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The site of Gadachrili Gora.

Neolithic Village Excavation

Price

$2845 per session

Duration

4 Weeks
Program Dates: May 23 – July 18, 2027

About the Course

Field School Logistics & Details

  • Location: Marneuli, Kvemo Kartli, Republic of Georgia

  • Program Dates: May 23 – July 18, 2027

    • Session 1: May 23 – June 16, 2027

    • Session 2: June 20 – July 17, 2027 (Minimum commitment: 4-week session)

Program Cost & Inclusions

  • Tuition / Cost: $2,845 USD per 4-week session

  • Fee Includes:

    • Registration and field fees

    • All lectures, field equipment, and laboratory gear

    • Accommodations and meals (as outlined below)

Accommodations & Transportation

Participants stay in a hotel located approximately 20 km from the site, with 2 to 3 people per room. Each room includes a private bathroom. Daily transportation is provided to and from the site and research laboratory.

Meals & Dietary Accommodations

  • Provided Meals: Hot breakfasts and dinners are served Monday through Friday, featuring traditional Georgian cuisine.

  • Lunches: Participants prepare their own packed lunches to bring to the field site.

Dietary Needs: We can readily accommodate vegetarian diets. Please note: We are currently unable to accommodate vegan or gluten-free diets.


Key Discoveries & Project Timeline

  • 2014-2015: Initiated Excavations at Gadachrili by the Georgian National Museum under the Research and Popularization of Georgian Wine Project

  • 2016: First season under G.R.A.P.E.

  • Excavations at Gadachrili and Shulaveris Gora

  • Discovery of Evidence of the world's oldest wine

  • 2017-8: Continued excavation at Gadachrili and Shulaveris Gora, beginning of work at Imeris Gora, and initiation of regional survey

  • Publishing of the world's oldest wine

  • 2019: Excavation of several Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze Age sites discovered on survey.

  • 2022–2023: Continued excavation at Gadachrili Gora and Azizkendi.

  • Discovery of worlds oldest Bread Wheat

  • Start of the construction of the Archaeological Park

  • 2026 First Season under ArchaeoTek, continued excavation at Gadachrili Gora, and work on archaeological park

  • Publication of world's oldest Bread Wheat


Aerial view of Gadachrili Gora.
Aerial view of Gadachrili Gora.

 GRAPE is an inclusive, supportive research environment. All participants are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct as we hold ourselves and each other accountable to high standards of scientific integrity and professional behavior.

Expand Your Research: Want a longer field season? Combine this project with our Roman Villa Excavation or Medieval Cemetery Funerary Excavation in Romania for an immersive 8-week experience.

  • Excavations of Gadachrili Gora.
  • Middle Bronze Age Pottery, Georgian National Museum, Tbilisi.
  • Iroan Age site of Dmanisis Gora.
  • Excavations of Shulaveris Gora.
  • Survey of Kurgan fields near Gardibani.
  • Excavations of Gadachrili Gora.
  • Drone photo of the excavations of Shulaveris Gora.
  • Excavations of Gadachrili Gora.
  • Excavations of Gadachrili Gora.




Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeology Project Expedition (GRAPE)

Trialeti Chalice, Georgian National Museum, Tbilisi.

The Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeology Project Expedition (GRAPE) is a Georgian-Canadian cooperative initiative investigating the prehistory of the Caucasus region in the Republic of Georgia. Launched in 2016, GRAPE conducts renewed excavations at Neolithic sites across the Kvemo Kartli region.
The project operates as part of the broader Research and Popularization of Georgian Grape and Wine Culture initiative. During its early seasons, GRAPE recovered residue evidence from pottery at Shulaveris Gora that revealed the world’s earliest known wine, dating to 6000–5800 BCE. Ongoing excavations at Gadachrili Gora, Shulaveris Gora, and Imiris Gora continue to expand our understanding of the Neolithization process in the Southern Caucasus.

Experimental Archaeology & Research
Our research incorporates hands-on experimental archaeology to help interpret the daily lives of ancient communities. Research activities include:
• Pottery making and kiln construction
• Obsidian and clay sourcing
• Lithic knapping, butchery, and bone awl fashioning

Field School & Course Overview
Designed as a comprehensive practicum in archaeological field methods, this field school emphasizes active participation in GRAPE’s ongoing research. No prior archaeological experience is necessary—all students and volunteers are welcome.

What You'll Learn & Experience:
Field Training: Intensive hands-on instruction in excavation techniques, recording procedures, and preliminary artifact processing.
Cultural Excursions: Weekend field trips exploring the rich archaeology, history, and culture of the region.
Team Integration: Participants are fully integrated into the GRAPE research team with access to project workshops, lectures, and activities.

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