7-Day Georgian Wine and Culinary Private Tour with Cooking Class

Imagine wandering through Georgia’s lush vineyards, tasting wines that have been crafted for centuries, and learning how to cook traditional dishes under expert guidance. For those eager to uncover the true flavors of this ancient wine-producing country, this 7-day private tour offers an immersive experience from the heart of Tbilisi to the scenic regions of Kakheti, Racha, and beyond. At $784.62 per person, the tour combines cultural sights, culinary hands-on experiences, and plenty of wine tasting—all wrapped up in comfortable accommodations and private transportation.

Two things really stand out: First, the knowledgeable guides who bring Georgia’s food and wine culture to life with stories and insider tips. Second, the diverse itinerary that balances visits to historic monasteries, ancient wine cellars, and modern wineries with authentic local dining. A potential consideration? The tour’s pace is lively, meaning you’ll pack a lot into 7 days, so it’s best suited for travelers eager for a full-immersion experience.

This tour really suits those who love food, wine, history, and scenic landscapes. If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates genuine conversations with local producers and doesn’t mind a busy schedule, you’ll find this journey both enriching and delicious.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines wine tasting, cooking classes, and visits to historic sites.
• Expert-guided: Led by knowledgeable guides passionate about Georgian culture.
• Diverse Regions: Explores Tbilisi, Kakheti, Racha, Kutaisi, and scenic mountain areas.
• Historical & Cultural Highlights: Monasteries, museums, cave towns, and churches.
• Culinary Delights: Georgian dishes, bread, cheese, churchkhela, and a home-style feast.
• Convenience & Comfort: Private, air-conditioned transport, 3-star accommodation, all logistics handled.

Exploring Georgia’s Flavors and Heritage: What You Can Expect

Georgia isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to taste, learn, and connect with a culture that takes its food and wine seriously. This tour balances all three beautifully, starting in the bustling capital, Tbilisi, and then venturing into the wine-rich regions of Kakheti and Racha, with scenic side trips to cave towns, monasteries, and mountain lakes.

Day 1: Arrival and Tbilisi Introduction

You begin your journey in Tbilisi, where the city’s maze of narrow streets, colorful balconies, and lively markets instantly captivate. The first highlight is a visit to the Sarajishvili brandy factory, offering insight into Georgia’s renowned distilling traditions. Then, you enjoy a meal at Château Mukhrani, a vineyard estate that combines history and modern winemaking. The highlight here? Tasting wines from their own vineyards, paired with Georgian cuisine.

We loved the personal touch of the guides who explained the significance of Georgian wine traditions, such as the ancient qvevri method of fermenting wine underground. The day wraps up with a masterclass in Georgian cooking—an excellent way to learn about the ingredients, techniques, and flavors that define the cuisine.

Day 2-3: The Heart of Kakheti and Historic Sites

Leaving Tbilisi behind, you venture into Kakheti, Georgia’s wine capital. Stops include Telavi, where the Alexander Chavchavadze Estate Museum offers a peek into aristocratic life, and the Alaverdi Monastery, one of Georgia’s oldest religious sites. Visiting the Gremi Monastery adds historical depth, while the visit to Twins Wine Cellar in Napareuli offers an authentic taste of rustic Georgian wine-making.

A standout moment? Tasting wine at Khareba Winery, housed in a former bomb shelter, with a tasting in an underground tunnel. It’s a quirky, memorable experience that showcases Georgia’s innovative approach to wine storage and tasting.

Dining at Ikano Winery, with its scenic vineyard setting and excellent wines, is another highlight. Here, you’ll taste churchkhela, a traditional Georgian sweet made from grape juice and nuts—a treat that’s as much a part of Georgia’s culinary identity as its wine.

Day 4: Signaghi and Modern Georgian Cuisine

The charming town of Signaghi, with its red-tiled roofs and panoramic views, provides a picturesque backdrop for wine tasting at Pheasants Tears Winery, known for its rich selections and modern take on traditional flavors. Sampling bread and cheese in the afternoon offers a simple yet delicious insight into regional food traditions.

That evening, a traditional Georgian feast at Barbarestan introduces you to seasonal ingredients and home-style cooking, making the experience both authentic and cozy.

