Chokhatauri

Chokhatauri is the administrative capital of Guria, a region largely bypassed by international tourists. The town serves as a convenient base for visiting centuries-old monasteries like Udabno and Erketi, the 17th-century Eristavi Palace in nearby Goraberezhouli, and sampling Gurian wines at family-run wineries in villages like Bukistikhe. The surrounding hills offer hiking and mountain biking opportunities without the crowds found at more popular Georgian destinations.

Chokhatauri is compact and easily covered on foot. Minibuses (marshrutkas) to nearby villages depart from the central bus station and from a stop near the Socar gas station. Taxis typically wait on the main square. You will need a bike or taxi to reach outlying attractions like the Eristavi Palace in Goraberezhouli (5km west) or Erketi monastery (6km south). Two 24-hour gas stations provide additional landmarks for orientation.

The Chokhatauri Historical Museum (13 Dumbadze Str, free admission, Tu-Su 10AM-6PM) houses archaeological material, weapons, ethnographic items, and numismatic collections. Nearby, the Niko Mari Memorial Museum (free, Tu-Su 10AM-5PM) commemorates the famous Georgian scientist and historian. The Eristavi Palace and Garden in Goraberezhouli, 5km west, is the only surviving secular monument in Guria, featuring a palace, garden, and stone fence from the 17th century. Old fortress ruins exist in Bukistsikhe village.

The Chokhatauri region is largely untouristed, making it ideal for independent outdoor activities. Hiking in the Surebi Mountains: take a bus to Surebi village, then hike to Mefistskaro peak (2850m elevation) and visit the twin Jaji lakes. Swimming is possible in the River Supsa; the best spot is Guristba beach in Bukistsikhe village. Fishing is available in local rivers. Wine tours operate at Iverieli winery in Bukistikhe where you can taste, see vineyards, and purchase regional wines including the pink Chkhaveri variety. Equipment for rafting or organized trekking is not available on-site; bring your own or arrange in advance.

A weekly market operates every Sunday in Chokhatauri's central area. The market sells local produce, farm animals, and is worth visiting even without purchasing. Bukistsikhe village is famous for Chkhaveri wine, a pink Gurian varietal grown there. In Chokhatauri center, small mini-markets and the Marula supermarket provide basic supplies. The Marula supermarket is located on the regional road to Bakhmaro in the southern part of town. In the village of Erketi (Kvemo Erketi), you can buy homemade honey by asking for the Kobidze family.

The Marula restaurant sits near the roundabout where roads diverge toward Bakhmaro. The Bakhmaro restaurant is located on Dumbadze Street in the only three-floor building in the town center. Both establishments serve local Georgian cuisine in straightforward settings without pretension. For self-catering, the Marula supermarket stocks basic provisions.

Guria is a wine-producing region, and Chokhatauri makes a natural base for wine exploration. Iverieli winery in Bukistikhe offers tastings, vineyard visits, and wine purchases. Sachamiaseri is another nearby wine-producing village where locals may invite visitors for informal tastings; Tsolikauri white wine is the regional specialty. The area's agricultural economy also supports local dairy production.

Accommodation options in Chokhatauri are limited. An unnamed small hotel exists on the regional road to Bakhmaro, opposite the Marula supermarket in the southern part of town. A guesthouse run by Keti Sikharulidze-Sharashenidze offers four bedrooms, a large dining room, balconies, and shared bathrooms in a village setting with a traditional "village corner" and wine cellar. The hostess also owns a cottage at Bakhmaro resort (58km away, at 2050m elevation). Advanced booking is recommended for the guesthouse.

Georgian is the local language. Gurians are known for speaking more quickly than average Georgians from other regions, which can make understanding them challenging for learners. Younger residents are more likely to speak some English. Consider learning a few basic Georgian phrases for rural areas outside the town center.

Chokhatauri connects to several destinations. To the west, the Black Sea coast towns of Ureki and Kobuleti offer beach access. Inland, Ozurgeti (the regional capital of Guria) lies 14km away and makes a natural next stop. Other nearby towns include Lanchkhuti, Aketi, and Nabeglavi (known for mineral water). For mountain air and hiking, Bakhmaro resort sits at 2050m elevation, 58km from the guesthouse location. Khidistavi is another listed destination in the region.