Kakheti Wine Heritage Tour

Explore Georgia's wine heritage with immersive tastings and historic sites

Detailed Description

Overview

Difficulty
Comfort
Kakheti  
Destination
Food & Wine
Tour type
All Year Round
Period
3 days
Duration
1 — 8
Group
18+
Age
ST006
Program code

For millennia, Georgia has cultivated a rich tradition of winemaking, weaving grapes and vineyards into the very fabric of its culture. Today, this enchanting travel destination captivates the world with its unique qvevri techniques — celebrated by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. This exclusive wine tour package is tailored for both wine specialists and enthusiasts, offering an immersive travel experience through Kakheti, Georgia's premier viticulture region. Visit the finest wineries, taste wines crafted from unique grape varieties, and explore both traditional and classic methods of winemaking. Journey through Manavi, Tsinandali, Telavi, Kvareli, Kisiskhevi, and Kindzmarauli, and let the adventure of Georgian wines enrich your travel memories. Book your unforgettable Georgia trip today!

Itinerary

Day 1 — Begin Your Georgian Adventure from Manavi to Sighnaghi

Start your tour at 09:00 with a pickup from your accommodation, embarking on a scenic drive to Kakheti in eastern Georgia. This region, a must-visit on any Georgia tour, produces about 80% of the country's wine and is home to 15 of Georgia's 25 appellations. Our journey begins in the village of Manavi, where you'll enjoy your first wine tasting and discover the signature practices of a winery that blends traditional and classic winemaking techniques. Next, travel to the picturesque town of Sighnaghi, often called the "City of Love" and a highlight of Georgian travel. Stroll along its ancient curtain walls, with breathtaking views over the Alazani Valley and the majestic peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Visit Okro's Wines to taste organic wines made from indigenous grape varieties like Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, and Saperavi. Here, every aspect of wine production is done by hand, adhering to time-honored methods of fermenting, storing, and aging in qvevri clay vessels. Continuing your Georgia trip, we'll arrive at the Tsinandali Estate, renowned for its dry white wines — a harmonious blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grapes. Enjoy a guided tour of the House-Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze, a poet and nobleman who pioneered Georgian classic winemaking in the 19th century by bottling wine. Savor a glass of wine, explore the enoteca, and wander through the enchanting gardens. After the excursion, we'll proceed to the village of Kisiskhevi. Dinner and overnight stay at Schuchmann Wines Château & Spa, a perfect place to relax on your Georgia travel journey.

Route: Tbilisi — Private car | 110 km · 2 h — Sighnaghi — Private car | 64 km · 1 h 15 min — Schuchmann Wines Château

Activities: City Walking | 1 hours , Sightseeing | 4 hours , Wine Tasting | 1 hours 30 minutes , Food Tasting | 1 hours

Accommodation: Included Schuchmann Wines Château & Spa * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: not included, lunch: included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Sighnaghi Wall, Schuchmann Wines Château, Tsinandali Palace, Manavi Fortress.

Day 2 — Delve into Kvareli's Wine Caves and Kindzmarauli's History

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on a morning drive to Shilda village. Our first stop is at Chubini Winery, owned by a passionate young winemaker eager to share his journey and innovative techniques. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch amid the vineyards — a quintessential Georgian travel experience. Our exploration continues in Kvareli, known for its PDO red dry wine made from Saperavi grapes. Visit the impressive Khareba Wine Cave, one of the largest wine storage facilities, featuring a 7.7-kilometer tunnel carved deep into the Caucasus Mountains. The natural subterranean temperature (12–14 °C) provides ideal conditions for storing and aging wine. The tour begins inside the tunnel, where you'll gain insights into the winery's storied history and its impact on both local and international markets. Sample a selection of their finest wines during the tasting. Next, we'll visit Corporation Kindzmarauli in Kvareli. This esteemed Georgian wine producer traces its roots back to 1533, when King Levan of Kakheti established a traditional wine cellar within the historic Kvareli Fortress. In times of peace, the cellar supplied wine to the royal family; during war, it played a critical role in sustaining the populace seeking refuge within the fortress walls. Return to Kisiskhevi for dinner and overnight stay at Schuchmann Wines Château & Spa, a luxurious stop on your Georgia tour package.

