What makes the Atenuri appellation unique in Georgia?

It is the only Georgian appellation classified specifically as a sparkling-wine appellation. In a country with thousands of years of winemaking and many registered appellations, Atenuri is the one dedicated to sparkling wine.

Who produces sparkling Atenuri?

Château Ateni is currently the only producer of sparkling Atenuri. The estate revived the valley's sparkling tradition in 2019 and bottles it as Atenuri Brut, made by the classical method from Goruli Mtsvane and Chinuri.

Can I taste Atenuri at the winery?

Yes. Château Ateni is a family winery in the heart of the Ateni Valley, about ten minutes from Gori, and both the still Atenuri and the sparkling Atenuri Brut are poured at the cellar. Tastings are open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 and are best booked in advance.

Atenuri — the Wine of the Ateni Valley

A registered Georgian appellation from the hills near Gori, and home to one of the country's oldest sparkling-wine traditions.

Atenuri is a Georgian wine named after the Ateni Valley, a small winegrowing micro-zone in the hills south of Gori, in the Shida Kartli region. It is made mainly from two indigenous grapes — Goruli Mtsvane and Chinuri — grown on the valley's distinctive soils.

The valley is best known for sparkling wine: Atenuri has long been associated with Georgian sparkling production, and today it is made both as a fresh, crisp still white and as a sparkling wine.

Atenuri is a protected Georgian appellation of origin (PDO), registered in 2007 under No. 792. The designation defines where the grapes are grown — the Ateni Valley — and the permitted varieties, protecting the name much as European wine appellations are protected.

It is the only Georgian appellation classified specifically as a sparkling-wine appellation — a rare distinction in a country with thousands of years of winemaking.

The Ateni Valley runs along the Tana river south of Gori, sheltered by mountains and carved by the Tana Gorge. Cool nights and mineral soils help the grapes keep the high natural acidity that defines Atenuri — and that makes the valley such a natural home for sparkling wine. The valley is also home to the seventh-century Ateni Sioni church, one of the region's landmarks.

Château Ateni is a young family winery, founded in 2010 in the heart of the Ateni Valley. We are not an ancient estate — but we farm the appellation's traditional grapes and make Atenuri the way the valley is known for, including our Atenuri Brut sparkling from Goruli Mtsvane and Chinuri. Taste them at the cellar, or explore our full range of wines.

Atenuri — Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atenuri wine?: Atenuri is a Georgian wine named after the Ateni Valley, a small winegrowing micro-zone in the hills south of Gori, in the Shida Kartli region. It is made mainly from two indigenous grapes, Goruli Mtsvane and Chinuri, grown on the valley's distinctive soils, and it is produced both as a fresh, crisp still white and as a sparkling wine.
Is Atenuri a protected appellation?: Yes. Atenuri is a registered Georgian appellation of origin (PDO), registered in 2007 under No. 792. The designation defines where the grapes are grown — the Ateni Valley — and which varieties are permitted, protecting the name much as European wine appellations are protected.
What makes the Atenuri appellation unique in Georgia?: It is the only Georgian appellation classified specifically as a sparkling-wine appellation. In a country with thousands of years of winemaking and many registered appellations, Atenuri is the one dedicated to sparkling wine.
Who produces sparkling Atenuri?: Château Ateni is currently the only producer of sparkling Atenuri. The estate revived the valley's sparkling tradition in 2019 and bottles it as Atenuri Brut, made by the classical method from Goruli Mtsvane and Chinuri.
Why is the Ateni Valley suited to sparkling wine?: The valley runs along the Tana river south of Gori, sheltered by mountains and carved by the Tana Gorge. Cool nights and mineral soils help the grapes keep the high natural acidity that defines Atenuri — and high acidity is exactly what sparkling wine is built on.
Can I taste Atenuri at the winery?: Yes. Château Ateni is a family winery in the heart of the Ateni Valley, about ten minutes from Gori, and both the still Atenuri and the sparkling Atenuri Brut are poured at the cellar. Tastings are open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 and are best booked in advance.