Kakheti Wine Region: Sighnaghi, Bodbe & 10 Tastings Day Trip

Summary

Sip Georgian wines in Kakheti, wander Sighnaghi’s hills and meet the locals

You’ll taste ten local wines (plus chacha) in Kakheti’s cellars, stroll through Sighnaghi’s winding streets with mountain views, and step quietly into Bodbe Monastery where St. Nino rests. Expect laughter with your guide, real stories from winemakers, and small moments that stay with you long after you leave Georgia.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s chacha — careful!” our guide Nino grinned as she poured a tiny glass, sunlight catching on the copper still behind her. I’d never tasted Georgian brandy before — it burned but then there was this warmth that lingered, like the way the morning fog hung over Tbilisi when we left. The warehouse was colder than I expected, so I kept my jacket on while we tried five different wines (and yes, water between each one — Nino insisted). The smell of fermenting grapes mixed with something sweet and earthy. I bought a bottle of Chkhaveri for later, though honestly I’m not sure it’ll make it home.

We drove out to Bodbe Monastery next. There were flower beds everywhere and an old woman selling churchkhela by the gate — those walnut-and-grape things that look like candles. Inside was quieter than I thought it would be; people moved softly, almost whispering. Our guide told us about St. Nino and pointed out where she’s buried under the altar (no photos allowed there). It felt respectful somehow, even if you’re not religious. The air smelled faintly of incense and wet stone.

Sighnaghi surprised me most. The houses looked almost Italian with their red roofs and balconies full of laundry flapping in the wind. We walked along part of the city wall — apparently one of the longest in the world? — and looked out over the Alazani Valley all hazy blue below us. A kid waved from a window; his grandma yelled at him to come inside for lunch (or at least that’s what Nino said she was saying). After that we ended up in a family-run wine cellar where someone’s uncle poured us his homemade saperavi and told stories about harvests past. I still think about that view sometimes when I open a bottle at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kakheti wine tour and sightseeing

• Meet at Giant Bicycle Monument
• Visit Kakhetian Winemaking Factory
• Taste 5 wines and brandy
• Visit Bodbe Monastery
• Explore Signagi town and streets
• End at local wine cellar
• Drop off at Rose Revolution Square

Top questions

How many wines do you taste on this Kakheti day trip?

The tour includes 10 wine tastings plus Georgian brandy (chacha).

Is hotel pickup included for this Kakheti wine tour?

Hotel pickup is included only for groups larger than four people.

Where does the Kakheti wine region tour start?

The meeting point is at 10:30 AM near the Giant Bicycle Monument by Radisson Blu Hotel in Tbilisi.

Does this day trip to Sighnaghi include a visit to Bodbe Monastery?

Yes, Bodbe Monastery is included as one of the main stops on this tour.

What time does the tour return to Tbilisi?

You’ll be dropped off around 6 PM at Rose Revolution Square in Tbilisi.

What’s included

Your day includes transport from Tbilisi with an English-speaking local guide, entry to all wineries for ten tastings (and chacha), stops at Bodbe Monastery and Sighnaghi town, plus drop-off back in central Tbilisi by evening.