Wine & Dine group tour from Kutaisi

Experience Georgia’s Heart and Soul with the Wine & Dine Group Tour from Kutaisi

If you’re visiting Georgia and want a taste of the country’s famous wine culture combined with genuine hospitality and delicious homemade food, this Wine & Dine group tour from Kutaisi offers a charming, authentic experience. Starting in the city’s central square, you’ll venture into the rural beauty of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, visiting a family-run winery in Bagdati, where sisters Baia and Gvatsa Abuladze introduce you to their passion for wine-making.

This 4-hour trip includes a relaxed vineyard walk, a guided tour of the winery, tastings of three distinct wines plus Chacha, and a hearty Georgian lunch featuring homemade recipes. The tour departs around 1 pm, making it perfect for afternoon exploration, and the overall value is impressive considering the personal touch and authentic experience you receive.

What we love most is the warmth of the family atmosphere—the Abuladze sisters are genuinely proud to share their craft—and the opportunity to sample local wines like Ojaleshi and Otskhanuri Sapere handcrafted in their cellar. Plus, the all-you-can-eat Georgian lunch, prepared by Mom, offers some of the most memorable homemade dishes we’ve tried in Georgia, especially their Imereian food.

One possible drawback is that the tour lasts about four hours, which might feel tight if you’re looking for a more leisurely pace or want to explore more of the surrounding countryside. Also, the tour is centered around the family winery, so if you’re more interested in large-scale wine tours, this might not be the best fit.

This experience suits travelers who value authentic local culture, enjoy tasting multiple wines, and love hearty, homemade food. It’s especially ideal for those wanting a cozy, personal introduction to Georgia’s wine traditions, away from the tourist masses.

Key Points

Authentic Family Winery: Visit a small, family-operated winery in Bagdati run by the Abuladze sisters.
Tasting Variety: Sample three different wines, including traditional Georgian varieties, plus Chacha.
Homemade Georgian Lunch: Enjoy a generous, home-cooked meal prepared by the family’s mother.
Scenic Vineyard Walk: Walk through the vineyard behind the family’s house for a personal connection to the land.
Local Culture: Experience Georgian hospitality in a welcoming family setting.
Value for Money: The tour combines wine, food, and cultural insight at a reasonable price, with flexible cancellation options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

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The Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins at Budget Georgia’s office in Kutaisi, where a comfortable van whisks you away on a scenic 50-minute drive toward Bagdati. This transit is a perfect opportunity to get your bearings and perhaps chat with your guide about what to expect. The group size tends to be small, fostering a friendly, intimate atmosphere that encourages conversation and questions.

The Vineyard and Winery Visit

Once in Bagdati, the first highlight is a stroll through the vineyard right behind the family’s house. Baia and Gvatsa Abuladze are eager to show visitors their vines—Tsolikouri, Krakhuna, Ojaleshi, and others—each with its own story. We loved the way they shared their personal connection to the land and explained how local climate and traditions shape their wines.

The winery tour offers a peek into traditional Georgian wine-making methods, which often use qvevris (clay vessels buried underground). The sisters explain the process with pride, making the experience more than just tasting; it’s about understanding the roots of Georgian wine culture.

The Wine Tasting

After the tour, it’s time to sample the fruits of their labor. You’ll taste three different wines, each distinct in flavor and style. We found their Ojaleshi particularly interesting—a rare red wine with a fragrant, fruity profile—and the Otskhanuri Sapere, a classic Georgian red known for its robust character. The Chacha, a local grape spirit similar to grappa, is also offered, providing a true taste of Georgia’s traditional drink.

Multiple reviews mention the high quality of the wine. One reviewer noted, “The wines were excellent, especially the Ojaleshi, which was unlike anything I’d tried before.” Expect a relaxed, friendly tasting where the sisters are happy to answer questions and share their knowledge.

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The Homemade Georgian Lunch

Perhaps the most memorable part of the tour is the lunch, a generous spread of homemade Georgian dishes prepared by the family’s mom. The food isn’t just tasty—it’s authentic, with recipes passed down through generations. The Imereian dishes—think hearty stews, fresh bread, and homemade cheeses—provide a true taste of local life.

Guests often comment on how satisfying and flavorful the meal is. One reviewer called it “the best homemade Georgian food I’ve ever had,” highlighting how the family’s pride shines through each dish. The communal setting around a big table makes the meal feel like visiting family, not just a tourist stop.

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The Return Journey

After lunch, the van takes you back to Kutaisi, arriving around 5 pm. The return trip offers time to reflect on the experience and enjoy the scenic views of Georgia’s countryside. The relaxed pace allows plenty of opportunity to ask questions or simply soak in the rural landscape.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

This tour combines culture, authentic wine tasting, and hearty Georgian cuisine into a well-rounded experience. The personal touch from Baia, Gvatsa, and their family creates a memorable, genuine connection that larger, commercial wineries might lack. The tasting of local grape varieties and the homemade lunch deliver a taste of true Georgian life, far from polished tourist traps.

The cost, which includes the winery visit, tastings, and lunch, provides excellent value for the deep cultural and delicious culinary experience you receive. The flexible cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later make it accessible and worry-free.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to sample handcrafted Georgian wines in a family setting, this tour is ideal. Food lovers will appreciate the homemade meal, and those interested in authentic local traditions will find it memorable. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer small-group experiences and want to learn about Georgia’s wine history firsthand.

However, if you’re seeking a fast-paced, large-scale winery tour or are looking for a comprehensive Georgian wine tour with multiple venues, this might not be the best fit. It’s best suited for those wanting a personal, cozy experience rather than a commercialized tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides transportation from Kutaisi in a comfortable van, making the journey smooth and easy.

What time does the tour start?
It departs around 1 pm from the central square in Kutaisi—availability can vary, so check the schedule when booking.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, including travel, winery visit, tasting, and lunch.

Is lunch included?
Absolutely. The homemade Georgian meal is part of the experience, and it’s quite generous.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

Is it suitable for wheelchairs?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, but it’s good to inform the operator in advance.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample three wines, including local varieties like Ojaleshi and Otskhanuri Sapere, plus Chacha.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While the tour is primarily designed for adult guests, families with children should consider the activity’s pace and content.

Final Thoughts

This Wine & Dine group tour from Kutaisi offers a beautifully authentic glimpse into Georgia’s wine-making traditions and warm hospitality. It’s a perfect choice for those who want more than just tasting—who crave a personal connection to the land, the people, and the food.

The combination of a family-operated winery, a scenic rural setting, and homemade Georgian dishes makes for a memorable half-day journey. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Georgia’s wine culture, a few bottles to take home, and stories of a warm, welcoming family that treats guests like old friends.

Designed for travelers who seek genuine cultural experiences and delicious food, this tour delivers an enriching taste of Georgia that’s hard to find in more commercialized settings. It’s a true highlight for those wanting to connect with local life—one glass of wine at a time.