Chacha is Georgia's national spirit — a grape pomace brandy distilled by almost every winemaking family in the country. This full-day excursion to Kakheti takes you inside a family winery to witness the traditional distillation process on a copper alambic and taste the results alongside the family who made them.
Supermarket chacha is one thing. Homemade chacha is something else entirely. Authentic chacha is made from pomace — the skins, seeds, and stems left over after pressing wine grapes. The pomace is fermented in large clay or wooden vessels, then slowly distilled in a traditional copper alambic (pot still). The first fraction of the distillate — the "heads" — is discarded. Only the middle "heart" fraction is kept.
The host will walk you through the entire process. You'll see a working alambic, learn why the temperature at which distillate is drawn matters, how distillers read the strength "by eye" using a traditional flame test, and why old-school producers always aged their chacha in oak barrels rather than stainless steel tanks.
We taste several styles side by side: young chacha (sharp and bright, close to the raw spirit), oak-aged chacha (smooth, with vanilla and dried fruit notes), walnut-infused chacha, and a fruit version — fig or pear depending on what the family has that season. Snacks are provided: homemade cheese, fresh bread, churchkhela.
You can buy bottles directly from the distiller to take home — typically ₾15–20 per litre, which is three to four times cheaper than equivalent quality in Tbilisi shops. Georgian customs impose no restriction on exporting spirits. See also: Tbilisi Gastro Tour.
The chacha masterclass in Kakheti begins with a scenic drive through Georgia's main wine region. As you travel east from Tbilisi, the landscape shifts from city to mountain forest and then opens out into the broad Alazani Valley, where rows of vines stretch toward the Greater Caucasus range. The first part of the visit is a walking tour of the winery estate: the vineyard rows, the fermentation cellar with its clay kvevri jars, and the distillation room with its copper still. The host — in many cases a third-generation distiller — explains not just how chacha is made but why it has always been central to Kakhetian culture.
After the distillation demonstration, the focus shifts to tasting. The family sets out a spread of chacha in small glasses, each poured in turn with an explanation of its character. Young chacha is intense and aromatic; aged chacha carries the rounded warmth of oak. The fruit varieties are lighter and more fragrant. The tasting is unhurried — there is always time for questions, and the host speaks freely about the traditions passed down through the family.
The experience closes with a shared meal at the family table. Georgian hospitality here is not performative: the food is whatever the household normally eats, cooked that morning. This is one of the few tours where guests sit down not as tourists being entertained, but as guests of a working family sharing their table.
This is a masterclass, not a tasting room.
The chacha masterclass is not a tasting in the conventional sense. The host shows you the entire cycle — from the pomace fermenting in a large vat to the finished spirit running off the alambic. The most interesting moment is monitoring the alcohol content as it comes through: the first 100 ml of distillate runs at 70–75%, then strength drops progressively. This is why genuine homemade chacha is always a blend of fractions drawn at different times. The tasting session usually presents 4–5 styles: grape chacha, pear chacha, mandarin chacha — each with its own distinct character.
Eat a light breakfast before the tour — do not arrive on an empty stomach. Khachapuri with egg is a solid base. For taking chacha on a flight: pack bottles under 100 ml in your carry-on, or put any quantity in checked luggage. Georgian customs set no limit on spirits exported by travellers.
Ready to book?
Timur is a private English-speaking guide with a 4.9 rating. Groups up to 7, hotel pick-up included, 10% deposit to confirm.
More about the private tour →The tour departs from your Tbilisi hotel at 09:00 and returns by approximately 19:00. The drive to Kakheti takes about 1.5 hours each way through mountain roads — comfortable in a private minivan. Motion sickness tablets are worth packing if you are sensitive to mountain passes.
Chacha strength varies significantly: the family's own is typically 55–60% ABV. Pace yourself during the tasting — the snacks and lunch help, but the spirit is potent. The family winery is a working farm, so expect authentic conditions rather than a polished visitor centre. Wear comfortable shoes; there may be short walks on uneven ground between the vineyard and the distillery building.
The masterclass runs year-round. The most scenic months are May–October, when the vineyards are in full leaf. Late September and October coincide with harvest season, when you may see the winery in full production mode — grapes being pressed and pomace ready for fermentation. Winter visits are quieter and more intimate.
No. This is an adults-only experience. The distillation process and the tasting both involve alcohol, and the family winery is not set up for children under 18. If you are travelling with a family, Kakheti has plenty of alternative activities — ask Timur for recommendations.
Yes — a minimum of 48 hours in advance. The family prepares the distillation run specifically for the group visit and does not take walk-in guests. Booking in advance also lets us organise the pick-up time to match your Tbilisi location.
Yes. The family sells their chacha directly at ₾15–20 per litre — three to four times cheaper than the equivalent quality in Tbilisi shops. There is no Georgian customs limit on spirits carried out by travellers. For air travel, place bottles in checked luggage or use 100 ml travel bottles for carry-on.
Yes. We can extend the day to include a stop at a Kakheti winery for a separate wine tasting. This adds approximately 1.5–2 hours and is priced on request. See: Wine Tasting in Kakheti.
Related Tours
Old Tbilisi Walking Tour · Kazbegi from Tbilisi · Tbilisi on Foot · Night Tour of Tbilisi · Kakheti from Tbilisi
Wonderful trip to Kakheti! The wine was amazing — everyone should visit Georgian vineyards at least once.
Very good guide. We had a great time! The program was tailored to us, recommend!
Excellent guide. Showed and told us everything about sunny Georgia. Speaks great English and Russian.
You have no idea how much I enjoyed it. Nice tiredness, nice people, delicious food. Thank you very much.
Highly recommend if you want the best advice and travel services across Georgia.
We went to Kazbegi — Timur convinced us the special atmosphere was worth it. Snow by the church, silence. The most romantic day of the trip.