Alazani

The Alazani is a river in the South Caucasus, flowing primarily through Georgia's Kakheti region and into Azerbaijan. It rises in the Greater Caucasus Mountains in eastern Georgia and travels southeast through the Alazani Valley, a historical and viticultural heartland known for Georgian wines. In its lower course, the river crosses into Azerbaijan and ultimately joins the Kura River, which drains into the Caspian Sea.

Along its banks lie towns such as Telavi and Sighnaghi in Georgia, and the river is central to agriculture, irrigation, and wine production in Kakheti. The Alazani Valley is renowned for grape varieties such as Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, and for wine production including regional specialties associated with Kakheti. The river's water resources support vineyards, orchards, and rural communities, though flow variations can affect irrigation needs. The region has faced environmental challenges including floods and changing precipitation patterns, prompting regional water management efforts.

Ecology and hydrology: The Alazani supports temperate riparian habitats; seasonal flooding shapes soils used for vineyards. Biodiversity includes various fish species and aquatic invertebrates, with riparian woodlands contributing to erosion control and ecosystem health.

Cultural significance: The area has long-standing traditions of winemaking dating to ancient Georgia, and the Alazani Valley is often cited in Georgian wine lore and tourism. The river's cross-border course highlights shared natural resources between Georgia and Azerbaijan and the transregional character of Kakheti’s agricultural economy.