If you are looking for the best private tours in Georgia or specifically for wine tours in Georgia, this is one of them. This five-day, four-night tour covers the eastern part of the country and includes three regions. UNESCO stated that Georgia is the oldest wine-making culture in the world, meaning Georgians were the first to discover the art of wine-making and experience its taste. This statement comes from archaeological work in Georgia, where 8000-year-old remains of Kvevri, the clay vessels used to age wine, were discovered. Most Georgian regions, except for the high mountainous ones, produce wine. The country is famous for amber wine, produced through the traditional Georgian method of skin contact, fermented and aged in Kvevri, which is buried in the ground. These techniques make the wine's color and taste unique. Kakheti is Georgia's main wine-making region, with its beautiful Alazani Valley located between the Greater Caucasus and the Gombori range. The dry climate, the Alazani River, the soil, and the proximity to the mountains create a perfect microclimate for the vines. Kartli is not as famous as Kakheti, but the wines are just as good. Grapes from Kartli have higher acidity, making them perfect for sparkling wines. Both dry and sparkling wines are excellent in this region. The Kazbegi region is a high, mountainous area and does not produce wine, but one of the most important Georgian dishes, the dumplings, comes from there, therefore the guests will have the opportunity to try mountain food specialties and enjoy the beautiful views.
Day 1 - David Gareja & Sighnaghi
David Gareja is a unique place in Kakheti. This semi-arid area features beautiful rainbow mountains and monasteries. The rainbow mountains exist because of the soil's consistency, which, along with the microclimate, creates stunning scenery. The many monasteries are there thanks to an Assyrian monk named David, who came to preach Christianity, and later, other missionaries followed his example. During the trip, guests will walk among the rainbow mountains, and the Lavra monastery can be visited upon request. After sightseeing, the tour continues to a village near Sighnaghi, where guests will visit a family-owned winery, see the cellar, enjoy wine tasting, and have lunch. After lunch, the road continues to Sighnaghi. Guests will check in at the hotel and, before dinner, take a walk in the town. Dinner and wine tasting will be served in a family-owned cellar with views of the Alazani Valley. Overnight in Sighnaghi.
Day 2 - Sighnaghi - Kvareli - Telavi
Early in the morning, head to the Kvareli wine tunnel from Sighnaghi. This is one of the most important parts of our winery tours in Georgia, as this winery is located in a Soviet-era tunnel dug deep into the Caucasus Mountains. The tunnel's constant temperature and humidity create perfect conditions for wine aging and storage. Guests will try wines fermented with both European and Georgian methods and taste Chacha, a drink made from grape leftovers. Guests will also participate in masterclasses for Georgian bread baking and Churchkhela making. After visiting the tunnel, the trip continues to a family-owned winery for another lunch and wine tasting. After lunch, guests will head to Telavi and can visit the Telavi museum or Tsinandali Estate upon request. In the evening, dinner and wine will be served in a beautiful place near Telavi. Overnight in Telavi.
Day 3 - Telavi - Ananuri - Kazbegi
On this day, guests will head to the Greater Caucasus mountains to visit beautiful places and try Georgian mountain food. First, they will travel from Telavi to Ananuri, visit the fortress, and then continue to Kazbegi. Before reaching Kazbegi, lunch will be served at a local restaurant where guests can try Khinkali, a Georgian dumpling with spiced minced meat, and other specialties. Kazbegi is a small mountain town famous for its view of the mountain peak and one of the best places for hiking or trekking in Georgia. In the evening, dinner will be served with a local family, where guests will try different specialties. Overnight in Kazbegi
Day 4 - Kazbegi - Mukhrani - Gori
After breakfast, guests will visit Gergeti Trinity Church with its beautiful views. After sightseeing, they will head to Mukhrani village for lunch and wine tasting and after lunch, the trip continues to a winery near Gori. Dinner, wine tasting, and an overnight stay will be in a small hotel located in a scenic gorge. Overnight near Gori.
Day 5 – Gori - Mtskheta - Tbilisi
In the morning after breakfast, you can choose to visit Uplistsikhe cavetown or Stalin’s museum in Gori (Stalin was born in Gori), while these are two most interesting things to do in Gori except for the food and wine tasting of course but if you are not interested with Soviet tours as well the cave town visit guests can simply enjoy a relaxed start to the day and spend some more time in a beautiful hotel with awesome scenery. From Gori, you’ll travel to Mtskheta to see the beautiful Cathedral, have lunch, and then head to Tbilisi.
