The Wine Cellar of Makhuntseti

Abstract

   In 2023, archaeological excavations were carried out in the village of Zeda Makhuntseti, Keda Municipality, to study a recently discovered marani (wine cellar). Through systematic work, we identified a lightly covered marani typical for western Georgia. This is indicated by oval-shaped stone slabs set firmly into the dense soil, arranged in straight lines. Additionally, fragments of grooved roof tiles were found on site. In front of this area, two rows of traditional, locally shaped large clay vessels known as qvevris—with various sizes and relief decorations—were uncovered. Various fragments of kitchen and household pottery were found both on the marani site and inside the qvevris. Among these, a distinctive fragment of a red-slipped, rounded, ornamented pipe stands out. Similar pipes have been found in large quantities among the archaeological finds in Gonio and Petra, dating to different periods of the 18th century.

   It is important to note that palynological samples—pollen grains—were successfully collected from some of the qvevris. Radiocarbon dating conducted in Israel dated these samples to the 17th–18th centuries. Research is ongoing to identify the grapevine varieties as well.

  The study of the marani is not yet complete, as part of the artifact-rich area remains unexcavated. Further investigation has been postponed to the next excavation season.

  The final results of the archaeological excavations at Makhuntseti marani, combined with written and ethnographic sources, will shed more light on viticulture and winemaking practices in Adjara during the Ottoman period. This will enrich knowledge about the establishment, functioning, and grape varieties of open-type maranis in the Adjara region.