Route: Schuchmann Wines Château — Private car | 50 km · 45 min — Kvareli — Private car | 45 km · 45 min — Schuchmann Wines Château

Activities: Wine Tasting | 1 hours 30 minutes , Food Tasting | 1 hours , Sightseeing | 4 hours

Accommodation: Included Schuchmann Wines Château & Spa * Or similar | Hotel | Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Schuchmann Wines Château, Khareba Winery Tunnel, Kvareli Fortress.

Day 3 — Experience Telavi's Royal Past and Qvevri Craftsmanship

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Telavi, the administrative heart of the Kakheti region and a highlight of any Georgia trip. We'll tour Batonis Tsikhe Fortress, the 17th- and 18th-century residence of Kakhetian kings. The complex includes King Erekle II's Palace, two churches, and a royal bathhouse. Enjoy some leisure time to explore the city's charm — a perfect opportunity for memorable moments on your Georgia travel adventure. Our journey then takes us to the village of Vardisubani, just 5 km from Telavi. Visit the Kbilashvili family, artisans with four generations of qvevri manufacturing heritage. Master craftsman Zaza will introduce you to the intricate process of qvevri making. Enjoy a home-cooked family lunch accompanied by wine tasting — a true Georgian hospitality experience. We continue our exploration of qvevri wines in the town of Akhmeta at Lekso's Winery. Owned by local winemaker Lekso, the winery is known for its unique blends of rare Kakhetian grape varieties. He will share his personal winemaking history and specialized techniques, enriching your understanding of Georgia's wine culture. As our tour concludes, we'll drive back to Tbilisi through the scenic Tsiv-Gombori Mountain Range, offering panoramic views that encapsulate the beauty of Georgian travel. You'll be dropped off at your hotel, bringing your unforgettable Georgia wine tour to a close.

Route: Schuchmann Wines Château — Private car | 5 km · 15 min — Telavi — Private car | 40 km · 30 min — Akhmeta — Private car | 114 km · 2 h 15 min — Tbilisi

Activities: Sightseeing | 3 hours , Food Tasting | 1 hours , Wine Tasting | 1 hours , City Walking | 1 hours

Accommodation: Not Included

Meals: breakfast: included, lunch: included, dinner: not included

Guide: Full day

Visited Attractions*: Ujarma Fortress, King Erekle II Palace, Monument of Erekle II, Batonis Tsikhe Fortress.

Our tour program's list of attractions is a guide, not exhaustive. Unlisted sites may be visited, and listed ones might be viewed from a distance. Conditions like operating hours, weather, or local rules may affect access. Thank you for your understanding.

Departures

What's included?

Accommodation

2 nights — Comfortable accommodation, private WC & shower

Meals

2 breakfasts, 3 lunch, 0 dinners.

Guide

3 days — Full day,

Transport

Private car: ~428 km. *

Activities

Sightseeing: ~11 hours, Food Tasting: ~3 hours, Wine Tasting: ~4 hours, City Walking: ~2 hours. *

Additionally included

Entrance fees to all sites according to the programm, Two 0.5 bottles of mineral water per day.

Not included

Personal expenses and tips.

The provided measures of total kilometers for transport, duration of guide services, and activities in our tour program are approximate and may vary depending on the program flow and terrain conditions. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these numbers, please note that they are intended as estimates. We make every effort to provide the most precise information possible to give you an idea of the overall tour experience.

Equipment & Checklist

During the summer months (June to August), temperatures in the lower parts of Georgia can range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), so it's important to pack accordingly.

Here's a comprehensive checklist for your summer trip to the lower parts of Georgia:

Accommodation

The accommodations in this tour are in good and clean 2-3 star hotels with private facilities and are located in excellent central locations. If a hotel name is marked with "* or similar," it means a similar hotel of equivalent or higher class may be provided based on tour dates, group size, and hotel availability. The itinerary section of the program description will specify the exact type of accommodation for each day.

Meals

Eating is an integral part of travel, and with Georgia.to, you will have the opportunity to savor the delicious cuisine that Georgia has to offer. While breakfast is included, some lunches and dinners may be held at local restaurants, giving you the flexibility to choose where, what, and with whom you want to eat. Although meals are not typically included in the trip price, food is generally inexpensive, with an average cost of 10-15 euros per person for dinner or lunch, including drinks. However, our group often eats together to allow for a diverse taste of dishes and for the enjoyment of each other's company, though this is not a requirement.

