Kakheti Wine Tour – Explore the Art of Kvevri Winemaking

Key Points

• Duration: 10 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability
• Highlights: Visit Telavi, explore the Alaverdi Monastery, and enjoy a Kvevri wine cellar experience
• Expert Guides: Led by a professional English-speaking guide and an expert certified sommelier
• Exclusive Access: Special entry to the Alaverdi Monastery wine cellar, where monks have made wine since the 11th century
• Culinary Experience: Includes a traditional Georgian lunch paired with local wines
• Comfort & Convenience: Modern air-conditioned vehicle, free Wi-Fi, and all entrance fees included

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Kakheti: Georgia’s Premier Wine Region in One Day

The Kakheti Wine Tour from Tbilisi offers a comprehensive day exploring Georgia’s most renowned wine-producing area. This 10-hour experience takes you through scenic landscapes of vineyards and rolling hills, beginning at Rose Revolution Square and ending back at the same spot. The tour is ideal for those interested in authentic winemaking traditions, historical sites, and delicious regional cuisine, all within a well-organized package.

You’ll visit Telavi, the charming regional capital full of history and local charm, and the iconic Alaverdi Monastery, founded in the 6th century. The highlight is the exclusive access to the Alaverdi wine cellar, where monks have been producing Kvevri wines in large clay vessels buried underground since the 11th century. The experience combines cultural insights, historical exploration, and the chance to savor Georgia’s signature wines in their birthplace.

While the tour offers a full itinerary, it’s important to note that it involves some walking at each stop, and a moderate level of physical activity is recommended. The tour is well-suited for those with an interest in history, culture, and wine, but less so for travelers with mobility impairments.

Key Points

• The 10-hour tour departs from Rose Revolution Square and includes visits to Telavi and Alaverdi Monastery
• Exclusive access to the Kvevri wine cellar tied to UNESCO cultural heritage
• Guided visits to historic landmarks and vineyard walks to understand traditional winemaking methods
• Tasting sessions feature Saperavi and Rkatsiteli wines, with insights into Georgian terroir
• An authentic Georgian lunch with local wines enhances the experience
• Includes all entrance fees, transportation, guide services, and photo/video opportunities

From Rose Revolution Square to the Heart of Kakheti

The tour begins at Rose Revolution Square, where you meet your guide and hop into a modern air-conditioned vehicle. The drive to Kakheti takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, offering views of vineyards and picturesque hills along the route. This scenic journey sets a relaxed tone for the day ahead as you head towards Telavi, the first major stop.

In Telavi, you will explore historic streets and visit landmarks like the 900-year-old Plane Tree, Batonis Tsikhe Fortress, and the Erekle II Palace. These sites provide a glimpse into Georgia’s medieval past and its significance as a political hub during the 17th and 18th centuries. A guided walk ensures you don’t miss any hidden details of this charming town.

Exploring Telavi’s Historic Streets and Landmarks

The scenic views and historic architecture make Telavi an engaging stop. The guided tour includes photo stops and a short walk through the town, offering ample opportunities to appreciate its medieval charm. You’ll also have time to visit local shops or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this regional capital.

This stop lasts around an hour, with the option to take photos of the rolling vineyards and mountain backdrop. The guide shares insights into the region’s importance in Georgian history, making it more than just a sightseeing walk.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting the Ancient Alaverdi Monastery and the Kvevri Wine Cellar

Next, you head to the Alaverdi Monastery, founded in the 6th century. This religious site has been a spiritual and cultural center for centuries, and its impressive architecture reflects its long-standing importance. The monastery’s wine cellar is a highlight, with exclusive access granted to the tour group.

Inside the cellar, monks have been producing Kvevri wines in large clay vessels buried underground since the 11th century. This traditional method, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, results in wines with distinctive flavors and deep character. Witnessing this ancient process and understanding its significance adds a special dimension to the experience.

The Unique Kvevri Winemaking Tradition

The Kvevri wine production method involves fermenting and aging wine in large clay vessels called Kvevri, buried underground to maintain a stable temperature. This technique creates wines with unique profiles that reflect Georgia’s ancient viticultural heritage.

Tour participants learn about the monks’ craftsmanship and see the underground cellar where these vessels are stored. The exclusive access makes this stop particularly memorable, offering insight into a tradition that has endured for nearly a millennium.

Georgian Wine Tasting: Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and More

Following the monastery visit, the tour continues with a wine tasting session at a local winery. Here, you get to sample Georgia’s most popular varieties, including the robust Saperavi and the aromatic Rkatsiteli. The expert certified sommelier provides insights into the flavor profiles, terroir influences, and winemaking techniques that give Georgian wines their distinctive character.

The tasting is complemented by information about winemaking history in the region, with the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the region’s diverse terroir that shapes the wines.

Tasting and Vineyard Walks at a Local Winery

The winery visit features a walk through the vineyards, giving an up-close look at the grape varieties used in Georgian winemaking. This part of the tour provides context for understanding how climate and soil influence flavor. Sampled wines are served alongside local Georgian foods, enhancing the tasting experience and helping travelers appreciate the pairing traditions.

Georgian Cuisine and Wine Pairing at a Local Winery

A highlight of the tour is the traditional Georgian lunch, where Khachapuri, Khinkali, Mtsvadi, and Pkhali** are served. Each dish is carefully paired with regional wines, allowing visitors to enjoy authentic flavors and discover how wine enhances Georgian cuisine.

The lunch offers a relaxed atmosphere to reflect on the morning’s sights and tastings, with plenty of time to enjoy the diverse dishes and local wine selections.

Returning to Tbilisi with Scenic Views and Memories

After the meal and wine tasting, the group begins its scenic drive back to Tbilisi. The journey provides a final opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Kakheti, with views of vineyards and mountains passing by. The tour concludes at Rose Revolution Square, where all the stories, sights, and tastes from the day stay fresh.

Practical Details and Booking Information

This tour is priced to include all entrance and admission fees, professional guides, transportation, and a traditional Georgian lunch. It features free Wi-Fi on board and photo/video opportunities throughout the day. The starting times are flexible based on availability, and cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, snacks, and water. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, given the walking involved at certain stops.

Is the Kakheti Wine Tour Suitable for You?

This 10-hour tour offers a comprehensive look at Georgia’s winemaking heritage through visits to historic sites, vineyard walks, and wine tastings. It’s most suited for those interested in history, culture, and authentic wine experiences. The inclusion of a traditional Georgian lunch and exclusive access to ancient wine cellars makes it stand out among similar experiences.

While the tour involves some walking, it remains manageable for most, and the professional guides ensure an engaging and informative day. For travelers eager to see Kakheti’s landscapes and learn about medieval wine traditions, this experience delivers a well-rounded and memorable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour and what does it include?
The 10-hour tour departs from Rose Revolution Square, includes visits to Telavi, Alaverdi Monastery, local wineries, a traditional Georgian lunch, and wine tastings. All entrance fees, transportation, guide services, and photo/video rights are included.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Telavi for sightseeing, the Alaverdi Monastery with its historic Kvevri wine cellar, and a local winery for tastings and vineyard walks.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, due to walking involved at certain stops.

What kind of wines are sampled during the tasting?
The session features Saperavi, a robust red, and Rkatsiteli, an aromatic white, among others, with explanations about their flavor profiles and production.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, snacks, and water to stay prepared for walking and photos.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Where does the tour end?
The experience concludes back at Rose Revolution Square in Tbilisi, with scenic views on the return journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby