Tbilisi: Wine Tasting at Old, Historical Cellar in the City

If you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about Georgia’s famed wine culture, this tour promises an intimate glimpse into the country’s vinous traditions. It takes you into a 200-year-old wine cellar right in the heart of Tbilisi, offering a taste of history, craftsmanship, and local flavors. While it’s a short experience—just about an hour—it’s packed with authentic charm, expert guidance, and genuinely good wine.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to sample limited edition Georgian wines that aren’t usually found elsewhere, paired with traditional cheese to enhance the tasting. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience accessible for all levels of wine lovers. Plus, visiting a cellar steeped in history adds a tangible sense of connection to Georgia’s rich wine-making roots. On the flip side, if you’re after a more extensive wine journey or a full-day tour, you might want to look elsewhere. But for a quick, authentic, and well-curated experience in Tbilisi, this tour hits the right notes. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed yet insightful introduction to Georgia’s winemaking traditions.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Tasting five unique Georgian wines in a 200-year-old cellar.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about Georgia’s UNESCO-recognized wine-making techniques.
• Local Pairings: Enjoy a carefully curated Georgian cheese plate with your wines.
• Small Group: Limited to six participants for an intimate and personalized experience.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts like Teona and Dima enhance the storytelling.
• Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, with flexible booking options.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Deep Dive into the Experience

The Setting: A 200-Year-Old Wine Cellar in Tbilisi

The tour takes place inside a historical wine cellar that has been around for over two centuries. Its aged stone walls, dim lighting, and rustic ambiance instantly transport you away from the city’s busy streets into a place where tradition is alive. Many reviewers mention the cellar’s beauty, noting that it’s a perfect backdrop for tasting some of Georgia’s finest wines. Dima, one of the guides, is praised for his knowledge and enthusiasm, making the visit both educational and enjoyable.

What to Expect During the Tasting

The core of this experience is sampling five limited edition Georgian wines, each representing a different style or grape variety. These aren’t mass-produced wines but carefully crafted, small-batch selections that reflect Georgia’s diverse terroir and ancient winemaking methods. You’ll taste wines made from traditional Georgian grape varieties, primarily from East Georgia—an area renowned as the country’s primary wine-producing region.

As you sip, your guide will explain the traditional Georgian technique, which is so significant that it’s included in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. This method involves fermenting wine in clay vessels called qvevri, a practice that lends distinctive flavors and textures to the wine. Many reviews, like Douglas’s, mention the guides’ knowledge, highlighting how they help demystify the process and make it accessible.

The Cheese Pairing: A Perfect Match

Complementing the wines is a local cheese plate, featuring Georgian cheeses that vary from soft to firm, each selected to enhance the unique flavors of the wines. The pairing is thoughtfully curated, adding a sensory layer to the tasting. Reviewers like Angelika point out how the wines left such an impression that they bought bottles to take home. The cheese accompaniment rounds out the experience, making it more than just a tasting—it’s a mini culinary journey.

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The Guides: Knowledge and Warmth

Guests consistently mention the guides’ expertise and friendliness. Teona, in particular, receives praise for her engaging manner and deep knowledge of Tbilisi’s history and winemaking. Dima, another host, is noted for his passion and storytelling skills. Their insights help you appreciate not just the wines but also Georgia’s rich cultural context.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to just six participants, the group size ensures a relaxed, personal atmosphere. This intimacy allows for more interaction, questions, and a feeling of genuine connection. It’s ideal if you prefer a more tailored, less crowded experience.

Duration and Practicalities

This experience runs for about one hour, making it easy to slot into a busy day of sightseeing. Check with the provider for available starting times, but be aware that flexibility is offered with the “reserve now, pay later” option. The tour is conducted in English and Russian, making it accessible for a broad range of travelers.

Value for Money

Considering the inclusion of five limited edition wines, a cheese platter, and expert guidance, many reviewers feel this experience offers excellent value for its price. It’s a concise but rich introduction to Georgian wine culture, especially for those who might not want a full-day tour but still want meaningful insights.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This experience excels in providing an authentic taste of Georgia’s winemaking traditions without overwhelming complexity. The small group size fosters a warm, engaging environment, and the knowledgeable guides make complex techniques understandable and interesting. Visitors frequently praise the quality of the wines—not just for their taste but for their rarity and cultural significance.

Importantly, the setting inside a historic cellar adds atmosphere that’s hard to replicate in a modern wine bar. Many guests, like Marizanne, mention how Dima’s storytelling and Teona’s hospitality made the experience special, often prompting them to purchase bottles to take home.

Who Will Love This Experience

This tour is perfect for wine lovers eager for a genuine Georgian experience, those interested in cultural traditions, and travelers who value small, interactive groups. It’s also ideal if you want a short but meaningful activity that adds depth to your Tbilisi visit. However, if you’re seeking a comprehensive wine journey or a full-day excursion, you might want to combine this with other experiences.

Practical Tips

• Reserve in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
• Check the availability for starting times as they can vary.
• The experience is suitable for those 18 and older; no children under 18 are allowed.
• If you’re a fan of local flavors and traditions, this tour will deepen your appreciation for Georgian culture.
• Remember that additional food or drinks aren’t included beyond the cheese plate, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry.

FAQ

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is this experience suitable for non-Russian speakers?
Yes, the tour is conducted in English and Russian, so if you speak either language, you’ll be able to follow along and ask questions.

How many wines will I taste?
You will taste five different local Georgian wines, each offering a different flavor profile and insight into regional wine styles.

Are the wines tasted in the cellar or elsewhere?
The tasting takes place inside the 200-year-old wine cellar, adding to the authenticity and ambiance of the experience.

Is the tour family-friendly?
No, it’s only for travelers 18 and older due to alcohol consumption.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers five glasses of limited edition Georgian wines and a local cheese plate. Additional food or drinks are not included.

Final Thoughts

This wine tasting tour in Tbilisi offers a compact yet rich dive into Georgia’s legendary wine culture. It’s a wonderful choice for travelers who want a personalized, authentic experience in a historic setting. The combination of unique wines, expert guides, and local cheese makes it more than just a tasting—it’s a cultural mini-journey.

If you’re seeking a memorable way to understand Georgia’s vinous roots while enjoying warm hospitality and stunning historic surroundings, this tour will definitely meet your expectations. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small group intimacy, knowledgeable guides, and high-quality, local wines. For a brief but meaningful taste of Georgian tradition, this experience is hard to beat.

You can check if your dates are available here: