German village in Georgia (Elisabethal) & Wine tasting
Description
Discover the charm of Elizabethal, Georgia's historic German village. Visit the picturesque Lutheran church and conclude the tour with a tasting of the unique local wine "Shala".
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Lutheran church in Asureti, built in the mid-19th century by German settlers, was the spiritual and social center of the village, originally known as Elisabethal. Featuring traditional German architecture with a simple yet elegant design, the church served as a place for worship, community gatherings, and cultural preservation. After the forced deportation of the German population during World War II, the church was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Today, the ruins of the church stand as a poignant reminder of the once-thriving German community and their lasting legacy in the region.
The German cemetery in Asureti, established by the village's early 19th-century German settlers, is a significant historical site. It features traditional German gravestones with inscriptions in German, reflecting the cultural and religious heritage of the community. Although the cemetery fell into neglect after the deportation of the German population during World War II, it remains a poignant reminder of the village's past. Efforts to preserve the cemetery have made it an important site for understanding the legacy of the German settlers in the region.
The German sulfur bath in Asureti, originally built by the village's German settlers in the 19th century, is a historic site that showcases their influence on the region. Known for its therapeutic properties, the bath was a popular spot for both health and relaxation. Constructed with traditional German craftsmanship, the bathhouse reflects the settlers' architectural style and attention to detail. Though it may no longer be in use, the sulfur bath remains an intriguing part of Asureti's cultural heritage, highlighting the blend of German and Georgian traditions in the village.
Savor the unique flavors of the local wine, Shala, a rare grape variety known as Asuretuli Shala. This exceptional wine, with its distinctive taste and aroma, owes its origins to the German farmer Otto Schall. The vineyards, planted near the village on the banks of the Algeti River, have been producing this highly esteemed wine since 1931.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infant seats available on request
Reviews(7)
David is an excellent guide, we did 3 separate day trips with him and he gave us just the right amount of information without bombarding us with dates and facts that you instantly forget. His sense of humour is great and we would definitely use him again if we visited Tbilisi. So lovely to spend time with a guide who obviously enjoys showing his country off to tourists.
it was my first time in Georgia and it was so AMAZING! people, culture, food, wine everything! The tour was well planned and organized we liked it a lot. I really hope to come back soon
Thank you very much 😊
One of my friend asked me, do you know the country where the first wine was made? I answered it would be France, but then I googled and what I saw it was GEORGIA, but wait a sec, not my Georgia (state), there is another Georgia (country) in Caucasus, which I love a lot nowadays, cause I visited small Georgia, but with great history and culture. Thank to my friend Michael, who told me first about small Georgia :)), and thank you David for your service and hospitality, I hope you will visit also my Big Georgia :)) and then I will be your host, but Im not going to suggest you a lot of wine, as you know in Kakheti ::D :D
Gamardjoba:D Thank you BBGeorgiaTravel for your hospitality, you know I love wine and this tour was fantastic for me and Sophia. Thank you again, I will hope we will meet again in autumn to see RTVELI and whole winemaking process.
My very first time in Kakheti. I spent a great time in the wonderful region of wine. I appreciated the tour organized from BBgeorgia. Thanks to Irakli the guide, i had the possibility to get more in touch with the amazing culture and the uses Georgians. I loved Sighnaghi, the landscapes and the wines. All was good as expected! Great experience that i can just recommend.
