Image

The Ultimate Wine Guide to Georgia (country)

Regions, Grapes, and Tastings

Kakheti – Wine region
/08 January, 2026
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
    /25 February, 2026
    Hiking in Georgia (country): The Most Beautiful Routes

    Georgia is a remarkable destination for nature lovers and active travelers. Within a single day, you can walk through alpine valleys, admire Caucasus glaciers, discover high-altitude lakes and dramatic canyons, and explore centuries-old fortresses. Thanks to its diverse landscapes and relatively compact size, hiking in Georgia offers an incredible variety of experiences — from gentle scenic walks to challenging multi-day treks deep into the mountains. Hiking is accessible almost year-round, and the country’s landscapes provide opportunities for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Below, the team at Premium Georgia presents some of the most beautiful Georgia hiking routes, carefully selected for different levels and preferences.

    Georgian Mountains, Kakheti – Wine region, Tbilisi
  • Image
    /20 February, 2026
    Top 5 places in Tbilisi for Breakfast with a City View

    Tbilisi mornings have their own rhythm. Golden sunlight slowly fills the winding streets of the Old Town. The Mtkvari River reflects a soft silver glow. The hills surrounding the city begin to emerge against the horizon. While the capital sparkles at night, it feels most inspiring at sunrise — when the air is calm, coffee aromas drift through open terraces, and the city awakens gently. There is something special about starting the day above the rooftops. A relaxed breakfast with a panoramic backdrop transforms an ordinary morning into a ritual. If you’re wondering where to have breakfast in Tbilisi with both atmosphere and views, this curated selection by Premium Georgia brings together the most beautiful spots in the city. From elegant rooftop terraces to stylish restaurants with skyline perspectives, these venues offer some of the best breakfast in Tbilisi — each paired with unforgettable views.

    Tbilisi
  • Image
    /12 February, 2026
    A Complete Guide to Tbilisi Galleries by Premium Georgia

    Tbilisi is far more than winding cobblestone streets, carved wooden balconies, and sweeping views over the Kura River. The city breathes creativity. Here, art is woven into everyday life — from grand national institutions to intimate independent spaces shaping the next generation of artists. This guide to the most notable galleries in Tbilisi was curated by the experts at Premium Georgia, a company specializing in private cultural routes, bespoke tours, and premium concierge services across the country. Whether you are discovering the Tbilisi art scene for the first time or looking to explore it more deeply, these spaces reveal the city’s rich artistic identity — classical, contemporary, and everything in between.

    Tbilisi
  • Image
    /09 February, 2026
    Spring in Georgia (country): top 5 destinations for a vacation

    Spring is one of the most enchanting seasons to explore Georgia. As winter gradually loosens its grip, the country transforms: mountain peaks shed their snow, vineyards awaken with fresh green shoots, and cities fill with light, warmth, and energy. This is a time when travel feels effortless — no intense heat, no overwhelming crowds, just comfort, authenticity, and space to truly enjoy each moment. A spring vacation in Georgia offers remarkable diversity. Within one journey, you can combine wine routes, cultural city experiences, outdoor adventures, and wellness retreats. In this Georgia spring travel guide, Premium Georgia’s experts highlight five destinations that reveal their true character during the spring months — along with curated routes and carefully selected hotels for a refined stay.

    Georgian Mountains, Kakheti – Wine region, Tbilisi
  • Image
    /30 January, 2026
    Imereti Georgia: The Complete Travel Guide by Premium Georgia

    Imereti is one of Georgia’s most diverse and experience-rich regions. Within a relatively compact area, it brings together world-class canyons, vast karst caves, spa resorts, industrial heritage, and ancient religious centers. The region is ideal both for active travelers and for those who appreciate atmospheric, lesser-known destinations and a slow immersion into local culture. Imereti is best explored from Kutaisi, the region’s cultural and logistical hub, and can easily be combined with trips to Samegrelo, Racha, and Svaneti.

    Georgian Mountains
  • Image
    /26 January, 2026
    Theatres in Tbilisi, a Comprehensive Guide from Premium Georgia

    Tbilisi is often associated with its charming old quarters, iconic sulfur baths, and evolving culinary scene. Yet beyond these highlights lies another powerful dimension of the city — a deeply rooted and dynamic theatrical culture. As one of the cultural centers of the Caucasus, Tbilisi has nurtured a strong stage tradition since the 19th century, with theatre remaining a vital part of the city’s artistic and intellectual identity. For travelers exploring Georgia and seeking meaningful cultural encounters, theatre offers a refined and immersive experience. Tbilisi presents a diverse theatrical landscape: dramatic and contemporary productions, classical performances, puppet theatre, opera, and ballet. Importantly for international guests, many performances are accessible through English or Russian subtitles, or rely on strong visual storytelling that transcends language. In this guide, Premium Georgia introduces the most significant theatres in Tbilisi and provides practical insights to help you choose the right performance and venue during your stay.

    Tbilisi

contacts

contact us

Leave a request and our manager will contact you shortly

address

Georgia, Tbilisi, Terenti Graneli str., 10-12

telephone
+995 551 055 550
связаться с нами