Kakheti Wine Tour: Private Day Trip with Lunch & 3 Tastings

Summary

Wine cellars, family tables and cobbled Sighnaghi streets in Kakheti

You’ll taste fresh-baked bread in Badiauri village, stroll through Sighnaghi’s quiet streets with your guide, sip organic qvevri wines overlooking the Alazani Valley, share lunch at a family winery in Mukuzani, and finish deep underground at Khareba’s tunnels. It’s not just about wine — it’s Georgia on your tongue and under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

We left Tbilisi early — not too early, thankfully — and by the time we reached Badiauri, the van was filled with that sleepy, hopeful feeling you get before a good meal. The bakery smelled like woodsmoke and flour. Our guide, Giorgi, handed me a chunk of shoti bread so hot it nearly burned my fingers. I tore off a piece and dipped it in salty cheese while an old woman smiled at us from behind the counter. It was simple but honestly, better than half the fancy breakfasts I’ve ever had.

Sighnaghi came next — all those winding cobblestone streets and faded pastel houses perched above the Alazani Valley. Giorgi told us stories about weddings here (it’s called the city of love for a reason) while we wandered through town. At Okros Winery’s terrace, we tried three kinds of natural wine — amber, red, white — plus chacha that went down like fire. The owner explained qvevri winemaking with this mix of pride and patience; I tried to say “madloba” properly but definitely didn’t nail it. The view over the valley was hazy blue and gold. Still think about it sometimes.

Lunch was at Mukuzani, in a family’s backyard under grapevines. Their homemade food just kept coming: khachapuri, eggplant rolls, tomatoes so sweet they tasted like fruit. The winemaker poured his own wine straight from a clay vessel buried in earth — he said something about how wine is part of every feast here and honestly, after two glasses I started to get what he meant. It felt more like visiting someone’s home than being on a tour.

The last stop was Khareba Winery — which is actually this long underground tunnel built into an old Soviet bomb shelter (never thought I’d drink wine there). Cool air, stone walls dripping with condensation, rows of bottles lined up in the dim light. We tasted two qvevri wines that were richer than anything I’ve had back home. There was talk of making churchkhela if there was time but honestly by then my head was spinning just enough to enjoy standing still for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tastings and lunch in Kakheti

• Visit Badiauri village bakery
• Taste fresh bread and local cheese
• Stroll cobblestone streets of Sighnaghi
• Taste 3 wines and Chacha at Okros winery
• Enjoy views of Alazani Valley and Caucasus
• Lunch and wine tasting at Mukuzani family winery
• Tour wine cellar with winemaker
• Visit Khareba winery underground tunnel
• Taste 2 traditional Qvevri wines
• Participate in Churchkhela dessert masterclass

Top questions

How long is the Kakheti wine tour from Tbilisi?

The private Kakheti wine tour lasts around 9-10 hours including travel time from Tbilisi.

Is lunch included on this Kakheti day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a family-owned winery in Mukuzani village featuring homemade Georgian dishes.

How many wineries do we visit during the Kakheti wine tour?

You’ll visit three different wineries: one organic boutique winery in Sighnaghi, one family-run winery in Mukuzani for lunch and tasting, and Khareba Winery inside an underground tunnel.

What types of wines are tasted on this tour?

The tastings include unique Georgian red and white wines made using traditional qvevri methods as well as chacha (grape vodka).

Is hotel pickup included for this Kakheti wine day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for guests staying in Tbilisi.

Are children allowed on this private Kakheti wine tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Does the tour include any food besides lunch?

Yes, you’ll also try fresh-baked shoti bread paired with local cheese during the first stop in Badiauri village.

Can I participate if I have limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but some walking on cobblestone streets is involved in Sighnaghi.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Tbilisi, all transportation between stops in Kakheti region, fresh-baked bread with cheese tasting in Badiauri village, guided stroll through Sighnaghi with organic wine tasting at Okros or Cradle of Wine winery (including chacha), traditional homemade lunch at a family-owned Mukuzani winery with more natural wines to sample, two further tastings inside Khareba’s underground tunnels or alternative winery visit if needed—all led by a local guide before returning to your hotel that evening.