A trip to Georgia simply isn’t complete without a visit to the Kakheti region, famously known as Georgian wine country! While you can take a day trip from Tbilisi, be sure to explore the capital first—it’s a gem for travelers.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, aim to spend a couple of days exploring Kakheti. We stayed two nights each in Sighnaghi and Telavi, perfect bases for day trips.
Here are some must-do experiences in the Kakheti wine region:
Sighnaghi is the most picturesque town in Kakheti, resembling a hilltop village in Italy with its cobblestone streets and ancient city walls. It’s a lovely place to unwind for a few days with numerous accommodations, restaurants, and wine cellars.
Several cellar doors are scattered around Sighnaghi, including Pheasant’s Tears (18 Baratashvili Street) and OKRO’s Natural Wine Restaurant (7A Chavchavdze St). The best part? No need for a designated driver! Spend half a day wandering between wineries, sampling local wines.
Getting to Sighnaghi:
We recommend renting a car as it’s affordable, but public transport is available. From Tbilisi, take a marshrutka (minivan) from Navtlughi Avtosadguri bus station, about 300m west of the Samgori metro station. There are six daily services to Sighnaghi, taking around 2 hours and costing 6 GEL ($2.50 USD). The bus drops you off in the main square of Sighnaghi. From Telavi, there’s one marshrutka to Sighnaghi (Monday to Friday), departing around 3 PM, costing 5 GEL ($2 USD). It’s best to confirm departure times in the morning.
The Bodbe Monastery, 2km from Sighnaghi, offers stunning views and is the resting place of St Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia. The monastery, originally built in the 9th century, has beautiful surroundings and breathtaking views of the valley and mountains.
Getting to Bodbe Monastery:
Weather permitting, walking from Sighnaghi to Bodbe Convent is a beautiful journey. Located 2km southeast of Sighnaghi, follow the road out of town, past the Tourist Information office. If lost, ask a local for directions. Be cautious of the roads as drivers can be a bit wild! You can also take a taxi for a round trip, costing around 20 GEL.
The beautifully restored 19th-century palace and grounds of Prince Alexander Chavchavdze (entrance 5 GEL) in Tsinandali give insights into the life of this influential figure. Alexander was a notable noble, poet, diplomat, translator, soldier, winemaker, and businessman, even participating in significant battles against Napoleon’s army. After a raid in 1854, the estate became a museum, conference center, and art gallery. Your ticket includes a guided tour in English, showcasing the estate’s history. Don’t miss a visit to the wine cellar for a local wine tasting.
Getting to Chavchavdze Estate:
Located 10km from Telavi in the village of Tsinandali, a return taxi, including waiting time, should cost around 15 GEL ($6 USD). Telavi is accessible by public transport from Tbilisi, with marshrutkas leaving Ortachala station every hour from 8 AM to 6 PM, taking around 2 hours and costing 7 GEL ($3 USD). From Sighnaghi to Telavi, there’s one marshrutka per day (Monday to Saturday), departing around 9:15 AM, taking 90 minutes and costing 4.50 GEL ($2 USD).
In Kakheti, known for its rich wine history dating back over 6000 years, you’ll definitely want to visit some wineries. Georgia’s ancient winemaking technique called ‘quevri’ involves fermenting wine in large clay pots buried in the ground.
Some favorite wineries include:
– Shumi Winery – 8km east of Telavi, next to Chavchavdze Estate, it offers free tours and generous wine tastings. The vineyard has a small museum and friendly English-speaking guides. The free tasting includes four wines and a chacha.
– Schuchmann Wines Chateau – Located 10km east of Telavi, this chateau offers tastings starting at 15 GEL for three wines, with knowledgeable staff. The restaurant serves excellent Georgian cuisine at good prices.
– Pheasant’s Tears – In the heart of Sighnaghi, this winery offers some of the region’s best wine and a great restaurant. Enjoy a tasting and try the delicious Chef’s Selection menu for dinner.
Getting to the wineries:
Shumi Winery and Schuchmann Wines Chateau are close to Telavi and easily reached by taxi. Some Telavi guesthouses offer bicycle rentals. Pheasant’s Tears is centrally located in Sighnaghi, easily walkable. Many guesthouses in Sighnaghi and Telavi can arrange wine tours, costing around 100 GEL for a full-day tour (excluding tasting fees).
For more details on getting to Sighnaghi and Telavi, refer to the sections above.