,000 years old;
- The Private Vineyard with a Comprehensive Varietal Collection of grapes, SHUMI has set a WORLD RECORD and is the owner of the largest private ampelographic collection on the planet, to date, the collection includes 2003 grape varieties from 49 countries, some of which grow only in this vineyard, it serves as a basis for scientific research, is included in the list of the FAO;
- GENESIS Sculpture – the prototype of the statue of a 300-year-old vine – one of the oldest wine vines in the world grows in a private estate in the village of Tsinandali;
- VINOBIZA Pavilion where the walls of the pavilion are decorated with frescoes which are painted with “Saperavi” wine and reflect history and culture of Georgia, depict the famous story of the visit of the first “official tourists” to Georgia – the expedition of the Argonauts, about 33 centuries ago;
- The Georgian Ethnographic Pavilion, where guests can get acquainted with Georgian eno-gastronomic traditions, attend various interesting and exciting culinary master classes and other events, take part in a traditional Georgian Supra (traditional Georgian feast) with toastmaster and polyphonic songs performed by the SHUMI ensemble, take part in various rituals, such as the Qvevri Opening and the Lazarus Ritual;
- RUSTAVELI Pavilion: Shota Rustaveli is a great Georgian poet of the XII century, the author of the poem “The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin”. The poem is considered a documentary treasure of humanity, which is of exceptional value, so in 2013 the poem “The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin” was included the UNESCO Register of Memory of the World. To highlight the significance of the priceless Georgian heritage, SHUMI created a pavilion dedicated to Shota Rustaveli in its complex. The pavilion is decorated with a stained-glass window, where the poet presents his poem to the great Queen Tamara, and a fresco with well-known aphorisms in different languages (the poem has been translated into more than 50 languages). On the shelves there are various editions of “The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin” and other valuable exhibits.
- The Wine Cellar & Enoteca, where SHUMI’s wines are made in Qvevri and aged in oak barrels, a cellar vault holding SHUMI’s best;
- The Ornamental Garden, is a place where you can find works of art of different genres at every stage, and the garden is equipped with cozy gazebos and Recreation areas for the convenience of guests.
- GESTALT House – a place to restore mental and physical harmony and find balance;
- The café GALLERY, with the theme of Pirosmani art in the interior, featuring various bronze sculptures by famous Georgian artists;
- ZIGU Grotto – a place for aging and storing the exclusive SHUMI beverage;
- Sleepy Miho’s Hut – a treehouse where guests can enjoy a romantic dinner;
- Griffin Terrace: a statue of Griffin, made by one of the best animalists in the world Merab Merabishvili. The symbol of SHUMI is a Griffin (“Phaskunji” in Georgian mythology). According to an ancient legend it was the Griffin who brought the first bunch of grapes to people, which gave birth to the cultivation of vineyards on Earth.
- Rose Garden: several thousand roses, more than 700 species grow on the territory of the complex; Orchard with more than 400 varieties of various fruits;
- Petting Zoo, where small animals and exotic birds are kept in the open space and many others. The favorite and star in SHUMI Tourist Complex is the adorable little donkey Juju, whose natural charisma does not leave guests indifferent. She likes to walk around the grounds, enchanting guests with her spontaneity. She invites little travelers on an exciting ride in an elegant pumpkin carriage.
- Gastronomic zones, with a restaurant and terraces, cafes, verandas, pavilions and tasting areas with various activities.
At different time of the year, SHUMI provides a wide range of unique offers: the ceremony of “Initiation into Kakhetians”; an exclusive opportunity to plant a personalized vine in the comprehensive varietal collection vineyard; in spring, during the blossoming period, “flower tours” in the gardens of SHUMI and “rose tours” in the vineyards; helicopter tour of the picturesque places of the Caucasus and the Alazani Valley; truffle hunting and many others.
With SHUMI, guests have the opportunity to get acquainted with the local life, traditions and rituals of the area, listen to Georgian polyphony, included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultures performed by the SHUMI’s folklore ensemble, take part in the harvesting grapes, stroll through historical places, have lunch and dinner, enjoying the phenomenon of “Tamada” and Georgian toasts.
The Tamada Institute is a Georgian phenomenon: Tamada is the leader of the Georgian Supra (Feast), he is the first to make toasts in various literary forms, enlivens speech with various verses, wise sayings, jokes. Toasts are accompanied by Georgian traditional songs and dances.
