Discover Racha Georgia: Ambrolauri, Oni, Khvanchkara

I’m Shoko, creator of Vintylator, a social enterprise turning waste into wonder. A marketer, proud mum of four amazing dogs, and a lover of music, travel, and memory-making. I've spent countless summers in Racha. “Teo Bebo’s Ezo” - Granny Teo’s Garden in Racha - has always been more than just a place. It’s a memory tucked deep in my heart, gently flowing like a river through my veins. Her little blue fence, the old stone-and-wood house, the cool cellar filled with fresh fruit and kind little treasures - everything wrapped in the golden light of childhood summers. It was a place where joy was simple, and time drifted by like honey.

If you're staying at ROTEL, cozy and stylish base in Kutaisi and feeling the pull of the mountains - listen closely. That whisper on the wind? It’s Racha, calling softly, with promises of quiet hills, tangled vineyards, and the kind of beauty that stays with you long after your boots are off. Just a few hours’ drive away, this region unfolds like a painting—layer by layer, light by shadow, frame by frame.

Wondering what to see in Racha? Let’s start with the Ambrolauri Region: Where Vines Meet Viewfinders

Discover the Heart of Khvanchkara Wine

First stop, Ambrolauri - home of the legendary Khvanchkara wine, born from rare Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes in villages like Chrebalo, Bugeuli, and Sadmeli. The vineyards? Glorious. The light? Golden. The fairy tale of red sparkles in your glass - taste that wine at Tchrebalo Wine Cellar, where traditional winemaking meets a modern twist. The space itself is a visual delight—rustic textures, elegant interiors, and stories in every pour.

Where to Stay in Ambrolauri

For a place to rest your head, Sadmeli Winery & Guesthouse, Flora Racha Cottages, or the elegant family-run Dakidula Hotel—a boutique retreat blending sleek design with mountain comfort, sun-soaked terraces, and Rioni River views—make perfect hideaways.

Want something with a bit more character? Panorama Hillside Cottages offer river-mist mornings, while Sakhluka Cabin brings that rustic-wood-meets-autumn-leaves magic. Nearby, Gogolati, an ancient village with over 1,000 years of history, invites you to slow down and take in its timeworn charm, nearly every house in this village keeps its own shape of history.

Natural Wonders & Hidden Gems

Just down the valley, the Shareula River, known as one of the coldest mountain rivers in the region, winds through shaded forest pockets and mossy boulders. It’s a peaceful haven—with crystal-clear reflections and picnic-perfect nooks for those slow, quiet moments.

Craving a warm summer pause? Head to Krikhula Beach, Ambrolauri’s beloved riverside spot for sunbathing and dipping your toes into cool mountain water.

Where to Eat in Ambrolauri

And when hunger strikes—well, you're in good hands. From a bite of freshly baked Rachuli Lobiani to full plates at Wine Terrace Ambrolauri, Cafe Racha, and local kitchens in Sadmeli, the region serves flavor and hospitality in equal measure.

Oni Region: Stone Paths & Whispering Pines

Explore Mountain Villages

And just when you think Racha couldn’t possibly get more enchanting—the road climbs higher, the air grows thinner, and the silence deepens. Welcome to the Oni Region, where every turn reveals mountain villages that feel untouched by time, and every path leads to something quietly spectacular.

Here, stone-built homes rise from the hills like they’ve always belonged—Mravaldzali, with its winding lanes and warm family-run homestays; Gona, with wooden balconies, wild gardens, and soft mountain light curling through the trees. Life flows gently here, and so do stories. Just outside town, Villa Kvirila offers a peaceful base to rest your boots and take in the views—cozy, calm, and effortlessly scenic.

The Last Village Before the Border

Then there’s Ghebi, the last village before the border with Russia, where the mountains rise like ancient guardians, snow-dusted and magnificent. A few proud families still call it home - keepers of Racha’s spirit and Georgian tradition. The forests here feel mythical - you wouldn’t blink twice if a scene from Lord of the Rings had been filmed in these woods. Stay in a traditional stone homestay and feel time stretch and slow around you.

Relax in Nature

Further down the valley, Chiora and Utsera, with its healing mineral springs and friendly guesthouses like Kadori, offer a softer rhythm—perfect for rest and rambling. In Glola, a scattering of pine-shaded lodges welcomes sunrise watchers and cloud-chasers alike. And Khirkhoni and Shkmeri village are ideal for those craving peace, remoteness, and unforgettable views—especially at the seasonal Eco-Camping with rustic cabins scattered along the slopes.

Where to Stay in Oni

For a final dose of highland charm, stay at Shale Panorama Chalets near Nikortsminda, where mornings open to forest mist and every breakfast feels like a scene from a postcard. And don’t forget to grab warm bread and fresh cheese from the villagers—a picnic like that, eaten with a view, is better than anything you’ll find on a menu.

Final Stops on the Journey Home

The journey home winds past Nikortsminda Cathedral, glowing under the afternoon sun, and along the calm blue mirror of Shaori Lake, ringed by tall pines and sky. A place to pause, breathe, and let the beauty settle in.

Racha isn’t just a destination—it’s a dream for your lens. Whether you’re chasing sunbursts or storytelling portraits, let us at ROTEL help you map the route. We’ll point you toward the perfect frame—and maybe pour you a glass of wine before you go. So grab your gear, zip your bag, and hit the road. Racha’s waiting - with light, soul, and more beauty than you could ever fit in a memory card.