Wine Tourism in Georgia

Georgia is the birthplace country of wine at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. With a winemaking tradition that dates back over 8,000 years, Georgia offers a remarkable experience for wine lovers. The country’s Kakheti area is special and stands out as the heart of Georgian wine production, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wine tourism.

Today, we’ll discuss what makes wine tourism in Georgia so special, focusing on the Kakheti region, its unique method of making wine, and the unforgettable experiences that await you.

The Rich History of Winemaking in Georgia

Georgia’s winemaking history is deeply rooted in its culture and traditions. The country’s use of qvevri – large, egg-shaped clay vessels buried underground to ferment and store wine – has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This ancient method, dating back to 6,000 BC, involves fermenting grapes along with their skins, stems, and seeds, resulting in a distinctive flavor profile unique to Georgian wines.

The use of natural yeasts and minimal intervention during the winemaking process further enhances these wines’ earthy, robust characteristics.

Key Vineyards and Wineries in Kakheti

Kakheti, located in eastern Georgia, is the country’s premier wine region. It produces around 70% of Georgia’s wine and is home to some of the most renowned wineries.

Tsinandali Estate

Tsinandali Estate is located in the heart of the Kakheti wine region, approximately 79 km (about a 1.5-hour drive) from Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. The estate is not just a winery but also a historic site, once home to the 19th-century Georgian aristocrat and poet Alexander Chavchavadze.

The estate is renowned for its classical architecture, beautiful gardens, and significant role in introducing European winemaking techniques to Georgia.

Visiting Information

• Operating Hours: daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Entrance Fees:
  • For the estate and its museum, it is about 20 GEL (nearly $7 USD).
  • Additional fees apply for wine-tasting sessions and guided tours.
• Wine Tasting and Tours:
  • The estate offers various programs, including guided tours of the historic house museum and the wine cellar.
  • Visitors can learn about the history of Georgian wine production and taste a selection of wines produced on-site.
  • Prices for wine tastings typically start at 25 GEL (around $9 USD) and can increase depending on the number and types of wines included.
• Special Programs:
  • The estate also hosts cultural events, including classical music concerts and seasonal festivals.
  • Visitors can participate in a traditional Georgian cooking class or a supra, a traditional Georgian feast, for an extra cost.

Pheasant’s Tears

Pheasant’s Tears is located in the picturesque town of Sighnaghi, known as the “City of Love,” about 110 km (about a 2-hour drive) from Tbilisi.

This family-run winery is famous for its commitment to reviving ancient Georgian winemaking techniques, particularly using qvevri. Pheasant’s Tears has become a beloved destination for wine lovers who appreciate natural, artisanal wines made with minimal intervention.

Visiting Information

• Operating Hours: daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Wine Tasting and Tours:
  • The intimate wine-tasting sessions start at around 35 GEL (about $12 USD).
  • These tastings often include a winery tour, where you can learn about the qvevri winemaking process and sample a range of wines directly from the cellar.
• Dining Experience:
  • Pheasant’s Tears also features a small, cozy restaurant that serves traditional Georgian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
  • This high-class vineyard dining experience is designed to complement the wines, making it a perfect spot to enjoy Georgian food and wine in a peaceful and quiet place.
• Special Programs: The winery offers private tours and custom itineraries upon request. These can include:
  • Vineyard walks
  • In-depth discussions with the winemakers
  • Participation in the grape harvest during the Rtveli season

Chateau Mukhrani

Chateau Mukhrani, located about 25 km from Tbilisi, is slightly outside the Kakheti region but is a must-visit while exploring Georgia’s wine country.

The chateau dates back to the 19th century and was established by Prince Ivane Mukhranbatoni, who brought European winemaking techniques to Georgia.

Visiting Information

• Operating Hours: daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Wine Tasting and Tours:
  • Visitors can choose from several tasting packages starting at 40 GEL (about $14 USD), which include:
    • a tour of the vineyards
    • the historic chateau
    • the modern winery

Chateau Mukhrani offers a range of tours that showcase its quality-built facilities and ancient history.

• Dining Experience:
  • The estate’s local restaurant is known for its food and wine pairings.
  • It focuses on Georgian food made from locally sourced ingredients.
  • The chateau’s wine tour often includes a stop here for a meal that perfectly complements its wines.
• Special Programs:
  • Chateau Mukhrani offers in-person individual tours and custom tours that include:
    • Horseback riding through the vineyards
    • Exploring food and wine pairings
    • Private events such as weddings or corporate retreats.

Schuchmann Wines Chateau & Spa

Schuchmann Wines Chateau & Spa is located near the village of Kisiskhevi, about 90 km (near a 1.5-hour drive) from Tbilisi. This place is a perfect blend of traditional winemaking and modern luxury, offering guests an opportunity to engage themselves in the wine making culture of Georgia while enjoying a range of upscale amenities.

Visiting Information

• Operating Hours: daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours for hotel guests.
• Wine Tasting and Tours:
  • Guided tours of their vineyards and cellars, where visitors can learn about their unique method of making wine that combines traditional methods with modern techniques.
  • The tasting sessions start at 30 GEL (about $10 USD) and include a selection of their finest wines, including made in qvevri.
• Dining and Accommodation:
  • The on-site restaurant offers a food and wine pairing
  • The estate provides luxurious accommodations and spa facilities, an ideal spot for relaxation and a wine tour in one.
• Special Programs:
  • It offers a variety of custom places for visitors, including vineyard walks, cooking classes, and wine tours led by Georgian guides who are experts in real Georgian traditions.

Badagoni Wine Company

Located near the town of Gurjaani, Badagoni Wine Company is about 100 km (nearly a 2-hour drive) from Tbilisi. The winery is one of the largest and most modern in Georgia.

Visiting Information

• Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Wine Tasting and Tours: The winery offers guided tours of its modern facilities, where you can see how wines are made using traditional methods and modern technology.
  • Tasting sessions are available for around 25 GEL (about $9 USD) and feature a variety of wines.
  • Including wines made from Indigenous Georgian grape varieties like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli.
• Special Programs:
  • Badagoni offers different wine tours, including individual tours that can be customized to include visits to local historical sites, traditional ways of making wine, and tasting wines directly from the qvevri.
  • They also organize seasonal events like harvest festivals and grape-stomping parties, which provide a hands-on experience of Georgian wine culture.

Kindzmarauli Corporation

Kindzmarauli Corporation is located in the Alazani Valley, near the town of Kvareli, about 120 km (nearly a 2-hour drive) from Tbilisi. The winery is best known for its Kindzmarauli wine, a semi-sweet red that has become one of Georgia’s most famous wines worldwide.

Visiting Information

• Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Wine Tasting and Tours: You can tour the winery, including a look at its extensive vineyards and modern production facilities.
  • Tasting sessions start at 30 GEL (about $10 USD)
  • Include a variety of wines produced on-site, with a focus on their signature Kindzmarauli.
• Dining and Experiences:
  • The winery offers a tourist menu at its on-site restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Georgian food alongside its wines.
  • Custom views can include:
    • visits to nearby cultural sites
    • vineyard tours
    • tasting wines directly from the qvevri
• Special Programs:
  • In addition to regular tours, Kindzmarauli Corporation offers individual tours and custom itineraries that allow for a more personalized experience, such as:
    • participating in the grape harvest
    • enjoying a food and wine pairing lunch prepared by local chefs

Top Wine Varieties to Try in Kakheti

*Kakheti wine is renowned for its indigenous grape varieties, each offering a distinct taste that reflects the region’s diverse terroir. Some of the most notable wines include:

• Saperavi: A full-bodied red wine with deep color and strong tannins. It is one of the oldest known grape varieties and is often aged in qvevri to improve its complex flavors.
• Rkatsiteli: A white wine is known for its crisp acidity and floral notes. This wine is often fermented with its skins, giving it a unique amber color.
• Kindzmarauli: A semi-sweet red wine made from Saperavi grapes. It is highly popular both in Georgia and abroad for its smooth, fruity flavor.

