Culinary & Wine tour in Kakheti region

A Full Day of Georgian Flavors and Views in Kakheti

If you’re looking for a taste of Georgia’s legendary wine culture and hearty cuisine, this Culinary & Wine tour in Kakheti offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, authentic food experiences, and expert guidance. Starting from Tbilisi, for about $179 per group (up to 6 people), you’ll spend around 7 to 8 hours exploring the Kakheti region, famous for its ancient wine traditions and picturesque villages.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the variety of stops that combine natural beauty with cultural insights and the opportunity to make your own Georgian dishes — a hands-on experience that makes the flavors stick with you. Plus, the visits to historic sites like Bodbe Monastery and Signagi add a spiritual and romantic touch to the day.

A minor consideration is the long day’s travel, which might be tiring for some. But if you’re eager to see a diverse side of Georgia in one day — from mountain vistas to wine cellars — this tour is worth every moment.

This experience is perfect for foodies, wine lovers, history buffs, and anyone wanting an authentic taste of Kakheti’s warm hospitality. It suits travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy, cultural stories, and stunning landscapes.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Make traditional Georgian dishes yourself and taste a variety of home-made and factory wines.
• Breathtaking Nature: The Gombori Pass offers stunning views of the Caucasus, a highlight for landscape lovers.
• Historical & Cultural Sites: Bodbe Monastery and Signagi provide insight into Georgia’s spiritual and romantic life.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, providing context and storytelling.
• Value for Price: With multiple tasting and making opportunities, the price reflects a comprehensive day of cultural and culinary discovery.
• Flexible Options: Tours can include wine tasting, food making, or both, depending on your interests and budget.

In-Depth Review of the Kakheti Culinary & Wine Tour

Starting Point & General Overview

The tour kicks off in Tbilisi at 9:30 AM, with a pickup included, making it convenient whether you’re staying in the city or nearby. Led by friendly guides, you’ll quickly get a feel for the diverse landscape and rich history of Georgia’s eastern wine country. The small-group format (up to 6 people) means more personalized attention and less waiting around.

What we love from the start is the mix of scenic stops and culture. It’s not just about tasting wine; it’s about experiencing the land, the history, and the warm hospitality of local farmers and artisans.

Gombori Pass – The Mountain Viewpoint

Our first stop is Gombori Pass, perched at 1800 meters above sea level. Here, the views are truly spectacular — sweeping vistas of the Caucasus Mountains unfold in front of you. It’s a chance to breathe fresh mountain air and appreciate Georgia’s rugged beauty.

A bonus is the wild nature setting and the small coffeehouse where you can sip excellent coffee while soaking in the scenery. This stop offers roughly 15 minutes of awe-inspiring landscape, perfect for taking photos or simply relaxing before the day’s tasting adventures.

Telavi Wine Cellar & Ancient Roots

Next, we visit the Telavi Wine Cellar, a site dating back to the Bronze Age. The history of winemaking in this area stretches back over 3,000 years — a fact that makes every sip of wine taste even more special. While the visit itself is free, it’s a reminder of Georgia’s claim as one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions.

Tsinandali & Home-Made Wine

In Tsinandali village, the highlight is a local farmer’s garden and house, where you’ll see traditional winemaking techniques firsthand. The farmer will show you how wine is made using age-old methods, and you’ll get to taste homemade wine and Chacha, Georgia’s famous grape vodka.

This stop also features making your own traditional Georgian bread and dishes like Khinkali, Khachapuri, and Churchkhela. The guide’s storytelling combined with the hands-on experience makes this one of the most memorable parts of the day.

One unique highlight is a single grape tree in Eurasia — a quirky yet fascinating detail that adds to Georgia’s agricultural uniqueness.

Wine Tasting & Cooking at Shumi Winery

A visit to Shumi Winery in Tsinandali is next, where you’ll explore a wine cellar and taste four types of wines and four kinds of Chacha (Georgian vodka). For many, this is the highlight — the chance to sample authentic Georgian wines that often have a softer, more natural profile than commercial varieties.

Here, you can also try making traditional Georgian dishes like Khinkali, Khachapuri, and Churchkhela. The experience is interactive, friendly, and practical. Reviewers say, “the best wine I’ve ever had in Georgia,” echoing how strongly their wine tasting impressed.

