Cradle Of Wine

The Ancient Way Of Making Wines Of The Country Where The Wine Was Born

Overview

Difficulty
Comfort
Tour type
August — October
Period
7 days
Duration
6-12
Group
14+
Age
GT006
Program code
  • For wine lovers only: Sip on history in the birthplace of wine
  • Taste wine made via ancient Kvevri method
  • Blind taste test like royalty with a master class in Georgian's first royal chateau
  • Feast on regional flavors, sample diverse dishes from all over Georgia
  • Raise a glass, Georgian style, and learn how to drink wine with a traditional "Tamada" toastmaster

Discover the Georgian way of winemaking, dating back 8000 years and showcasing 500 grape varieties. Visit the most beautiful and oldest wineries, including the first chateau in Georgia, Chateau Mukhrani, and taste the unique Georgian "Kvevri" method, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Get to know the locals and their traditions, blind taste test the local wines and feast like a Georgian with traditional dishes and a party arranged by a traditional toastmaster. Immerse yourself in Georgia's breathtaking beauty and discover new wine flavors on this tour designed for wine lovers. Raise a glass and join in the first "Gagimarjos" toast!

Gallery

Itinerary

1
Day 1 photo: Welcome to Tbilisi

Welcome to Tbilisi

Our team will be waiting for you at Tbilisi International Airport to take you to your hotel for a rest before starting the tour of Georgia's capital. The first stop will be the old town, where we'll visit its main attractions, including pedestrian streets, Anchiskhati and Sioni churches, Meydan Square, and the sulfur baths district. Next, we'll take a cable car to the Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue for a photo opportunity with a stunning panoramic view of the city. We'll then explore Sololaki, a district of wealthy merchants and artists that still captivates visitors. The day will conclude with a wine tasting at a traditional cellar in the city center.
Dinner and overnight stay will be in Tbilisi.

The wine styles we'll taste include Rkatsiteli-Kisi-Mtsvane blend, Khvanchkara (PDO), and Saperavi.

Route

Visited Attractions *

Included

2
Day 2 photo: Georgia's Spiritual Heart and Wine Heritage in Mtskheta

Georgia's Spiritual Heart and Wine Heritage in Mtskheta

On the second day, we'll travel to Mtskheta, the spiritual center of Georgia, to visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the most magnificent church in the country and a repository of Georgian history. After exploring the streets of this sacred pilgrimage city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we'll visit a family cellar in the countryside for a wine tasting and lunch in a warm, familial atmosphere. We'll then return to the capital to visit the newly renovated Tbilisi Wine Museum, where you can learn more about the wine history of Georgia. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore Tbilisi, the "Pearl of Caucasus."
Dinner and overnight stay will be in Tbilisi.

The grape varieties and wine styles we'll taste today include Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, and Tavkveri.

Route

Visited Attractions *

Included

3
Day 3 photo: Georgia's Premier wine region

Georgia's Premier wine region

On the third day, we'll take a road trip to Kakheti, the wine region of Georgia. We'll stop at the Gombori Pass to admire the beautiful mountains at the entrance to Kakheti, then visit a Georgian cheese factory where you'll have the chance to try various traditional cheeses and have a glass of wine. After a meal in Telavi, we'll visit the famous Tsinandali Estate, which includes a peaceful walk in the park, a visit to one of Georgia's oldest cellars, a tour of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze's house-museum, and a wine tasting on a tranquil terrace. Later in the day, we'll visit the unique Shumi Cellar, which includes a short walk in the vineyard, a visit to the private museum, and a special wine tasting focused on a single grape variety. We'll have dinner at the renowned Shumi Restaurant.
Overnight stay will be in Telavi.