Day 5-6: Kutaisi and Racha’s Mountain Wilderness

A scenic drive takes you west to Kutaisi, where you explore ancient cave towns like Uplistsikhe and visit Stalin’s museum—a reminder of Georgia’s complex history. The city’s striking Gelati Monastery adds a spiritual dimension, with stunning mosaics and tranquil surroundings.

The next day, you head north to Racha, a mountainous region known for its clean air and high-quality wines. Tasting at Bugeuli Winery and a family cellar near Ambrolauri offers a chance to sample wines in a more intimate setting. The Barakoni Monastery offers a striking photo op amid wild green mountains, emphasizing the region’s untouched beauty.

Adding to the adventure, Shaori Lake, Nikortsminda Cathedral, and the Prometheus Caves make this part of the journey a feast for the senses—scenery, history, and taste all combined.

Day 7: Scenic Return & Historic Highlights

On your final day, the journey back to Tbilisi takes you along the upper Imereti Road, stopping at Katshki Pillar, a natural limestone formation with a church on top, and visiting Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital. The Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery, both UNESCO sites, showcase Georgia’s spiritual heritage.

The tour concludes with a gala dinner and folk show—an energetic, heartfelt celebration of Georgia’s culture and hospitality. We loved the way the guides smoothly balanced sightseeing and cultural storytelling, ensuring you leave with a well-rounded understanding of Georgia’s soul.

Practical Considerations and Value Analysis

This private tour is priced at $784.62 per person, which includes all accommodations, most meals, wine tastings, guide services, and transportation. Given the itinerary’s breadth—covering multiple regions, historic sites, and tasting stops—the value is strong, especially considering the personalized attention and insider access.

Transportation is via a climate-controlled minivan, ensuring comfort across various terrains. The small group size—up to 6 travelers—means more personalized experiences and chances for meaningful conversations with guides and locals. Accommodations in 3-star hotels or guesthouses strike a good balance between comfort and authenticity.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour is busy, with a lot of travel and sightseeing packed into 7 days. If you prefer slow-paced travel or more time at each site, this might feel a little full. But for those eager to see a lot, taste a lot, and learn a lot, it’s ideal.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts eager to explore Georgia’s unique culinary heritage firsthand. It suits history buffs interested in monasteries, cave towns, and cultural sites, as well as adventurous travelers who enjoy scenic drives through mountains and vineyards. If you’re someone who appreciates authentic, local experiences and doesn’t mind a full schedule, you’ll find this tour both rewarding and fun.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a comprehensive, authentic taste of Georgia’s food, wine, and history, this 7-day private tour hits all the right notes. With expert guides, varied regional experiences, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in local flavors, it offers a well-rounded introduction to a fascinating country. Whether you’re savoring wines in underground tunnels or learning to cook traditional dishes, this journey will leave you with delicious memories and a deeper understanding of Georgia’s soul.

This tour provides excellent value for those who want an all-in-one experience—combining cultural sights, scenic landscapes, and culinary discovery—crafted for curious and enthusiastic travelers ready to explore Georgia’s rich traditions.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights of accommodation, private transportation, guided visits, most meals and tastings, and all fees and taxes.

Are meals and drinks fully covered?
Most meals and tastings are included, but some food and drinks are optional or not specified.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 6 travelers ensures a personalized experience, with enough space for meaningful conversations and flexibility.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
Accommodation is in 3-star hotels or guesthouses, balancing comfort and authenticity.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Keep in mind the pace may be lively, with lots of walking and driving.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
While not explicitly specified, the review from September suggests that late summer to early fall is ideal for vineyard visits and pleasant weather.

What about transport?
You’ll travel in a climate-controlled minivan, which makes long drives comfortable and scenic.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, the guides are praised for their expertise and storytelling, making the experience deeply engaging.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there an option for customizing the itinerary?
The tour is private, allowing some flexibility, but most details are set by the provider. Check with them about specific requests.

This thoroughly designed Georgian wine and culinary tour offers a fantastic blend of tasting, sightseeing, and culture—an excellent choice for anyone eager to understand what makes Georgia’s food and wine so special.