Tandila's wine

“Tandila’s Wine”, “Folk-Tour Guria

After completing his studies at the Technical University, Avto returned to his village in Machkhvareti, within the Lanchkhuti municipality, during the difficult '90s. Avto, a spirited young Gurian man by heart and soul, is a professional singer and chanter. His entire life has been connected to Gurian and, broadly, Georgian folklore, which unsurprisingly also influenced his business. The idea of folklore tours was suggested by a friend – his large family home and its surroundings presented an excellent opportunity to host guests interested in folklore. Avto, a year before the pandemic, welcomed his first guests from Austria. He hosted them in true Gurian and his family tradition, taught them several Gurian chants and songs, showed them around Guria, and even organized masterclasses on uniquely traditional dishes. The guests were so impressed with Avto's hospitality that they recommended his services, leading to a steady stream of folk-interested tourists. According to Avto, there's nothing extraordinary in his guesthouse, no stars to boast of, but what captivates the tourists is the warmth of a family home and the genuine joy of hosting guests. This, combined with the unique Gurian folklore and a comprehensive cultural experience of Guria "from head to toe" over 5-7 days, makes for an unforgettable visit. Despite the pandemic's impact on his newly started business, the last two years have seen uninterrupted groups from the UK, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Australia, and Austria. Local tourists also frequently visit Avto.

The vineyard was started with heartfelt passion. When Avto can't focus on anything during rehearsals, the vineyard serves as an inspiration. Avto believes that every enemy fought the vineyard because it was integral to the Georgian man's ability to think and reason. In 2014, Giorgi Vasalomidze's son, who was also Avto's lecturer, brought him the idea of building a vineyard. Until then, there was no tradition of viticulture and winemaking in the Turkia’s family. In 2015, Avto built his first vineyard in his yard with 80 vines of Tsolikouri. He worked the land by hand, cared for it, and harvested the next year. In 2020, he built a cellar, and today his yard boasts 200 vines of Tsolikouri and Sakmiela, with another 400 Sakmiela vines planted on his wife's land. Avto practices entirely organic viticulture, avoiding synthetic fertilizers and systemic medicines, working daily in the vineyard, and producing "Tandila's Wine" from Tsolikouri and Sakmiela grape varieties. Through self-education, interaction with the right people, and observation, Avto became an excellent winemaker. He believes that viticulture and winemaking have connected his service into a full circle, now even offering tours for tourists interested in Gurian wine.

Tasting and purchasing "Tandila's Wine" is possible on-site, with orders available from May to September. Avto ensures delivery across all of Georgia. Currently, due to limited production, orders are restricted to the September-March period, with the wine available only to Avto's guests from September to October.