Chachkari

Chachkari is a historic village northeast of Vardzia, along the Mtkvari River in Aspindza Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. Its rock-cut wine presses, old terraces and surviving dwellings tell the story of agricultural life in Meskheti.

A village shaped by wine

According to local tradition, Chachkari supplied Vardzia with agricultural provisions, producing substantial quantities of wine in presses carved into the rock. Around 50 such presses survive, together with damaged agricultural terraces. Seen together, they show the importance of viticulture in the village's working landscape.

One of Chachkari's best-known features is an old vine commonly described as approximately four centuries old. A local report identifies it as the Tskhenis Dzudzu Tetri variety. Its age should be understood as a widely repeated estimate rather than a precisely established date.

What to look for

Alongside the presses are a rock-cut residential hall and the Church of Saint George. Earth-roofed houses and traditional Meskhetian darbazi dwellings preserve other aspects of village life. The interest lies in seeing these elements together: press, terrace and home once belonged to the same agricultural setting.

Chachkari makes a natural addition to a visit to nearby Vardzia. For a broader exploration of the area, include Upper Vardzia Convent and Tmogvi Fortress.