Lopota Lake Resort & Spa, Kakheti, Georgia. Discover Luxury Among The Vineyards

Rupert Parker Helps With The Grape Harvest At Lopota Lake Resort & Spa

Lopota Lake Resort & Spa is a luxury complex of accommodation, restaurants and leisure facilities with its own organic vines. At Château Buera, their winery, the exuberant autumn festival combines hands-on winemaking with Georgian food and music. The winery’s grounds are dressed for the occasion and guests can enjoy the excitement of picking grapes and then see how the fruit is transformed into the beginnings of a new vintage.

Against a backdrop of Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, Lopota is the sort of place that’s difficult to leave. A shimmering lake, forested hills, vineyards and mountains provide the backdrop to an extensive resort that combines relaxation, outdoor activities and Georgian hospitality. It makes an appealing base from which to explore Kakheti, Georgia’s celebrated wine-producing region.

The first impression is of space as this is not a small boutique hotel but a sprawling complex covering 60 hectares around the water. Buildings sit among trees and gardens, with paths inviting guests to wander between the different areas. The lake provides the central focus, its surface reflecting the surrounding hills and changing light.

There is something reassuringly self-contained about the place. Families can settle in for several days without needing to venture beyond the grounds, while couples can find quieter corners for a leisurely stroll or an evening drink. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the emphasis firmly on enjoying the landscape rather than rushing through a sightseeing checklist.

The setting changes character with the seasons. In summer, the gardens and lakeside terraces become natural gathering places, while autumn brings the added attraction of the Kakhetian grape harvest. In cooler weather, the hills take on a softer, more muted palette, making the resort an attractive retreat for those who prefer their holidays without the summer crowds.

Lopota has 310 rooms across 16 buildings, with a choice of room categories and suites to suit couples, families and groups. Their design draws on natural colours and botanical motifs, creating interiors that feel contemporary without being entirely detached from the setting.

We stayed in a spacious Deluxe King Room on the first floor of a two storey block. A woodland mural occupied the wall above the bed and a coffee table held a welcome bottle of wine and snacks. Furniture included armchairs and a wooden stand-alone desk.

There was a Nespresso machine and kettle plus mini bar and an ample supply of bottled water. Robes and slippers were standard and a large balcony with lake view was home to two basket chairs and table. The bathroom was furnished with WC, bidet, hairdryer, shower and double washbasins. Attractive tiles feature here, both on the floors and the walls

The resort’s culinary offering is one of its strongest attractions. The Kakhetian Corner, by the lake with indoor and outdoor space, provides an appropriate introduction to regional cooking. Expect Georgian favourites, grilled meats, fresh salads, local cheeses and the country’s indispensable khachapuri, the bread filled with melted cheese.

Château Buera combines modern Georgian cooking with wines produced at its own winery. Taste contemporary interpretations of classic Georgian flavours from different regions, created by Chef Meriko Gubeladze. Choose between the refined indoor space with live music or terraces overlooking vineyards and the Caucasus.

The menu is complemented by Château Buera’s wine collection as the building also houses the winery. With fully bio-certified vineyards, Buera produces limited organic wines, where the natural character of the soil and quality remain essential. Guided tastings are on offer and the grape harvest is a special event with wine, food, dance and music.

For international cuisine, Oval serves Italian-inspired dishes, while IKE Asian Fusion includes Asian specialities. A central dining hall provides buffet-style meals, including breakfast. Bars and poolside bungalows provide additional places to enjoy a drink or a light bite.

The distinctive architecture of the Lopota Jazz Club is a space where every interior detail reflects a musical concept. Live jazz and signature cocktails make for a memorable night out.

The spa and wellness facilities are the core of the resort .These include saunas, Jacuzzis, fitness facilities and a forest spa set apart from the main resort. Here, on the lakeside hillside, you can enjoy massages and hydrotherapy. Afterwards, you can relax in your private Jacuzzi, gazing out on the lake and forest.

A Slavic-style bathhouse adds another dimension –choose from steam, honey, and birch rituals rooted in tradition. Seven outdoor pools are thoughtfully distributed across the resort including dedicated children’s areas. For cooler days, there’s an indoor pool with panoramic views and a Finnish sauna,

The lake provides the natural centrepiece for outdoor recreation, with paddle boats available. Horse riding is also on offer, with the surrounding rural landscape ideal to explore from the saddle. Tennis, cycling and other recreational activities are the sporty option.

For the more adventurous, quad bike tours take you off-road outside the grounds, bouncing over the terrain and traversing rivers. Not for the faint-hearted, they guarantee an instant adrenaline rush.

Once settled in, there is little need to leave the grounds, but Kakheti is well worth exploring. Telavi, the region’s principal town, approximately 23 kilometres from the resort, has a large market, with local produce, spices, cheeses and seasonal fruit.

Nearby wineries provide further opportunities to compare Georgian grape varieties and winemaking styles. Many offer tastings and food and there’s an informative wine museum at Twins Wine Cellar. Further afield, the region’s monasteries, historic estates and traditional villages offer another perspective on the country’s rich heritage.