Georgia invented wine. The 8000-year tradition of fermenting grapes in clay qvevri buried underground is recognised by UNESCO as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage. This full-day tour takes you to the heart of Kakheti — Georgia's wine region — for a deep tasting experience across three very different wineries.

The Wine Stops

Stop 1 — Telavi Family Winery

We begin at a small family winery in the Telavi district where winemaking has been practised since 1978. This is authentic qvevri wine: the Rkatsiteli grapes are fermented skin-on in clay vessels buried underground, producing the distinctive amber-coloured "orange wine" that Georgia is now famous for internationally. The family (the "Giorgoba" family) shows us their qvevri cellar — rows of enormous clay vessels sealed with beeswax — and explains the winemaking process. We taste 3-4 wines including their flagship amber Rkatsiteli (₾15/bottle to purchase) and a red Saperavi.

Stop 2 — Tsinandali Estate

Tsinandali was the home of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze (1786-1846), a poet and general who planted the first European-variety vineyard in Georgia. The estate is now a museum and winery, producing some of Kakheti's most elegant wines in the classic European style. We tour the house and cellars (Chavchavadze's wine collection, now over 16,000 bottles from the 19th century, is still intact) before a tasting of their classic red and white varieties.

Stop 3 — Small Family Cellar

We finish at a tiny family cellar that produces perhaps 2000 bottles per year — entirely for their own use and a few regular customers. This is the most intimate tasting of the day: sitting at a long table in a stone cellar, the winemaker pours wine directly from the qvevri and tells us about the vintage. No labels, no branding — just wine, cheese, and stories.

Lunch

Between the second and third stops we have lunch at a family guesthouse — Georgian meze: mtsvadi (grilled meat), lobio (bean stew), badrijani nigvzit (aubergine with walnut), fresh cheese, and bread baked in a tone oven. This is included in the tour price.

Timur's Tip

If you visit in October during the rtveli (grape harvest), you can stomp grapes at the family winery — a unique experience that only exists for a few weeks per year. Book the October harvest tour specifically if you want this. And pace yourself across the wineries: 6-10 wines over a day is enjoyable; trying to drink everything at every stop is not.

Included

  • Private transfer from Tbilisi
  • English-speaking guide (Timur)
  • 3 winery visits with tastings
  • 6-10 wines total
  • Lunch at family guesthouse
  • Tsinandali estate tour

Not Included

  • Wine purchases
  • Additional drinks
  • Personal purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need wine knowledge to enjoy the tour?

No. Timur explains each wine in accessible English without jargon. The tour is designed for wine lovers of all levels — from complete beginners to experienced tasters.

How long is the tour and what is included?

9-10 hours including travel. Three winery visits, 6-10 wines, and lunch at a family guesthouse are all included in the ₾225 price.

Can I buy wine to take home?

Yes. Each winery sells bottles directly at excellent prices. Budget ₾30-80 for bottles if you want to take wine home.