Georgian Wine & Rtveli (Sept-Oct 2025)

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel reception for a tour of Tbilisi. Start by visiting Sameba (St. Trinity) Cathedral, the tallest in Georgia. Stroll through Rike Park and cross the modern Bridge of Peace, then take the cable car up to Narikala Fortress for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Visit the statue of Mother of Georgia before heading to the Sulphur Bath district, passing by the only mosque in Tbilisi. Explore the charming Shardeni area with its narrow streets, cozy cafés, wine bars, and souvenir shops.

Continue your exploration with visits to Sioni Cathedral, Anchiskhati Basilica (the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi), and the clock tower of the famous Rezo Gabriadze Theatre. Afterward, enjoy some free time to further explore the city.
Overnight in Tbilisi.

After breakfast, head towards Kakheti, the wine region of Georgia. On the way, take a turn off the main road to visit the impressive David Gareja Monastery, set in a stunning desert-like landscape. Explore this 6th-century complex, founded by the Assyrian Father, David Garejeli. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories, and living quarters carved into the rock face. This detour off the main road offers a unique glimpse into Georgia’s rich history and spirituality.

Next, stop at a local winery to learn about modern winemaking techniques, enjoy your first wine tasting and late lunch.

Afterwards, continue your journey to Sighnaghi, a small but charming town often referred to as the “Kakhetian Pearl” and the “City of Love”. Overnight in Sighnaghi.
Driving distance/time: ~220 km / ~3.5 h

After breakfast, enjoy a guided excursion in Sighnaghi. This royal town, once an important trading center on the Great Silk Road, was once surrounded by a wall with 23 watchtowers and 6 gates—ruins of which are still visible today. Wander through the charming streets, climb the city wall for stunning views of the Alazani Valley and the Great Caucasus Mountains.

After leaving Sighnaghi, drive through the fertile, vineyard-filled lands of Kakheti to the Kvareli Wine Cave. Carved into a Caucasian ridge, the cave took six years to build starting in 1959. It is one of the largest wine vaults in the world, with 15 tunnels, including 2 main tunnels and 13 connecting tunnels, covering a total length of 7.7 km. Part of the cave, which maintains the ideal temperature for wine storage, is open to the public. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the cave and taste wines produced by Khareba, the current owner of the cave. Lunch.

While driving further, if desired, it’s possible to stop and explore the 6th-century Nekresi Monastery, perched on a hill with stunning views of the Alazani Valley, or take an excursion to the Gremi Architectural Complex, once an important citadel on the famous Silk Road.

Continue to Tsinandali, where you will visit the house-museum and botanical park of Aleksandre Chavchavadze (1786-1846), a prominent public figure, poet, wine collector, and benefactor. Explore his house, park, and wine cellar, which houses a collection of vintage wines, with the oldest bottle dating back to 1841. Afterward, enjoy a tasting of “Tsinandali Estate” wines.

Arrive in Telavi, the administrative center of the Kakheti region. Overnight in Telavi.
Driving distance/time: ~110 km / ~2 h

After breakfast, enjoy some time to explore Telavi. Visit the local food market, famous for its fresh produce, spices, wines, and sunflower oil. See the monument to Erekle II, the 18th-century King of Kakheti, and the impressive 900-year-old tree, which stands 12 meters wide and 46 meters tall.

Next, experience Rtveli, the traditional grape harvest and winemaking autumn feast, at a local vineyard in a Kakhetian village. This is the highlight of the entire tour! Rtveli is a centuries-old celebration where you will participate in the unique and traditional winemaking process that has been passed down through generations. You will not only learn about the history of Georgian wine but also actively engage in the harvesting of grapes and the fascinating steps of winemaking, from crushing the grapes to pressing them and even preparing them for fermentation in traditional clay vessels.

Additionally, you’ll enjoy a hands-on masterclass in baking Kakhetian bread in a traditional clay vessel and making churchkhela, the popular Georgian sweet made from nuts (usually walnuts) and grape juice, often referred to as “Georgian Snickers.”
Of course, the program includes a tasting of local wines and a traditional lunch featuring fresh local products and offering a true taste of Kakheti’s cuisine.

Afterward, drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Driving distance/time: ~160 km / ~2.5 h

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring Tbilisi on your own.
*Upon request, a trip to UNESCO sites, such as Mtskheta and Jvari Monastery, can be organized for an additional fee.