Tbilisi: Wine Tasting with Georgian Snacks and Sommelier

Discover the Flavors of Georgia at Wine Store Orbeliani in Tbilisi

This wine tasting tour at Wine Store Orbeliani offers an exclusive, authentic experience right in the heart of Tbilisi. Priced at a reasonable price point for a one-hour session, it provides an intimate look into Georgian wine traditions, guided by a knowledgeable sommelier. The tour highlights seven distinct wines, including natural draft wines and bottles from small family wineries, along with georgian cheeses and traditional snacks.

Perfect for wine enthusiasts or those curious about Georgia’s storied winemaking heritage, this experience is private, lasts just one hour, and takes place in a historic building on Orbeliani Square. While the focus is on authenticity and craftsmanship, visitors should plan for a moderate pace and be aware that the tasting involves alcohol. This tour suits travelers interested in cultural stories behind wine, small-batch products, and traditional qvevri techniques.

Key Points

• Authentic Georgian wine tasting in Tbilisi’s historic center
• Includes seven exclusive wines, both draft and bottled
• Guided by a professional sommelier sharing winemaking traditions
• Tasting complemented by a cheese board and traditional snacks
• Duration of just one hour, ideal for a quick culture
• Located in Wine Store Orbeliani on Orbeliani Square, close to the Parliament

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Unique Location at Orbeliani Square

This tour starts at Wine Store Orbeliani, situated in a historic building directly on Orbeliani Square, a vibrant part of Tbilisi’s old district. The location’s heritage connection to wine adds an extra layer of authenticity. Just a 5-minute walk from the Parliament of Georgia, the store’s central position makes it an easy stop for travelers exploring the city.

The store’s design and atmosphere evoke a sense of Georgian hospitality. It’s a cozy spot where tradition meets modern wine appreciation, making each tasting feel personal and immersive. The historic setting enhances the experience, linking the past and present of Georgia’s winemaking culture.

Sampling Seven Exclusive Wines

Participants enjoy tasting seven distinct varieties that are only available at Wine Store Orbeliani. These include natural draft wines, which are unfiltered and crafted without industrial filtration systems, preserving their authentic flavor and character. The selection also features rare bottled wines from small family wineries, some with limited production of just a few hundred bottles annually.

These wines carry the terroir of Georgian soil, offering a true taste of local craftsmanship. The exclusiveness of these bottles ensures visitors experience something truly unique, reflecting Georgia’s winemaking diversity and regional terroirs. The range of wines allows for a well-rounded exploration of flavors typical in Georgian wine culture.

The Role of the Professional Sommelier

A professional sommelier leads the tasting, guiding participants through each wine’s story. They explain Georgia’s winemaking history, with special attention to the qvevri tradition, a UNESCO-recognized heritage in 2013. The guide shares insights into traditional methods, such as fermentation and aging in clay vessels, which give Georgian wines their distinctive qualities.

This knowledgeable guide helps uncover the cultural significance behind each sip, making the tasting both educational and engaging. Visitors appreciate how the sommelier connects wine flavors with local history and customs, adding depth to the experience.

Tasting the Georgian Cheese and Snacks

Accompanying the wines is a carefully curated cheese board designed to complement each variety. The traditional snacks include local cheeses and other Georgian delicacies, enhancing the tasting sessions. These pairings help highlight the complexity and nuances of the wines, making each sip more memorable.

The snacks are artfully presented, adding a visual appeal and a local flavor to the experience. This setup ensures that the tasting feels complete, providing a balanced sensory experience in a warm, welcoming environment.

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Exploring the Qvevri Tradition and Heritage

A standout feature of this tour is its focus on qvevri wines. These clay vessels have been used for centuries in Georgia for fermentation and aging. The UNESCO recognition emphasizes qvevri’s cultural importance, and the sommelier explains its traditional significance.

You’ll learn how this ancient technique contributes to distinctive wine flavors and terroir expression. Visitors gain insight into Georgia’s proud craftsmanship in winemaking, making this a meaningful cultural experience beyond just tasting wines.

Practical Details: Duration, Group Size, and Flexibility

The tour lasts one hour, making it an efficient yet comprehensive introduction to Georgian wines. It is offered as a private experience, ensuring a personalized and intimate setting. The group size is limited to private groups, allowing for tailored attention from the sommelier.

Booking includes the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility in planning. Guests should note that wine tasting involves alcohol, and the experience is not suitable for children under 18. The meeting point is 16 Anton Purtseladze St, on Orbeliani Square.

Accessibility and Pacing of the Experience

The one-hour duration suits travelers with limited time or those seeking a focused cultural activity. The pace is comfortable, with a steady flow of wine samples and snack pairings. The store’s location is accessible for most visitors, being centrally situated in Tbilisi’s historic district.

Participants should be prepared for moderate walking around the city beforehand but can enjoy the intimate indoor setting once inside the store.

Comparing with Other Wine Experiences in Tbilisi

This private, 7-wine tasting at Wine Store Orbeliani offers a more personalized experience compared to larger group tours. Its focus on small family wineries and natural draft wines distinguishes it from other more commercialized tastings. The inclusion of traditional snacks and educational insights about the qvevri adds cultural depth.

Other tours in Tbilisi may include visits to kakheti wine regions or historic cellars, but this experience’s urban setting and exclusive wine selection make it a convenient and authentic introduction to Georgia’s wine landscape.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for wine lovers looking for an authentic taste of Georgia in a central location. It’s perfect for those with limited time who want a high-quality, educational experience. Given its private group format, it suits couples, small groups, or individuals seeking a more personalized approach.

Visitors interested in cultural traditions like qvevri fermentation and small winery wines will appreciate this experience most. It’s less suitable for children or travelers seeking longer, more extensive wine tours.

Georgian Wine Tasting in the Heart of Tbilisi: Final Thoughts

The wine tasting at Wine Store Orbeliani demonstrates Georgia’s commitment to tradition and craftsmanship. The seven exclusive wines and traditional snacks create a well-rounded cultural experience in a historic setting. The guidance of a professional sommelier enriches the tasting with stories about winemaking heritage and qvevri techniques.

While the experience lasts only one hour, it offers a deep dive into Georgian wine culture that’s accessible and engaging. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring Tbilisi’s old district. Visitors who appreciate authenticity, small-batch wines, and cultural storytelling will find this tour a rewarding introduction to Georgia’s proud winemaking tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the wine tasting suitable for children?
No, this experience is not suitable for children under 18 because it involves alcohol consumption.

Can I cancel or reschedule the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility in your plans.

How long does the tasting last?
The tasting duration is one hour, making it perfect for a quick cultural activity.

Are the wines all local Georgian varieties?
Yes, the wines include natural draft wines and bottles from small family wineries in Georgia, reflecting local terroirs.

What is included in the tasting?
Participants sample seven wines, including exclusives only available at this store, along with cheese and traditional snacks.

Where exactly does the tour take place?
The meeting point is at Wine Store Orbeliani, located at 16 Anton Purtseladze St on Orbeliani Square in Tbilisi.

This wine tasting tour in Tbilisi offers a rich cultural dip into Georgia’s well-loved wine traditions, with authentic wines, local snacks, and expert storytelling all in a cozy, historic setting.

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