Sweet Georgian breezes: Visiting the Lopota Resort Grape Harvest Festival

The Grape Harvest Festival began on Sunday afternoon, and all resort guests were invited. For the occasion, the pastoral lawn of the winery was charmingly decorated with rustic simplicity: giant hay bales served as seating areas, and earth-toned parasols were set up to create perfect harmony with the hay, adding brightness to the atmosphere.

Giant yellow sunflowers adorned every corner, further adding to the soft and special ambiance of the venue.

An authentic Georgian feast was held on long, decorated tables, featuring a celebratory atmosphere with succulent BBQ, cheeses, local dishes, and fresh fruits. Wine tasting stalls from the winery were set up alongside the food.

The climax of the experience was the harvest itself. We were given straw hats, aprons, and orange flower necklaces, making us feel part of the tradition. With baskets and pruning shears in hand, we headed out to the vineyard, surrounded by the beauty of the grapevines and flowers. We picked the sweet clusters and brought them to a large wooden winepress. Boots were waiting there for participants to tread the grapes using the traditional method.

Alongside the harvest, there were workshops for the whole family. In the cooking workshop, we rolled khinkali (dumplings) and dipped churchkhela (nut candy), which was then hung to dry. The children participated in workshops to build cork boats, which they then launched for a voyage across the lake. As the sun set, the atmosphere changed. Authentic singers took to the stage to sing Georgian folk songs, and the celebration continued with music and dancing that lasted late into the night.

We completed our wine experience with a visit and tasting at the winery. The Kakheti region is considered the birthplace of wine, with a winemaking tradition spanning over 8,000 years.

The winery is designed like a fairytale European castle, featuring two prominent towers, and is surrounded by manicured lawns and vineyards. The approach to the building is awe-inspiring: two elegant, curved staircases lead up together to an expansive terrace. A significant advantage for us was the ability to walk directly to all this beauty from within the resort. The winery was established in 2018 and promotes a philosophy of blending ancient tradition with modern technology.

Our tour began at the winery’s elegant restaurant, and from there we descended to the wine cellars. We entered the winery itself through the charming lower-level entrance – a brightly white-designed area featuring large amphorae.

We passed through narrow corridors laid with ancient Georgian stones and visited the amphora room to learn about the traditional Qvevri method, where wine is fermented inside clay jars buried in the ground. From there, we continued to the modern section, where we saw the barrel room and admired the exemplary order and cleanliness throughout.

Following the in-depth tour, we ascended for a guided wine tasting. We chose to accompany the tasting with a plate of local cheeses, which proved to be especially excellent.

Lopota Resort is more than just a hotel; it’s a “theme park of leisure” combining pampering with breathtaking Georgian nature. The resort spans approximately 150 acres around the private Lopota Lake and is surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the picturesque Caucasus Mountains. The entire complex is stunning and incredibly well-maintained – every corner is a work of art.

The resort features meticulous landscaping, sculptures, charming seating areas, neatly trimmed weeping willow trees, and colorful geraniums adorning the pier area. For those concerned about the large distances, the resort offers electric shuttles for easy and convenient transport between all the facilities.

The resort is especially well-suited for families, thanks to its large rooms, which can accommodate extended families. In our room, three adults enjoyed a spacious area with a large bed for the adult son, a seating area, a giant bathtub, and a balcony overlooking the view.

Lopota Resort offers a range of activities for the entire family, from relaxation to adrenaline. You’ll find many popular facilities are complimentary, including a water park, pedal boats, and most sports courts. A major advantage is the resort’s numerous pools, which include heated, Olympic-sized pools, Jacuzzis, and indoor pools. To the resort’s credit, the pools are scattered near the various rooms, allowing us to easily access the pool directly from our room.

The central family attraction is the water park, where even we adults enjoyed ourselves and felt like kids again.

Additionally, a sports center was available to us, which includes a large gym and sports courts. You can rent bicycles for a quiet ride or take a pedal boat ride (free). We so enjoyed the tranquility of the ride, the peaceful nature of the lake, and feeding the local swans and ducks.

Adventurous guests will enjoy the resort’s buggy tours in the local countryside. We had a great time driving off-road, stopping to pick forest berries, and even with the rain, the staff provided rain covers. The resort offers horseback riding stables, and throughout the day, you can also enjoy casual pastimes like ping pong, table football, and pool in the restaurants and bars.

While the boys used the sports facilities, I chose to relax at the forest spa complex. Though small, I found it unique, secluded among the trees with a panoramic lake view. I was captivated by the sauna’s window, which faced directly into the forest. My extraordinary treatment began with luxurious pampering: a red wine Jacuzzi on the balcony, accompanied by fruit tea and the scenic view. An attentive therapist followed this with a professional massage, and I left feeling “on cloud nine.”

Our evening entertainment continued at the resort’s bars, such as Old Bar, which offers a classic atmosphere. The refreshing discovery for me was the Lopota Jazz Club, a sophisticatedly designed jazz club that hosts live performances on set days. It is a wonderful place to relax until the small hours of the night and enjoy a good cocktail.

The main dining hall offers an exceptional variety at breakfast, featuring a rich buffet. In addition to the regular dishes (omelets, Belgian waffles, and crêpes), they also prepare Eggs Benedict. It should be noted that the coffee from the machines is black, and those looking for a cappuccino can order it separately at the café. In our opinion, lunch and dinner are less suitable for those unaccustomed to Georgian food, who may prefer to eat a light meal at the pool bar or one of the other restaurants.

• Kakhetian Corner: Ideally situated right at the edge of the lake, this spot showcases the authentic, traditional cuisine of the Kakheti region. A highlight you shouldn’t miss is their local specialty: the unique khachapuri served on a skewer.

• Oval Restaurant: Offers a wide range of Italian and international dishes. We dined here twice, sampling various excellent options. Facing the calm greenery, the setting complements the culinary experience – we highly recommend the superb soups, excellent lasagna, high-quality steak, and delicious tiramisu.

• IKE Asian Fusion: Offers delicate Asian dishes, sushi, and fusion meals. We particularly enjoyed the spring rolls, gyoza, and the fried rice, all served on beautifully presented plates. Seating is available next to the pool, and in the evening, the venue transforms into a lively entertainment center with DJ music and table games.

• Château Buera: Located in the winery, this high-end gourmet restaurant is ideal for a luxury dinner. Its elegant style features white tablecloths and dishes presented with grace, with an emphasis on excellent steaks and wine selection.

Lopota Resort left an unforgettable impression. It is the perfect destination for a rare combination of luxury pampering, action, and natural beauty. The resort’s strong connection to its natural surroundings, along with meticulous attention to detail, from landscaping to excellent gastronomy, makes it truly outstanding. The superb service was a highlight of our stay. I would happily return.