Georgia's Wine Country: A Journey Through Ancient Vineyards & Living Traditions
Curated By
Erica Hanger
Curator’s statement
Georgia’s wine region isn’t just about tasting exceptional wines—it’s about experiencing an unbroken 8,000-year tradition that lives and breathes in every family-owned vineyard. From watching winemakers tend their buried qvevri vessels to sharing chacha toasts at sunset overlooking the Alazani Valley, this is where wine culture is woven into the fabric of daily life, and what a privilege to join such hospitable people and share stories over delectable food and wine. What makes Georgia’s wine country truly special is the warmth of its people, who welcome you not as tourists but as honored guests in a centuries-old ritual of hospitality and craft.
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Things to do in Georgia
Enjoying wine and supra feast at Pat'ra Marani Vineyard
Visit traditional qvevri wineries in Kakheti: Experience authentic Georgian winemaking by visiting family-owned wineries where wine is still fermented in massive clay vessels buried underground. Watch as winemakers open centuries-old qvevri and learn about this UNESCO-recognized technique that predates modern winemaking by millennia.
Explore Sighnaghi, the Town of Love: Wander through this charming hilltop town overlooking the Alazani Valley, with its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and stunning mountain views. The town serves as an ideal base for wine country exploration and offers beautiful sunset vistas over the vineyards.
Participate in Rtveli (Grape Harvest): If visiting in September or October, join local families for the traditional grape harvest. This centuries-old celebration involves picking grapes by hand, pressing them in traditional wooden presses, and celebrating with feasts, music, and endless toasts.
Tour the Telavi Wine Route: Drive through the picturesque countryside, visiting boutique wineries, ancient monasteries, and historic fortresses. Stop at roadside stands to sample fresh churchkhela (grape must candy) and homemade preserves from local producers.
Take a wine and food pairing class: Learn how Georgian amber wines pair with traditional dishes like khachapuri and khinkali. Many wineries offer intimate classes where you’ll discover why Georgia’s unique orange wines complement the country’s bold, herb-forward cuisine.
Visit Odlisi Cheese Bar: This family-run business is a cheese lovers haven. Sample fresh sulguni, aged Guda cheese from the mountains, and rare regional cheeses paired with Georgian wines and homemade preserves in an intimate vintage setting that celebrates traditional dairy craftsmanship.
Hike through vineyard landscapes: Trek through the rolling hills of Kakheti, passing through family vineyards, hazelnut groves, and traditional villages. The region offers spectacular views of the Caucasus Mountains rising beyond endless rows of vines.
Experience a traditional supra: Attend a Georgian feast led by a tamada (toastmaster) where every toast tells a story. These multi-hour celebrations showcase Georgia’s legendary hospitality alongside the country’s finest wines and home-cooked dishes.
Places to eat & drink in Georgia
Pheasant’s Tears (Sighnaghi): This pioneering natural wine bar and restaurant champions traditional qvevri winemaking methods while serving creative Georgian cuisine. The cozy atmosphere and exceptional wine list make it perfect for both education and enjoyment.
Beekeeping experience: Learn about sustainability and beekeeping in this immersive experience while tasting honey and making beeswax candles
Winery lunch experiences: Many boutique wineries offer leisurely lunches on vine-covered terraces overlooking their estates. Expect farm-to-table dishes featuring seasonal ingredients, freshly baked bread, and wine pairings guided by the winemakers themselves.
Telavi market breakfast: Start your day at the local market sampling fresh matsoni (Georgian yogurt), warm khachapuri, and strong Georgian coffee while chatting with vendors about their products and the day’s harvest.
Need to know
Best time to visit: September and October for the harvest season, or May through June for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Spring offers wildflower-covered hillsides and ideal hiking conditions.
Getting around: Rent a car for maximum flexibility and exploring rural wineries, or hire a local driver/guide who can provide cultural context and access to family-owned estates not typically open to drop-in visitors.
Language: Learning basic Georgian phrases shows respect and opens doors. “Gaumarjos” (cheers) and “gmadlobt” (thank you) will be appreciated everywhere you go.
Sustainable wine tourism: Support small family wineries practicing organic and natural winemaking. Choose accommodations that partner with local producers and contribute to community preservation rather than large commercial operations.
Cultural etiquette: At traditional supras, participate in toasts when invited but pace yourself—Georgian hospitality is generous. Always accept the first glass offered, and compliment your hosts’ wines and cooking.
What to buy: Purchase wine directly from small producers to support traditional winemaking. Look for natural wines made in qvevri, as well as chacha, churchkhela, and local honey to bring home.
Travel Advisor
Erica Hanger
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