Lunch and dinner are available at the SHUMI Winery and Tourist Complex or in one of its biodynamic vineyards at the foot of the impressive and dramatic Caucasus Mountains, as well as have a picnic in the Walnut Grove, surrounded by wildlife. The menu offers a wide variety of Georgian dishes prepared from local high-quality ingredients and organic products grown in SHUMI, such as: grapes, honey, ancient indigenous Georgian wheat variety “Tsiteli Doli” and others. For the preparation of bread, cherchkhela, khachapuri and some other products, flour from Tsiteli Doli wheat is used. Some dishes are prepared using SHUMI’s patented technologies and recipes. Tsiteli Doli is a traditional Georgian wheat. In 2025, “Georgian Wheat Culture: Traditions and Rituals” was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO). SHUMI grows this variety of organic wheat on its lands using a biodynamic method. Many traditional Georgian dishes are cooked over an open fire, and barbecue meat and fish are prepared using a water mill and SHUMI‘s patented technology.
SHUMI Tourist Complex is a favorite place for vacationers, wine lovers and true gourmets, as evidenced by the systematic variety of events: weddings, banquets, corporate evenings. Local and foreign tourists come to SHUMI to get acquainted with the Institute of Georgian Culture, ancient traditions, best wine and Supra (the traditional Georgian feast).
In addition, SHUMI is constantly looking for new information about forgotten and vanished traditions and reviving them. The best examples of this are: the ritual of the ancient Georgian deity “Lazarus”, which ends with an installation created in the SHUMI Tourist Complex, “Initiation into Kakhetians”, during which the guests: open the Qvevri, plant vines in the collection of the vineyard and participate in the ritual “Lazarus”. The final touch of the Initiation is a present – a unique “Lazarus”.
Experience authentic Georgian cuisine
Lunch and dinner are available at SHUMI Winery & Tourist Complex or at one of SHUMI’s biodynamic vineyards in the foothills of the dramatic Caucasus mountains and Picnic in Walnut Grove surrounded by wild nature. The menu reflets a wide range of Georgian dishes prepared from local high-quality ingredients and SHUMI-grown organic products, such as: grape juice, honey, ancient native Georgian wheat variety “Tsiteli Doli” and others. Many traditional Georgian dishes are cooked over an open fire, and barbecue meat and fish are prepared using a water mill and SHUMI‘s patented technology.
Get acquainted with Georgian traditions
In the Ethnographic pavilion, the guests get acquainted with Georgian eno and gastronomic traditions and take part in the master classes: baking bread from Georgian endemic wheat varieties in tone, making “Tsinandali “ churchkhela according patented technology and recipe, making khinkali making, Gozinaki – Georgian sweet with Kakhetian walnuts and “Alazany Valley” honey, distillating chacha (Georgian national strong alcoholic beverage), they can join “Rtveli” grape harvest and making wine according to the oldest Georgian technology and many others.
Wide and original selection of tasting packages
Thanks to the quality of its products, SHUMI has an impeccable reputation as a producer of Georgian wines. SHUMI products are designed for true connoisseurs of alcoholic beverages, exported to 32 countries around the world and have earned more than 900 prestigious international awards at international competitions.
SHUMI Winery produces a few lines of alcoholic beverages: SHUMI, IBERIULI, GEORGICA and others.
SHUMI Winery offers visitors a wide and original selection of tasting packages: IBERIULI Premium Wine Tasting (one vineyard, one grape variety – two technologies); Saperavi IBERIULI Wines (one grape variety – different microzones); Tasting of BIO Wines; Vegan Wine Tasting; Vertical Tasting of Exclusive SALOME Wine; Chacha Tasting; Brandy Tasting and many others.
SHUMI has a number of inventions and patents. It offers a wide range of Qvevri wines. For example, SHOBILI is a Qvevri sparkling wine, created using patented SHUMI technology, which combines the 8000-year history of Georgian winemaking and the 400-year history of French champagne; BARBALE is the world’s first and only ice wine produced in Qvevri and 102 rare grape varieties from the SHUMI Ampelographic Collection were used to prepare this unique drink.