The grape varieties and wine styles we'll taste today include: Tsinandali (PDO), Saperavi

Route

Visited Attractions *

Included

4
Day 4 photo: Visit to Georgian "Bordeaux" Region

Visit to Georgian "Bordeaux" Region

During the morning, we'll take a leisurely walk in Telavi, the charming capital of Kakheti, and visit its bustling market where you'll witness the abundance of local products such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and the delicious Kakhetian sunflower oil. Next, we'll journey to Kvareli, a small town nestled at the foot of the mountains. After a short stroll through the town, we'll visit a Kakhetian family's home and enjoy a peaceful garden with a 140-year-old vine. You'll also learn how to make the famous Georgian dessert, "chuchkhela." Before lunch with our hosts, we'll partake in a traditional wine tasting. In the afternoon, we'll visit the picturesque Bodbe Monastery, known for its flowers, before ending the day with a visit to the charming city of Sighnaghi, known as "The City of Love." You'll appreciate its quaint streets in the warm sunshine. Dinner and overnight stay in Sighnaghi.

*Wine styles: Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Saperavi, Aladasturi, Kindzmarauli (PDO).

Route

Visited Attractions *

Included

5
Day 5 photo: Tracing the Footsteps of Homo Georgicus

Tracing the Footsteps of Homo Georgicus

Today, we'll travel to the west to discover the unique region of Southern Shida Kartli. First, we'll depart from Sighnaghi and head to Marneuli to visit its impressive mosque and experience the peaceful coexistence of different religions in Georgia. Afterwards, we'll visit a family-owned cellar in the tranquil town of Bolnisi, known for its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wine. After a wine tasting and a meal with our hosts, we'll take a stroll through the old streets of the German district, tracing the footsteps of the Swabian community who once lived here. Before departing Bolnisi, we'll ascend a small mountain to visit a monastery with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Finally, we'll return to the capital, Tbilisi. Dinner and overnight stay in Tbilisi.

Wine style: Bolnisi (PDO).

Route

Visited Attractions *

Included

6
Day 6 photo: Wines of the Cave Town

Wines of the Cave Town

To start the day, we'll visit one of Georgia's most sacred and historically significant sites: the Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This early medieval church, renowned for its artistic and architectural achievements, offers a breathtaking view of the city of Mtskheta across the river at sunset. Afterwards, we'll delve into the unique cave town of Uplistsikhe, visiting its caves with stunning panoramic views and enjoying a wine tasting inside one of the caves, where unique wines are produced. We'll then have lunch in the birthplace of Joseph Stalin and visit his museum, including his personal train and birth house, before exploring the countryside around Gori and visiting a local wine cellar producing only regional wines made from local Shida Kartli grapes. Dinner and overnight stay in Gori.

Wine styles: Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, Tavkveri.

Route

Visited Attractions *

Included

7
Day 7 photo: Discovering the Wines of Château Mukhrani

Discovering the Wines of Château Mukhrani

Before returning to Tbilisi, we will take a stroll through the charming streets of the city center in Gori and conclude our tour with a visit to the Gori Fortress. Then, we'll head to the only "Château" in Georgia and the birthplace of the country's first wines: the renowned Château Mukhrani. As this is your last day, we'll take our time to explore the beautiful estate, visit the wine production site, enter the castle, and explore the historic cave where some of the finest Georgian wines are kept. During a blind wine tasting, you will have the opportunity to become familiar with the different grape varieties and learn to distinguish them from one another. We'll savor a final lunch in the castle's garden before returning to Tbilisi, where you'll have free time before our team takes you to the airport. End of the tour.

Route

Visited Attractions *

Included

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

Aug. 4, 2024 — Aug. 10, 2024 € 1,085 EUR On sale
Book
Aug. 18, 2024 — Aug. 24, 2024 € 1,085 EUR On sale
Book
Sept. 1, 2024 — Sept. 7, 2024 € 1,085 EUR On sale
Book
Sept. 15, 2024 — Sept. 21, 2024 € 1,085 EUR On sale
Book
Can't find the perfect departure date?   This trip can be organized on your preferred dates!
Inquire

Continue Exploring...