The Alazani Valley is the heart of Georgian wine country — a broad, flat plain at the foot of the Greater Caucasus, with vineyards stretching from horizon to horizon and the snow-capped mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. This route focuses exclusively on the wineries and vineyards of the valley, without the usual detours to monasteries and castles. Pure wine.

The Route

Telavi — Morning

We begin in Telavi, the capital of Kakheti, at a family winery in the Telavi district. This winery focuses on the traditional qvevri method: amber Rkatsiteli and skin-contact whites made with minimal intervention. We tour the qvevri cellar and taste 3-4 wines with the family over breakfast-style Georgian snacks (cheese, matsoni, fresh bread).

Tsinandali — Late Morning

The historic Tsinandali estate, once the home of Georgia's most famous poet-general, now produces some of Kakheti's most polished European-style wines. The estate vineyards — dating to the 1840s — are planted with Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, and Saperavi. We tour the cellars and the remarkable 19th-century wine museum before tasting their flagship whites and reds.

Lunch in the Valley

Lunch at a vineyard restaurant in the valley with views of the mountains — Georgian meze, fresh grilled meats, local bread, and a glass of the local wine. Included in the tour price.

Kvareli / Kindzmarauli — Afternoon

We drive east to Kvareli — home of Kindzmarauli, Georgia's famous semi-sweet red wine that was reportedly Stalin's favourite. The deep-red Saperavi grapes from this microzone produce a wine with intense colour, rich fruit, and a slight natural sweetness. We visit a small producer and taste the genuine article alongside a dry Saperavi for comparison. We also walk through a section of the vineyards — the Alazani Valley vineyards in late afternoon light are extraordinarily beautiful.

Timur's Tip

This tour is wine-focused — we're not stopping at monasteries or other attractions. If you want wine plus history and architecture, the full Kakheti day tour is the better choice. This route is for people who want to go deep into Georgian wine specifically.

Included

  • Private transfer from Tbilisi
  • English-speaking guide (Timur)
  • Telavi family winery tasting
  • Tsinandali estate tour and tasting
  • Kindzmarauli winery tasting
  • Vineyard walk
  • Lunch with wine

Not Included

  • Wine purchases
  • Additional drinks
  • Personal purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Alazani Valley route different from the general Kakheti wine tour?

The Alazani Valley route is focused exclusively on vineyards and wineries — no monasteries or historical sites. It covers Telavi, Tsinandali, and Kindzmarauli: three distinct wine styles in one valley. The general Kakheti tour includes Sighnaghi and Bodbe Monastery alongside the wine stops.

How many wines will we taste?

8-10 wines across 3 stops. At each winery we taste 3-4 wines; at Tsinandali we may taste more from their broader range. Portions are generous tasting measures, not full glasses.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional Georgian lunch at a vineyard restaurant is included in the ₾175 price.