SHUMI‘s portfolio includes unique wines and beverages that have no analogues in the world, such as: GENESIS is a completely new word in the world of wine, wine is made from grapes of more than 300-year-old vine, which rarely give a harvest. As a sign of respect for the historical vine, SHUMI Winery erected a monument – a prototype of the statue of this vine on the territory of its Tourist Complex; LAZARE – represents the history of Georgian viticulture and winemaking for more than 80 centuries, more than 450 grape varieties from the SHUMI Ampelographic Collection have been used; ZIGU is an exclusive drink that has no analogues in the world, created by the patented SHUMI technology and produced from more than 350 rare grape varieties grown in the vineyard of the SHUMI Ampelographic Collection; BARBALE – the world’s first and only ice wine produced in Qvevri, 102 rare grape varieties from the SHUMI Ampelographic Collection are used to prepare this unique drink; LOST COLLECTION, a series of extraordinary wines made from ancient indigenous Georgian grape varieties, such as such as Ubakluri, Simonaseuli, Sakmiela, Chitistvala, Danaharuli, Shavi Rkatsiteli and others, lost to winemaking for centuries.
SHUMI is the first company in Georgia that:
- applied the “green harvesting” method in its vineyards;
- used a bio method of vine cultivation;
- made organic wine;
- used a biodynamic method of cultivating vines.
SHUMI, in cooperation with the Free University of Brussels, was the first in the history of Georgian winemaking to use cultivated yeast obtained from the same terroirs: Mukuzani, Kindzmarauli, Napareuli, on which the grapes were harvested.
SHUMI revealed the wine potential of several Georgian autochthonous varieties, such as: Ubakluri, Simonaseuli, Shavi Rkatsiteli, etc., and the company was the first in the world to start producing wine from these varieties.
SHUMI has given a start to the development of enotourism in Georgia.
SHUMI has a number of inventions and patents.
SHUMI manufactures a wide range of products using patented technology, among them exclusive beverages that have no analogues in the world.
SHUMI products are acclaimed for their quality, they have earned more than 900 prestigious international awards, including prizes and medals that no other company in the history of Georgia has ever received.
SHUMI takes care of the national cultural heritage and collect as many examples of Georgian culture as possible, expressing them in an artistic and creative form and introducing visitors to them.
Every year, the territory of SHUMI Tourist Complex is recognized as the most beautiful in Georgia.
In 2025, SHUMI set a WORLD RECORD and received an official certificate as the creator of the largest private ampelographic collection on the planet. To date, the collection includes 2003 grape varieties from 49 countries, some of which grow only in this vineyard.
In 2025 and 2024 SHUMI Winery entered the Top 100 Premium Wine & Spirits Brands of the World. (Luxury lifestyle award is a global award selecting, recognizing, celebrating and promoting the best luxury goods and services all over the world).
SHUMI Winery is regularly recognized as the BEST PRODUCER OF GEORGIA at the most important prestigious competitions in the world, such as: MUNDUS VINI Grand International Award and ASIA WINE TROPHY.
SHUMI is the only Georgian company whose wines are included in The World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection.
SHUMI is the absolute record holder for the number of awards in the history of the prestigious international competition WINE TRAVEL AWARD (WTA), in addition to the Grand Prix and 9 trophies won in London, SHUMI became the winner in all categories according to the results of the WTA public online voting: Must Visit; Brand – Visiting card of the country; Progressive approach; Authentic location; Object d’Art; Unique program; Cultural mission; Magnet of the region; An effective event, Art & History Object.
On a regular basis, SHUMI is the winner in the nomination THE BEST WINE TOURISM AWARD of the national tourism award WELCOME TO GEORGIA.
SHUMI regularly receives TripAdvisor – “Travelers’ Choice” awards.
SHUMI is the winner in the category THE BEST LOCATION FOR GASTRONOMIC REGIONAL TOURISM.
The territory of the SHUMI Tourist Complex is regularly recognized as the most beautiful place in Georgia according to the results of the annual competition “Clean Region”, implemented by the non-governmental organization of Georgia with the support of the Swedish government.
For the first time in the history of Georgia, SHUMI became the winner in the nomination THE BEST PRACTICE RELATED TO ARCHAEOBOTANICAL IN WINE TOURISM at the international competition in Sicily organized by the Council of Europe.
Get acquainted with the legendary ancient traditions of Georgia with SHUMI!
Reviews
Amazing experience! Beautifully made place with rare attention to details to pleasure many senses. Georgian hospitality and service at its finest! The tour guide George is like and endless sea of knowledge about history and mastership of wine making and tasting.
This place sparked so many positive emotions; the atmosphere is wonderful. The courtyard is very beautiful, like a mini zoo—there are even peacocks walking around. I definitely recommend it to everyone, and I will be back.