The Ultimate Wine Guide to Georgia (country)

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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.