Kakhetian

Kakhetian is the demonym for a person from Kakheti, a historic region and current eastern province of Georgia. The term is used for residents, as well as things associated with Kakheti, including its cultural traditions and distinctive aspects of the local Georgian dialects.

Kakheti is centered along the Alazani River valley and stretches from the foothills of the Greater Caucasus in the north to the fertile plains near the Armenian border in the south. The region includes towns such as Telavi (the de facto capital), Signagi (Sighnaghi), Kvareli, Gurjaani and Dedoplistskaro, as well as numerous vineyards and monasteries. The landscape combines lowland plains suitable for agriculture with hilly terrain.

Historically, Kakheti has been a major center of Georgian political and cultural life. It is home to important medieval monasteries and fortresses, including Ikalto, Bodbe, and the Gremi fortress, which served as the Kakhetian royal capital in the 16th–17th centuries.

Economy and culture: Agriculture dominates, with a renowned wine industry centered on the Alazani Valley. Kakheti is closely associated with Georgia's winemaking tradition and produces varieties such as Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, and Mukuzani. Tourism has grown around wine tours, scenic towns, and historic monuments.

Language and identity: Kakhetian speakers use Georgian with regional phonetic and lexical features. The region maintains distinctive cultural practices, including traditional feasting called supra, which emphasizes hospitality, wine, and communal meals.