Transport

In this tour, all transportation is private and tailored to your group's needs. Depending on the size of the group, transportation options can range from a car, a mini-van, or a minibus. In areas with challenging road conditions, a 4x4 vehicle may be used to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. With private transport, you will have the flexibility to customize your itinerary and move around at your own pace.

Guides

Our group tour leaders are the most experienced and knowledgeable individuals with excellent English language skills. If the common language of the group is different, we can provide guides in other foreign languages by coordinating with our travel assistant team. The guide will be available to the group for the entire duration of the trip, and their exact availability is marked in the Itinerary section of the program for each day. Please refer to the Itinerary section to know how long the guide will be available on each day.

Money

In Georgia, the currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Small exchange offices are omnipresent throughout Georgia and offer competitive exchange rates. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best place to exchange money, as exchange rates may vary depending on the location. You can also check the current exchange rates on www.xe.com

Bank cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops, but it is advisable to have some cash as a backup, in case there are issues with local ATM machines or credit cards. However, it is possible that in remote villages, bank cards may not be accepted, so it is best to have some cash on hand. The most widely accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard. We recommend exchanging only small amounts of money at a time, as exchange rates can fluctuate frequently. It is also advisable to inform your bank in advance of your travel plans to avoid any issues with international transactions.

Tipping

The Georgia.to travel team, including guides, drivers, cooks, etc., are paid a fair wage and do not expect tips. If you choose to leave a gratuity as a way of expressing your satisfaction, please note that damaged or adhesive coins or banknotes cannot be exchanged. Tips can be left at your discretion in envelopes. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 5-10% as a tip.

Health

For your health and safety, it's important to be in good health before traveling to Georgia. Consult with a doctor or travel medicine specialist for recommended vaccines and preventive measures. To prevent insect bites and follow food safety measures, it's best to drink only bottled or treated water and be mindful of what you eat.

Bring enough of your prescription medicine and ensure that it is legal in Georgia if you have a pre-existing medical condition. A basic first-aid kit, including pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and insect repellent, is also recommended in case of minor illnesses or injuries.

While Georgia has modern medical facilities in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, it's still wise to have travel insurance in case of unexpected medical expenses. There are no specific health requirements for this trip, but it's important to prioritize your health and safety while traveling.

Visa Requirements for Georgia

Visa requirements for Georgia for foreign citizens vary depending on the country of origin. Citizens of most countries are eligible for a visa-free entry to Georgia for stays of up to one year. However, some countries require a pre-arranged visa, which can be obtained from a Georgian embassy or consulate. It is recommended to check the specific visa requirements for your country of origin before traveling to Georgia. Here is a short list of countries with citizens that do not need a visa to enter Georgia for a stay up to one year:

EU countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and more. Switzerland, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico etc.

Please find the exhaustive information on the Ministry of Foreign Affaires of Georgia website: https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/

Dress Code

When visiting Georgia, it is important to be mindful of the local customs and dress codes, especially when entering religious buildings. In such places, it is expected that visitors dress modestly with women covering their heads and legs. Shorts and skirts above the knee are usually not allowed. Outside of religious buildings, there is a more casual and relaxed dress code with no specific restrictions, and visitors are free to wear what they prefer. It is worth noting that Georgia is a modern and European-influenced country, so visitors may encounter a mix of styles from traditional and contemporary.

Laundry

Laundry service is available at the majority of our hotels for a reasonable fee, usually around 10 euros or less per load. If you need this service, please speak to your guide in advance to arrange it.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not a requirement to enter Georgia, but it is highly recommended. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, lost or stolen belongings, and emergency evacuation. In case of unexpected events, having travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. It is important to review the coverage and terms of your travel insurance policy before departing to ensure it meets your specific needs and provides adequate protection while traveling in Georgia.

Safety and Security

Georgia is considered one of the safest countries in the world and visitors can generally feel safe while exploring the country. Crime rates, including pickpocketing, are low and tourists can move around freely without major concerns for their safety. However, as with any destination, it is always advisable to take basic safety precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight, not carrying large amounts of cash, and being aware of one's surroundings in busy areas.

Emergency Contact

In case of any emergencies, we are available for support. During office hours (Tbilisi time), you can reach us at +995 591 257 715 for any urgent questions. Additionally, upon booking, you will be provided with a 24/7 personnel travel assistant for the duration of your trip. They will be available to assist you with any needs or concerns.

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Last update: Oct. 12, 2024, 7:53 p.m.