Kazbegi, Ananuri & Gudauri: Day Trip with Wine Tasting

Summary

Georgia’s wild roads to Kazbegi, fortress walls and mountain air

You’ll feel Georgia’s history in your fingertips as you walk Ananuri’s ancient stones, try khinkali by mountain rivers, taste wine with locals, and climb by jeep to Gergeti Monastery above Kazbegi’s peaks. This isn’t just scenery—it gets under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the color of the Zhinvali reservoir — sort of turquoise but not quite, especially under clouds. Our guide Nino pulled over so we could take it in. She pointed out how the water line shifts every season; I hadn’t thought about that before. The bus smelled faintly like last night’s rain and someone’s sweet cologne. There were only eight of us, which meant everyone kind of fell into chatting or just staring out at the green hills rolling by.

Ananuri fortress felt older than I expected — cold stone under my hands, moss in the cracks. Nino told us about the Aragvi rulers who’d lived here; she had a way of making old stories sound like family gossip. Inside the Assumption Church, there were carvings everywhere. One looked like a lion but maybe it was a horse? We tried guessing. A local woman sold churchkhela outside and laughed when I tried to pronounce it (I failed). The air smelled like wet leaves and wood smoke drifting from somewhere down by the river.

Lunch was up near the confluence of the Black and White Aragvi rivers. I still think about those khinkali — doughy, peppery, steaming hot inside. We all got mineral water from a spring that left our hands sticky with orange residue; apparently that’s iron. After that, Gudauri flashed by — ski lifts hanging still in summer wind — then we stopped at the Friendship Arch where wind nearly stole my hat. The view just kept going; you could see tiny cars winding up from below.

The last part was Stepantsminda village and a bumpy jeep ride up to Gergeti Monastery. It really does look like those postcards: stone church perched above clouds, Kazbegi mountain looming behind. Someone started humming quietly — not sure who — and nobody spoke for a minute or two. I remember thinking: this is what people mean when they talk about Georgia’s soul, even if that sounds dramatic. On the way back to Tbilisi we passed shepherds moving sheep along the road as dusk settled in and headlights flickered on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kazbegi and surrounding landmarks

• Drive past Zhinvali reservoir
• Visit Ananuri fortress and church
• See confluence of White and Black Aragvi rivers
• Enjoy lunch with traditional mountain dishes
• Stop at Gudauri ski resort
• Visit Friendship Arch near Gudauri
• Travel to Stepantsminda village
• Jeep ride to Gergeti Church and fortress
• Return to Tbilisi Maidan Square

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi?

The tour lasts one full day, returning to Tbilisi around 8 or 9 pm.

Is lunch included on this Kazbegi-Ananuri-Gudauri group tour?

Lunch is not explicitly included but there is an 80-minute stop at a local restaurant where you can buy traditional dishes.

Do I need extra money for anything?

You’ll need 20 GEL per person for the jeep ride up to Gergeti Monastery.

Are wine tastings part of this day trip?

Yes, free wine and cognac tasting are included during the tour.

Is pickup included or do we meet somewhere?

The tour starts at Tbilisi Maidan Square; hotel pickup is not specified in the reference info.

What should I wear for this trip?

Dress for changing mountain weather—layers are best—and comfortable shoes for walking at sites like Ananuri and Gergeti.

Is this group tour suitable for kids or elderly travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Will there be a local guide throughout?

Yes, a highly qualified local guide leads the entire day trip from Tbilisi.

What’s included

Your day includes travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced local guide throughout, free wine and cognac tasting stops along the route, time for lunch at a traditional mountain restaurant near Aragvi rivers (meal cost separate), plus support available online 24 hours if you need anything before or after your booking.