Image

The Ultimate Wine Guide to Georgia (country)

Regions, Grapes, and Tastings

Kakheti – Wine region
/01 September, 2025
1/
Wine Regions of Georgia: Where to Begin Your Journey

1. Kakheti — The Heart of Georgian Winemaking

When it comes to wine tours in Georgia, Kakheti is the first destination for every enthusiast. Producing more than 70% of all Georgian wine, this region is home to iconic wineries such as Kindzmarauli Corporation, Shumi, and Tsinandali Estate.

Must-visit highlights:

  • Telavi — the wine capital of the region.
  • Sighnaghi — the “City of Love” with stunning views over the Alazani Valley.

2. Imereti — The Land of Qvevri Wines

Imereti is known for its wines aged in qvevri, traditional clay vessels buried underground. The result is a softer wine with a distinctive mineral touch.

Try:

  • Tsolikouri — a light and refreshing white.
  • Otskhanuri Sapere — a rare red with deep character.

3. Racha-Lechkhumi — The Exclusive Gem

This small but remarkable region is the birthplace of the legendary Khvanchkara, a semi-sweet red once served to Stalin and Churchill at the Yalta Conference. Each vineyard here feels like a work of art.

In Georgia, wine is never just a drink. It is a heartfelt toast, a song shared at the table, a story told by a winemaker, and a way to see the mountains through the rim of a glass

2/
Grape Varieties: What to Taste First

Georgia boasts more than 500 indigenous grape varieties. Among them, a few stand out as essentials for your wine tasting in Georgia:

  • Saperavi — the king of reds: bold tannins, depth, and intensity, perfect with grilled meats.
  • Rkatsiteli — a versatile white, crisp and refreshing.
  • Mtsvane — fruity and aromatic, often blended with Rkatsiteli.
  • Kisi — a rare white with notes of apricot and honey.
3/
Wineries and Winemakers to Know

Modern Georgian winemaking is a mix of ancient traditions and global recognition. Here are some of the best wineries to visit:

  • Shumi Winery
    A respected brand blending tradition and innovation. They offer tastings, workshops, and even an ethnographic complex.
  • Tbilvino
    Exporting to over 30 countries, Tbilvino is known for both mass-market and premium Saperavi wines.
  • Badagoni
    A modern winery built with Italian expertise. Known for high-quality Rkatsiteli and Kisi, plus standout bottle designs.
  • Pheasant’s Tears
    A favorite in the natural wine world. Founded by a US artist and a Georgian winemaker, this qvevri winery uses no additives or filtration.
  • Iago Bitarishvili
    A pioneer of natural qvevri winemaking. His “Iago’s Wine” is a benchmark Rkatsiteli recognized worldwide.
  • Château Mukhrani
    With royal roots dating back to the 19th century, this estate offers elegant wines, a castle, fine dining, and curated tours.
4/
How to Experience Wine in Georgia

A tour of Georgia’s wineries is much more than tastings — it’s a full cultural immersion with songs, toasts, and feasts.

1. Winery Visits

Top routes include:

  • Kakheti Wine Road — from Telavi to Kvareli, dotted with wineries large and small.
  • Imereti & Racha — best explored with a guide to uncover rare wines.

2. Qvevri Tastings

Don’t miss orange wine — white wine aged in qvevri, resulting in a rich, tannic, and gastronomic profile.

3. Wine & Food Pairings

  • Georgian cuisine is inseparable from wine:
  • Saperavi + beef barbecue
  • Khvanchkara + sulguni cheese khachapuri
  • Rkatsiteli + lobio or walnut salads
5/
Tips for Wine Travelers
  • Best time for a wine tour in Kakheti: September–October during harvest (rtveli).
  • Take a bottle home — qvevri wines are not always exported.
  • Explore family wineries — often the best hidden gems.

Contents of the article:

  • 1/ Wine Regions of Georgia: Where to Begin Your Journey
  • 2/ Grape Varieties: What to Taste First
  • 3/ Wineries and Winemakers to Know
  • 4/ How to Experience Wine in Georgia
  • 5/ Tips for Wine Travelers

magazine

Related Articles

  • Image
    /08 September, 2025
    Top 5 Presidential Suites in Georgia

    Georgia has become one of the most desired destinations for travelers who value culture, gastronomy, and refined hospitality. But the true essence of luxury is revealed in the presidential suites in Georgia — unique spaces where elegance, privacy, and impeccable service create an atmosphere of absolute comfort. In this guide, Premium Georgia presents a carefully curated list of the best hotels in Georgia luxury, featuring five outstanding presidential rooms in Georgian hotels, each offering its own character and charm.

    Kakheti – Wine region, Tbilisi
  • Image
    /05 September, 2025
    What is a Concierge Service in Georgia

    Georgia captivates from the very first moment: the vineyards of Kakheti, the snow-capped peaks of Kazbegi, the winding streets of old Tbilisi where time seems to stand still. But true relaxation begins when you don’t have to think about a single detail — no transfers, no reservations, no logistics. This is where a concierge service in Georgia becomes essential. VIP travelers have long understood that traveling with a personal assistant in Georgia means experiencing the country fully, without worrying about the details. Imagine arriving by private jet, greeted by a Maybach with a personal driver. Your boutique hotel room is ready with your favorite flowers and a selection of fine wines. Dinner is served on a terrace overlooking Tbilisi, with a string quartet playing softly in the background.

    Tbilisi
  • Image
    /04 September, 2025
    Romantic Georgia (country)

    Georgia is a country where time seems to pause among majestic mountains, fragrant vineyards, and ancient towns. Its warm hospitality and unique charm make it one of the best destinations for romantic getaways. If you’re dreaming of a fairy-tale escape for two, Georgia will surprise you with unforgettable experiences — and in this article, Premium Georgia experts will guide you through the most romantic places to visit.

    Georgian Coast, Georgian Mountains, Kakheti – Wine region, Tbilisi
  • Image
    /03 September, 2025
    The Best Time to Visit Georgia (country)

    When is the best time to visit Georgia? The truth is, this country is stunning all year round. Georgia is where mountains meet the sea, where centuries-old monasteries stand next to lively cities, and where wine-making traditions flow through daily life. But every season here has its own character. In spring, the country blooms; in summer, it shines with beaches and green peaks; autumn brings golden vineyards and the famous grape harvest, while winter turns Georgia into a cozy ski destination. If you’re wondering when is the best time to go to Georgia, here’s a month-by-month guide from the travel experts at Premium Georgia.

    Georgian Coast, Georgian Mountains, Kakheti – Wine region, Tbilisi
  • Image
    /02 September, 2025
    Helicopter Tours in Georgia (country)

    Georgia is a land where snow-covered peaks, lush vineyards, ancient fortresses, and alpine lakes coexist within just a few hours’ drive. But while these landscapes are stunning from the ground, they become truly breathtaking from above. More and more travelers are choosing helicopter tours in Georgia to see in a few hours what would take days by car or on foot.

    Georgian Mountains
  • Image
    /01 September, 2025
    The Ultimate Wine Guide to Georgia (country)

    Georgia is not just a country of breathtaking landscapes and delicious cuisine — it is the cradle of winemaking. For over 8,000 years, wine here has been more than a drink: it is part of culture, tradition, and even spirituality. If you have ever raised a glass of Saperavi or Rkatsiteli, you’ve already tasted a piece of Georgia. In this guide by Premium Georgia, we invite you to embark on an authentic journey through the country’s wine heritage.

    Kakheti – Wine region

contacts

contact us

Leave a request and our manager will contact you shortly

address

Tbilisi, Georgia

telephone
+995 551 055 550
связаться с нами