Image

The Ultimate Wine Guide to Georgia (country)

Regions, Grapes, and Tastings

Kakheti – Wine region
/15 April, 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
    /27 May, 2026
    Top 5 Best Hotels in Georgia (country) in 2026

    By 2026, Georgia has firmly established itself as one of the most exciting luxury travel destinations in the region. Known for its ancient culture, world-renowned winemaking traditions, and diverse landscapes, the country is now equally recognized for its rapidly evolving high-end hospitality sector. A new generation of designer properties and large-scale resorts is redefining the standard of hotels in Georgia 2026, offering refined aesthetics, personalized service, and immersive guest experiences. In this guide, the experts at Premium Georgia present a curated selection of the best hotels in Georgia, highlighting the most exceptional stays for Georgia travel 2026.

    Georgian Coast, Georgian Mountains, Kakheti – Wine region, Tbilisi
  • Image
    /26 May, 2026
    The Top 5 Hotels in Tbilisi, Georgia

    Georgia is a country known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and rich culture. For those who value comfort, style, and top-notch service, Tbilisi offers a range of luxury hotels that promise an unforgettable stay. In this guide, we’ve highlighted five of the best hotels in Tbilisi, each offering a unique experience and a chance to enjoy the city at its finest.

    Tbilisi
  • Image
    /25 May, 2026
    Kakheti: a comprehensive travel guide from Premium Georgia

    Located just a short drive from Tbilisi, Kakheti is one of the most fascinating and diverse regions in Georgia. Known primarily as the birthplace of Georgian wine, the region offers far more than vineyards and wine cellars. Kakheti combines centuries-old traditions, historic towns, dramatic landscapes, luxury countryside resorts, and a thriving gastronomic culture. Today Kakheti is considered one of the most important travel destinations in the country. Visitors come here for authentic wine experiences, cultural exploration, scenic drives through the Alazani Valley, and peaceful stays in elegant vineyard estates. Whether you are planning a cultural trip, a romantic getaway, or a luxury countryside escape, this Kakheti Georgia travel guide will help you discover the best places, experiences, and things to do in Kakheti.

    Kakheti – Wine region
  • Image
    /24 May, 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
    /23 May, 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
    /22 May, 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

contacts

contact us

Leave a request and our manager will contact you shortly

address

Georgia, Tbilisi

telephone
+995 551 055 550
связаться с нами