Full-Day Georgian Wine Tasting Tour

Georgia’s wine-making traditions stretch back over 8,000 years, with a winemaking style so unique it’s listed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. If you’re curious to taste authentic Georgian wines while exploring stunning countryside and historic sites, this full-day tour offers a balanced blend of wine, history, and scenic beauty.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll appreciate the chance to taste wines directly from qvevri — traditional terracotta vessels — giving you a genuine taste of local culture. Second, the visits to Gremi Fortress and underground wine tunnels offer a real sense of Georgia’s rich history and innovative wine storage methods. Lastly, the tour’s flexible stops, including a traditional market, make it feel personal and authentic.

A possible consideration? The tour’s duration is a full nine hours, which means a lot of driving and walking — so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long days on the move. This experience suits travelers who enjoy history, authentic local flavors, and scenic landscapes, especially those eager to learn about one of the oldest wine cultures in the world.

Good To Know

• Authentic Wine Experience: Taste wines directly from qvevri and underground tunnels for a true Georgian experience.
• Historical Highlights: Visit Gremi Fortress and learn about the region’s rich history.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy impressive vistas of the Alazani Valley from the tunnels’ restaurant.
• Local Culture: Visit a family farm and a vibrant local market for a taste of everyday Georgian life.
• Expert Guides & Flexible Stops: Knowledgeable guides and optional visits like Prince Chavchavadze Palace add depth.
• Value for Money: Multiple tastings, sightseeing, and cultural insights packed into a 9-hour tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Full-Day Georgian Wine Tasting Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

This tour kicks off with a morning pickup from your Tbilisi hotel, setting the tone for a day filled with history, authentic wine, and stunning scenery. Traveling approximately 120 kilometers east into Kakheti, Georgia’s primary wine-producing region, you’ll drive through picturesque villages and lush landscapes, giving you a feel for the rural charm of this part of Georgia.

Visiting a Traditional Family Farm

Your first stop is at a local farming family where you’ll get to see traditional wine-making in action. Here, you’ll taste 4 different types of homemade white and red wines directly from qvevri — the ancient clay vessels that are still used today. The experience is not just about tasting; it’s about understanding a way of life that has been passed down through generations. The hosts often share stories about their traditions, making this a personal, immersive experience.

A reviewer, Andrew, highlighted the quality of the wine and the warmth of the hosts, mentioning that “the wines were great and the personal welcome was lovely.” Plus, you get to sample chacha, Georgia’s fiery grape spirit, adding a little kick to the tasting.

Exploring Gremi Fortress

Next, you’ll head further north, toward the Gremi Fortress, built in the 16th century. This site offers a striking view with its high walls and tall bell tower, set against the backdrop of the Caucasus mountains. It’s a site that’s both scenic and historically significant, making it the perfect photo stop.

Kvareli and the Underground Wine Tunnels

One of the tour’s standout features is a visit to the wine tunnels in Kvareli. These tunnels stretch over 800 meters beneath the Greater Caucasus mountain range, used historically for wine storage. You’ll descend via an elevator to the tunnels, where you’ll taste two or more types of Khareba wines. The cool, dark environment preserves some of Georgia’s oldest wines, giving you a chance to sample varieties that have been stored in the traditional way for centuries.

The view of the Alazani Valley from the restaurant above the tunnels is spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of vineyards and rolling hills, perfect for soaking in the region’s natural beauty.

Optional Stops: Palace or Château

On the drive back to Tbilisi, you’ll have options to enrich your day. One choice is a visit to the Prince Chavchavadze Palace, built in the 19th century with its lovely French-style park. Alternatively, you can opt for a visit to Chateau Schuchmann in Kisiskhevi, an impressive modern winery with a reputation for excellent wines and a beautiful setting.

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Cultural & Market Experience

The final stop is a visit to the Telavi market, where local vendors sell an array of fresh fruits and vegetables — grapes, peaches, pomegranates, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more. This lively market offers a glimpse into everyday Georgian life and provides the perfect opportunity to pick up some local produce or souvenirs.

Comfort, Guides, and Practicalities

Transport is in comfortable, private vehicles, perfect for relaxing between stops. The tour is guided in English, German, Italian, or Russian, with a knowledgeable guide who is praised in reviews for being friendly and attentive. Guests have noted that within 30 minutes of starting, a guide from the local company checked in to ensure everything was going smoothly, which speaks to the attentive service.

The tour costs include hotel pickup and drop-off, a bottle of water per person, and the guiding service. Wine tasting fees are paid separately, generally ranging from EUR 5-20, depending on how many and which wines you choose to sample.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

Travelers are particularly appreciating the personalized and authentic nature of the visits. The opportunity to taste wines directly from qvevri is a major highlight, as it offers a taste of Georgia’s ancient winemaking tradition that you might not find elsewhere.

The visit to Gremi Fortress offers more than just a photo op; it’s a chance to walk through a fortress that has seen centuries of Georgian history. The underground tunnels, with their cool, dark ambiance, are both atmospheric and educational, revealing the secretive wine storage methods that have kept Georgian wine evolving for millennia.

Learning from Local Hosts

Guests consistently mention how welcoming and informative the hosts are. The family farm visit, in particular, is described as a warm exposure to local life. It’s this human connection that elevates the experience beyond just wine tasting.

Scenic Beauty & Photo Opportunities

The views from the tunnels and the Alazani Valley are often described as breathtaking. The landscape’s lush vineyards and the distant mountains create a perfect backdrop for photos and memories.

Price & Value Analysis

This full-day tour offers a lot of value, especially considering the multiple tastings, visits, and the guide’s expertise. The cost covers transport, expert guiding, and exclusive visits, making it a convenient way to see and taste the best of Kakheti without the hassle of organizing separate transport or guides.

While wine tasting fees are extra, the prices are reasonable, and the variety of wines you sample makes it worthwhile. Guests have expressed satisfaction over the experience, especially with the personalized service and the variety of sites covered.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers who want to connect with Georgia’s ancient traditions, history buffs interested in the region’s heritage, and scenic travelers eager to see beautiful landscapes. It’s also suitable for those comfortable with a 9-hour day involving some walking and driving. Since it’s a private tour, it suits couples, small groups, or families seeking a tailored, intimate experience.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes both pickup and drop-off at your Tbilisi hotel, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, with a flexible starting time depending on availability.

Are wine tasting fees included?
No, wine tasting costs are paid separately and can range from EUR 5-20 depending on the number and type of wines.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and exploring sites.

Can I visit the Prince Chavchavadze Palace?
Yes, this is a possible stop on the return trip to Tbilisi, along with the option to visit Chateau Schuchmann.

Are children or non-drinkers suitable for this tour?
While the focus is on wine tasting, the sightseeing, cultural stops, and scenic views make it suitable for those not drinking as well.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, German, Italian, and Russian, accommodating a variety of travelers.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Georgian wine tour offers a well-rounded experience combining authentic wine tasting, rich history, and stunning scenery. It’s ideal for those who want to dive into Georgia’s ancient wine traditions while enjoying beautiful landscapes and insightful storytelling from friendly guides. The stops at Gremi Fortress, underground tunnels, and local markets provide both educational and sensory delights, making it a memorable way to spend a day in the Kakheti region.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates authentic experiences, personalized service, and a taste of Georgia’s cultural heritage, this tour is a fantastic choice. The combination of traditional winemaking, historical sites, and local life ensures you come away with a deeper understanding of what makes Georgia’s wine scene so special.

You can check if your dates are available here: