Detailed Tour Route
We depart from your hotel in central Tbilisi at 08:00 and drive east into the Kakheti wine region along the main highway toward Telavi. The landscape opens up quickly — within an hour you are in a different world: grapevines stretch in every direction, the Alazani plain unfolds below, and the Caucasus mountains form a wall on the horizon.
08:00
Departure from Tbilisi
Hotel pick-up in central Tbilisi. Comfortable minivan, up to 7 guests. Drive east into the Kakheti wine region — approximately 2 hours to Kvareli.
10:00
Kvareli — Kindzmarauli Microzone
Arrival in Kvareli, the heart of the Kindzmarauli appellation. Walk through the vineyards with Timur explaining the terroir: alluvial soils, microclimate, and why only this strip of land produces the genuine semi-sweet Saperavi.
10:30
Kindzmarauli Marani Winery Tour
Guided tour of the production facilities: traditional qvevri clay amphorae, modern fermentation cellars, barrel ageing rooms. The winemaker (or senior staff) explains each stage of the process from harvest to bottle.
11:30
Tasting of 6 Wine Varieties
Seated tasting covering the full range: the flagship semi-sweet Kindzmarauli, dry Saperavi, white Rkatsiteli, amber Kakhuri Mtsvane, and two seasonal varieties. Light snacks included — Georgian bread, local cheese, walnuts.
13:00
Lunch in Kvareli
Lunch at a local family restaurant — khinkali dumplings, khachapuri, mtsvadi, fresh vegetables. Average ₾25–35 per person, paid separately. This is your chance to pair the wines you just tasted with real Georgian food.
14:30
Kvareli Lake & Fortress (optional)
A short walk to the Kvareli Lake — a reservoir surrounded by vineyards and forest. Optional visit to the 18th-century Kvareli Fortress, built to defend the town from Persian raids. Excellent photo spot with mountain views.
15:30
Return Drive to Tbilisi
Relaxed drive back with a possible stop at a roadside wine shop or a viewpoint over the Alazani Valley. Arrival in Tbilisi approximately 17:30–18:00.
Why Choose This Tour
Over three years guiding in Georgia, I have learned what travellers actually care about: punctuality, honest information instead of rehearsed scripts, and the freedom to ask questions without feeling rushed. Each tour is individual — your group, your pace, your questions. Many guests return for a second or third tour. That is the best feedback I could ask for.
Timur's Tip
Plan your visit for late September or October — the Rtveli grape harvest season. The vineyards turn copper and gold, the air smells of fermenting juice, and the winery is at full energy. You can often watch the actual harvest in progress. That said, book at least a week ahead in autumn: spots fill quickly. If you come in summer, arrive at the winery early — the tasting room is cooler in the morning and the staff have more time before the afternoon rush. And always ask to taste the wine directly from the qvevri if there is one open — the difference from the bottled version is remarkable.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
A few things that will make the day more comfortable:
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk through unpaved vineyard paths. Flat-soled shoes or light hiking footwear are ideal. Avoid heels.
- Bring a light layer. The Alazani Valley can be breezy even in summer. In spring and autumn, a jacket is essential for the morning drive.
- Eat a light breakfast. The tasting includes snacks, and lunch follows shortly after — arriving on an empty stomach will make the wines hit harder than intended.
- Bring cash in GEL. Lunch and any wine purchases at the winery are most easily paid in local currency. Most places accept cards but connectivity can be slow.
- Charge your phone. The views along the Alazani Valley are genuinely spectacular. You will want the storage space.
- Tell us your preferences. If you prefer dry wines, or if someone in your group does not drink alcohol, we can arrange non-alcoholic alternatives for the tasting (fresh grape juice, lemonade). Just let Timur know when you book.
Tour led by Timur Sakhvadze — licensed Georgia guide (licence No. 8247109128), rating 4.9. English & Russian-speaking, small groups up to 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same Kindzmarauli you find in shops abroad?
Almost certainly not. The name "Kindzmarauli" is legally protected in Georgia, but wines sold abroad under this label are frequently industrial blends from outside the appellation, or outright imitations. The genuine wine is made from Saperavi grapes grown in a tightly defined microzone in Kvareli — and the production volumes are small. At the winery, you taste what is actually grown here. The difference is immediately apparent: natural residual sweetness with none of the syrupy aftertaste you might expect from mass-market semi-sweets.
Can I buy wine to take home?
Yes, and the prices are excellent. A bottle of Kindzmarauli at the winery starts from ₾12–18 depending on vintage and type. The winery sells direct, so there is no retail markup. They also provide packaging suitable for air travel — the bottles are wrapped securely and placed in a carry-friendly bag. Note that most airlines allow up to 2 litres of alcohol in checked luggage (5 bottles) if sealed and properly packed. Ask Timur for the current airline regulations for your specific carrier.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
Late September and October are the most dramatic — the Rtveli harvest is underway, the vineyards are alive with activity, and you can sometimes watch the grapes being picked. The colours are stunning. Summer (June–August) is also excellent: the vineyards are lush and green, the days are long, and the Alazani Valley is at its most scenic. Spring (April–May) is quieter and less crowded. We run this tour year-round, though in winter the vineyards are dormant — still beautiful in a spare, minimalist way, but different from the growing season.
How physically demanding is the tour?
This is an easy tour suitable for all fitness levels. The vineyard walk is flat or gently sloping — no steep climbs. If you have mobility limitations, let us know in advance and we will plan accordingly. Children are welcome on this tour (non-alcoholic options available for the tasting).
How Booking Works
Message Timur on WhatsApp: +995 511 272 623. Tell him your preferred date, number of people, and any questions. He will confirm availability and send a full itinerary with meeting time and location. A 10% deposit secures your booking. The remainder is paid on the day of the tour. Cancellation is completely free up to 24 hours before departure.
Book Kindzmarauli Winery Tour
Timur · Sakhva Travel · rated 4.9 · 500+ tourists
