Tbilisi: Khinkali & Khachapuri Cooking Class with Wine

Summary

Learn Georgian recipes hands-on in Tbilisi with wine & stories

You’ll shape your own khinkali dumplings and bake cheesy Imeretian khachapuri in a welcoming Tbilisi setting, guided by locals who share stories as you cook. Enjoy Georgian wine, fresh tomato salad drizzled with kakhetian oil, and plates of farm cheese—all included. Expect laughter over imperfect folds and a real sense of connection at the table.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — warm dough and something sharp, like cheese just starting to melt. We were in this bright room in Tbilisi, not a kitchen exactly (I was expecting stoves everywhere), but tables set up with flour dusted everywhere. Lia, our host, had this way of laughing at my lopsided khinkali folds without making me feel dumb. She said everyone’s first dumpling looks like “a little lost hat.” I liked that.

We started with khachapuri — the Imeretian kind, round and packed with salty cheese. The dough felt soft but springy under my fingers, and I tried to copy Lia’s folding trick but mine kept leaking cheese. She shrugged and said it’s all about practice (and maybe a little patience). Someone poured us glasses of local wine—red, slightly earthy—and passed around a salad made from tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes. There was farm cheese too; tangy and crumbly. The whole table got quiet for a second when we bit in.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much trying to say “khinkali” right (Li giggled every time). She told us stories about Tbilisi between steps—something about how every family has their own secret for the filling. I still think about the way my hands smelled afterwards: peppery meat, flour, a hint of oil from the salad. By the end, our dumplings looked wonky but tasted right. We ate together, clinking glasses and swapping photos of our creations. It felt less like a class and more like being let in on something personal—maybe that’s why it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn to cook Georgian dishes

• Learn dough preparation for khachapuri
• Prepare filling for khachapuri
• Spread cheese and cook khachapuri
• Sculpt khinkali with chef's guidance
• Enjoy Georgian wine and salad
• Taste farm cheeses
• Listen to stories about Tbilisi and cooking

Top questions

Is this cooking class in Tbilisi suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's designed for all levels—no experience needed.

What dishes will I learn to make during the class?

You’ll make traditional khinkali dumplings and Imeretian khachapuri.

Does the tour include food tasting or just cooking?

You’ll taste everything you make plus enjoy salad, cheeses, and wine.

Is there vegetarian or non-meat filling for khinkali?

Yes, cheese or mushroom fillings are available for khinkali.

Are drinks included in the cooking class?

A glass of Georgian wine and bottled water are included.

Is pickup or transportation provided?

The location is accessible by public transport; no hotel pickup listed.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join the class?

Infants can join; prams/strollers and infant seats are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on lessons making both khinkali dumplings and Imeretian khachapuri alongside locals in Tbilisi, plus a glass of Georgian wine, bottled water, a fresh tomato salad dressed with kakhetian oil, plates of farm cheeses—and plenty of shared laughter at the table before heading out into the city again.