Wine Tours Focus: Tasting and Learning

Wine tours in Kakheti typically include visits to several wineries, where you can sample wines and learn about the winemaking process from local experts.

1. These tours often feature larger wineries and smaller artisan wineries, giving you a well-rounded view of Georgian wine production.
2. Tours usually last a full day, with individual tours or group experience options.
3. Most wineries in Kakheti are open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the harvest season, from late August to early October, when the vineyards are rushing with activity.
4. During a wine tour, expect to taste various local wines, including the region’s famous Saperavi (a bold red wine) and Rkatsiteli (a crisp white wine).
5. Many tours also include a stop at a local family winery, where you can experience traditional Georgian hospitality and participate in the wine creation process or cooking classes.

Unique Experiences in the Wine Region

One of the highlights of wine tourism in Georgia is the opportunity to taste unique bio wines witness qvevri winemaking firsthand.

This ancient technique is still widely practiced in Kakheti, where winemakers carefully monitor the fermentation process in clay vessels. During your wine tour, you can see how the qvevri are cleaned, filled with grapes, and sealed underground for months to allow the wine to mature naturally.

The qvevri method produces wines with a unique, full-bodied flavor that reflects the rich soil and climate of the Kakheti.

Savor these wines offers a direct connection to Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions, providing an experience that is as educational as it is enjoyable.

Best Times to Visit Kakheti Region

While the Kakheti region is accessible year-round, the autumn harvest season is the most exciting time to visit.

From late August to early October, visitors can participate in the Rtveli (grape harvest), a festive time when families come together to pick grapes and begin the winemaking process.

This is also the best time to enjoy wine tastings as fresh vintages are being produced.

Travel Tips and Practical Information

• Distance and Transportation:
  • Kakheti is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital.
  • The best way to explore the region is by renting a car, for example, from Getmancar, or booking a tour with a local tour company.
  • Many tours offer custom locations to visit, including pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.
• Entrance Fees and Costs:
  • Most wineries charge a small fee for tours and tastings, typically ranging from 20 to 50 GEL (about $7 to $17 USD).
  • Some tours may include additional activities, such as a cooking class or a visit to local family wineries, for an additional cost.
• Accommodation:
  • Kakheti offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses.
  • Many wineries also have on-site lodging, letting you stay overnight and fully dive into the wine country experience.
• Local Cuisine:
  • No wine tour is complete without sampling the local food.
  • Kakheti is known for its hearty dishes that pair perfectly with Georgian wines.
  • Be sure to try khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), mtsvadi (grilled meat), and badrijani nigvzit (eggplant with walnut paste) at a local restaurant.

Why Wine Tourism in Georgia is a Must

Georgia’s Kakheti region offers a wine tourism experience unlike any other. From the ancient qvevri winemaking traditions to the warm hospitality of local families, every aspect of a wine tour here is steeped in history and culture.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for traditional way to explore Georgian culture, a visit to Kakheti will surely be an unforgettable journey into the world’s oldest winemaking traditions.

The region’s artisan wineries, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it a premium authentic travel destination. So, pack your bags, book your tour guide, and get ready to taste some of the world’s most unique bio wines.

Whether you’re sipping a glass of amber-colored qvevri wine in a Tbilisi wine bar or enjoying a high-class vineyard dining experience in the heart of Kakheti, you’ll quickly understand why Georgia is celebrated as the birthplace of wine.

From the rolling vineyards at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains to the ancient cellars where Georgian wines have been made for centuries.

Kakheti is a place where ancient history, culture, and flavor come together in perfect harmony.