The Khareba Winery & Tunnel Experience

The next stop is Winery Khareba, famous for its underground wine tunnels carved into the mountain. This fascinating setting provides a cooler, dark environment ideal for aging wine. You’ll walk through the tunnels, learning about factory-made wine technology and tasting three types of wine.

The highlight here is the combination of history and taste — you’ll get a clear idea of how Georgian wine is produced on a larger scale, with a taste of the more industrial side of wine-making. The opportunity to make Khinkali, bread, Mtsvadi (barbecue), and Churchkhela adds a hearty, filling touch to this part of the tour.

Signagi – The City of Love & Art

After wine-filled stops, it’s time for Signagi, a charming hilltop town known as the “City of Love”. The views over the Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains are breathtaking, perfect for a stroll along the city walls or stopping for photos.

The town’s relaxed pace, colorful streets, and local art shops make it a delightful place to soak in Georgia’s romantic spirit. The walk here takes about an hour, providing a peaceful counterpoint to the earlier busy stops.

Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino

Finally, we visit Bodbe Monastery, just 2 km from Signagi. Built originally in the 9th century, this spiritual site is the resting place of Saint Nino — credited with bringing Christianity to Georgia. The peaceful grounds and historic church offer a sense of connection to Georgia’s faith and tradition.

The visit lasts about 30 minutes, giving you a gentle ending to the day, with the opportunity to reflect or simply admire the monastery’s architecture.

Authentic Insights & What to Expect

This tour offers an impressive blend of natural beauty, history, and culinary traditions. The views from Gombori Pass are definitely a highlight, providing sweeping vistas of the Caucasus. The small group size (up to 6 people) means you get a more personalized experience, and guides like Irakli or Mamuka are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

The hands-on cooking experiences — making Khinkali and Khachapuri — are particularly valued by travelers who want to bring a taste of Georgia home. Many reviews mention the quality of the wines and the guides’ storytelling, which add richness beyond mere sightseeing.

A few travelers note that the long day could be tiring, especially if you’re not used to a busy schedule. But the variety of stops and activities ensures there’s always something to look forward to, whether it’s scenic views, tasting new wines, or crafting traditional dishes.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price of $179, the tour offers a full day packed with experiences. You get a taste of Georgia’s best wine regions, historic sights, and culinary traditions — all with knowledgeable guides and a small-group setting. The multiple tasting stops and hands-on cooking sessions make it a good value for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Georgian culture.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor beauty, cultural history, and active participation. If you’re keen on sampling authentic wines, making traditional dishes, and exploring charming towns, this tour will deliver a memorable experience.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, guided visits, and the main activities, including wine tasting, making Georgian dishes, and sightseeing stops. Certain wine tastings and cooking experiences may have additional fees if you choose extra options.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
While the tour includes traditional Georgian dishes like Khinkali, Khachapuri, and Churchkhela, dietary specifics aren’t detailed. Travelers with restrictions should communicate with the provider beforehand, as you might be able to customize or skip certain activities.

How long are the stops at each site?
Most stops last between 15 minutes (Gombori Pass) and about 1 to 1.5 hours (Shumi Winery, Khareba Winery). The total tour spans around 7-8 hours, allowing enough time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed.

Is transportation comfortable?
Though not explicitly described, tours like this typically use private or comfortable vans for ease of travel through scenic mountain roads and small villages.

Can I participate in wine making?
Yes, at the Tsinandali farm and Khareba Winery, you’ll have opportunities to see and try making Georgian wine or Chacha, adding a practical and fun element to the tasting experience.

What about the weather and clothing?
Given the outdoor stops at Gombori Pass and the walking in Signagi and Bodbe, it’s wise to wear comfortable shoes and check the weather forecast. The mountain elevation at Gombori Pass can be cooler, so bring layers.

Final Thoughts

This Kakheti culinary and wine tour balances spectacular landscapes, rich history, and authentic food experiences. The guided storytelling, small group size, and interactive parts make it feel personal and engaging. Travelers who love wine, history, scenic views, and hands-on activities will find this tour rewarding.

For those wanting a comprehensive day exploring Georgia’s famous wine country, with plenty of opportunities to taste, create, and learn, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors wanting a broad taste of Kakheti without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

If you’re looking for an immersive, authentic, and scenic journey into Georgia’s heartland, this experience will leave you with delicious memories and beautiful photos.

Note: Always confirm specific inclusions and dietary considerations directly with the provider before booking.