Taste of Georgia: Wine & Dine Adventure

1Day: Flight to Tbilisi

Arrival in Tbilisi on this day or next day early in the morning. Transfer to your hotel in Tbilisi. Next 2 nights in Tbilisi. 

2Day: Tbilisi - Mtskheta - Tbilisi

Your journey begins in Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital, where ancient history and modern charm meet. After a morning city tour of Tbilisi’s iconic sights, we’ll head to Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Georgia’s spiritual heart.

In Mtskheta, you’ll be warmly welcomed at Giorgi’s family winery. Giorgi is a passionate young winemaker who uses traditional Georgian methods to produce wines with unique character. During a guided tasting, he’ll share insights into Georgia’s unique winemaking techniques, including the ancient Qvevri method, where wine is aged in large clay vessels. As you sip and savor, you’ll learn about Georgia’s 8,000-year-old viniculture heritage and why it’s known as the “cradle of wine".

While you enjoy the wines, Giorgi's family will serve you a delicious lunch with Georgian dishes, such as Chakhrakina, a regional pastry with cheese and beetroot leaves, and Chashushuli, a traditional Georgian beef dish slowly simmered in an aromatic sauce with paprika, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices.

Afterward, explore Mtskheta’s historic sites, including the impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery with its panoramic views. To end the day, enjoy dinner back in Tbilisi at a restaurant known for its Georgian-inspired fusion dishes—a perfect blend of tradition and modern creativity.

3Day: Tbilisi - Uplistsikhe - Kutaisi

Today, we explore the historic regions of Georgia, beginning with a visit to the fascinating cave town of Uplistsikhe. This ancient site, carved directly into the cliffs, offers a glimpse into early Georgian civilization and the architectural legacy of the Silk Road.

Next, we head to the picturesque Ateni Valley, known for its unique terroir that gives Atenuri wine its distinctive character. Made from the indigenous Chinuri and Goruli Mtsvane grape varieties, Atenuri is a white sparkling wine with a fresh, fruity aroma. Produced in the Ateni region, where winemaking has a deep cultural tradition, this wine is highly regarded by locals and wine enthusiasts alike. You’ll have the chance to taste this exceptional wine, paired with a traditional lunch prepared by a local family using seasonal, regional ingredients.

After lunch, we continue to Kutaisi, one of Georgia’s oldest cities and the lively heart of the Imereti region. A city tour will introduce you to its historic landmarks, such as the Bagrati Cathedral and the Colchis Fountain, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage.

For dinner, dive into the flavors of Imeretian cuisine, known for its generous use of fresh greens, aromatic herbs, and a perfect balance of spices. You’ll enjoy regional specialties like Imeruli Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), Pkhali (vegetable and walnut pâté), and Chakhokhbili (braised chicken with tomatoes and herbs). These dishes, with their vibrant flavors and textures, offer a true taste of Georgia’s culinary artistry and provide the perfect introduction to Imeretian dining traditions.

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4Day: Kutaisi - Ambrolauri - Kutaisi

Today, we head to the picturesque and mountainous region of Racha, renowned for its lush forests, scenic lakes, and charming villages. Along the way, we make a photo stop at the serene Shaori Lake, surrounded by towering mountains—an ideal spot to capture the stunning beauty of the region.

We then visit the Nikortsminda Church, an architectural gem known for its exquisite frescoes and ancient history, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a connection to Georgia's rich cultural heritage.

Next, we arrive at the Tchrebalo Winery, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting featuring some of the most iconic wines of the region. Racha is famous for its unique grape varieties, especially Kvanchkhara, a semi-sweet red wine made from the indigenous Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. This wine, with its rich fruitiness and delicate sweetness, is often regarded as one of Georgia's finest. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste white wines of the winery. 

Following the wine tasting, enjoy a traditional lunch with local dishes that embody the flavors of Racha. Shqmeruli, a creamy chicken dish cooked with garlic, is a true regional specialty that you won’t want to miss. Lobiani, a savory bean-filled pastry, and Racha Bacon, a flavorful cured pork dish, complete the meal, offering a hearty taste of the rustic, mountain cuisine that defines the region.

After the visit, we head back to Kutaisi where you’ll have free time to relax and design your evening in your own style. Whether you choose to explore the city’s lively atmosphere or unwind at your leisure, the evening is yours to enjoy.

5Day: Kutaisi - Ananuri - Stepantsminda

Visit the fascinating Archaeological Museum of Vani, where you’ll uncover the history of ancient Colchis, the kingdom famously known as the destination of the Argonauts in their search for the Golden Fleece. The museum features a remarkable collection of artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and statues, offering a glimpse into the culture and daily life of this ancient civilization.

