Chateau Ateni Winery: Georgian wine tradition in the Ateni valley

The Ateni valley, 10 km south of Gori, is renowned for two treasures: the medieval church of Ateni Sioni and its vineyards with a unique microclimate. In this setting was born Chateau Ateni Winery (Shato Ateni), one of the reference points of Georgian wine, blending ancestral methods with respect for the local terroir.

viñedo de Ateni Georgia — bodega qvevri vino tradicional georgiano
The Ateni vineyards, in a unique microclimate among the mountains

History of Chateau Ateni: the wine that made a valley famous

The indigenous variety Goruli Mtsvane is the soul of Chateau Ateni. This white grape from the Ateni valley produces wines of great freshness and minerality, recognised at international competitions. The winery revived the traditional qvevri winemaking technique — UNESCO-recognised buried clay jars — for its top-range wines.

Winemaking: qvevri and modernity

Chateau Ateni combines the best of two worlds:

  • Qvevri wines: fermented on the skins, producing amber wines with character and natural tannins
  • Modern wines: in stainless steel tanks, fresh and aromatic
  • Reds from Shavkapito, an indigenous variety from the Gori region
qvevri bodega georgiana — tinajas de arcilla para vino natural
Chateau Ateni's qvevri, where wine ferments and ages according to the millennia-old tradition

Visit and tasting at Chateau Ateni

The winery receives visitors for guided tastings of its most representative wines, a tour of the vineyards and cellar, and an explanation of the qvevri winemaking process. It is recommended to combine the visit with the nearby Ateni Sioni Church for a complete experience of the valley.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most characteristic variety at Chateau Ateni?

Goruli Mtsvane, the indigenous white variety of the Ateni valley, is the hallmark of the winery. It produces fresh, floral and mineral wines that perfectly express the terroir of the Ateni microclimate.

How do you get to Chateau Ateni Winery?

It is in the Ateni valley, about 10 km south of Gori. From Gori by taxi it is about 15–20 minutes. It can be combined with a visit to Ateni Sioni church on the same excursion.

Can you buy Chateau Ateni wine abroad?

Georgian wines are increasingly present in specialist natural wine shops worldwide. Look for natural wine shops or importers specialising in wines from Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.