Afterward, continue your journey through the stunning landscapes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, heading towards the picturesque town of Stepantsminda. On the way, make a stop at the iconic Ananuri Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the Aragvi River. The fortress offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a perfect spot for photos.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Georgian culinary traditions with a Khinkali cooking class. Under the guidance of local experts, learn how to prepare these iconic Georgian dumplings, filled with savory meat and herbs, before enjoying your creations for dinner. This hands-on experience will leave you with both a new skill and a delicious taste of Georgian cuisine.

6Day: Stepantsminda - Gergeti - Tianeti - Telavi

Drive up to the stunning Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high above the town of Stepantsminda, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic Mount Kazbeg. This historic church is a symbol of Georgia’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Next, continue your journey to Kakheti, Georgia’s heartland of wine production. Along the way, stop at Kvetera Fortress, an ancient site offering a glimpse into the region’s long history and strategic importance.

In Kakheti, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of Georgian viniculture, a tradition that spans over 8,000 years. Almost every family in the region owns old wine cellars, often built by their ancestors centuries ago, and it’s a source of great pride for each Georgian man to craft his own wine and offer it to guests.

You’ll visit one of Kakheti’s renowned wineries for a wine tasting and dinner. At either the Mosmieri Winery or Schuchmann Winery, you’ll experience the rich diversity of Georgian wine-making methods. Both wineries use a blend of classic European techniques and traditional Georgian methods, including the ancient Qvevri wine-aging process, where wine is fermented in clay vessels buried underground.

The next two nights will be spent in a comfortable hotel near Telavi, the capital of Kakheti, where you’ll have a chance to relax and enjoy the region’s beauty at your leisure.

7Day: Telavi - Kvareli - Telavi

Start your day with a visit to the Nekresi Monastic Complex, an ancient religious site perched on a hill with stunning views. Founded in the 6th century, this peaceful monastery offers a glimpse into the region’s deep spiritual and historical significance. Next, stop for a photo opportunity at Gremi Fortress, a medieval citadel that once served as the capital of the Kakheti Kingdom. 

Then, indulge in a cheese-tasting paired with local wines. Georgia has a rich tradition of cheese-making, and you’ll have the chance to try some of the region's finest varieties. The cheeses are often made from sheep’s or cow’s milk and come in a variety of textures and flavors, ranging from soft and creamy to aged and tangy, perfectly complementing the wines of the region.

Continue to the Duke’s Estate in Tsinandali, where you’ll visit the historic home of the noble family that played a major role in Kakheti’s history. The estate offers a fascinating look into the life of Georgian aristocracy, with beautiful gardens and a wine cellar showcasing the Duke’s personal wine collection.

In the evening, visit a Qvevri workshop, where you’ll learn about the ancient process of creating these large clay vessels, a family tradition passed down through generations. Local craftsmen will explain how these vessels are carefully handmade using techniques that have been perfected over centuries. The Qvevri is essential to Georgian winemaking, as it’s used to ferment and age the wine underground, imbuing it with its distinct flavor. The Qvevri wine-making method has been part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage since 2013.

Finally, enjoy a traditional Georgian feast, or Supra, which is an essential part of Georgian culture. The meal in Kakheti typically includes Mtsvadi—tender, flavorful pork meat grilled over an open flame. Alongside this, you’ll enjoy an array of other local dishes, including fresh salads, bread, and hearty side dishes, all accompanied by local wines. The Supra is not just a meal but a celebration, with toasts and stories shared around the table.

8Day: Telavi - Signagi - Tbilisi

Drive to the Bodbe Monastery, one of Georgia’s most significant religious sites, nestled on a hillside with panoramic views of the Alazani River Valley. The monastery, dedicated to St. Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia, is an important pilgrimage site and offers a serene atmosphere for reflection.

Next, take a leisurely walk through the charming town of Signagi, known as the "City of Love" for its romantic ambiance and cobblestone streets. With its colorful houses, ancient city walls, and breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains, Signagi offers a perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and history of Georgia’s wine region.

After exploring, head to Giuaani Winery for a wine tasting and farewell lunch. The winery is known for its exceptional wines made from local grape varieties. You’ll enjoy a selection of wines paired with a delicious Georgian lunch, savoring the flavors of the region one last time.

Upon your return to Tbilisi, check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore the city on your own. Whether you wish to visit more cultural sites, shop for souvenirs, or simply unwind, the evening is yours to enjoy.

9Day: Departure

Transfer to the International Airport of Tbilisi. Departure.