Tbilisi: Old Town Walking Tour with Wine & 10 Tastings

Summary

Stroll Tbilisi’s winding streets, taste warm bread and local wine

You’ll wander Tbilisi’s Old Town with a local guide, tasting fresh-baked khachapuri, sampling spices and sweets, riding the cable car to Narikala Fortress for sweeping views, and finishing with Georgian wine tastings. Expect laughter, crumbly pastries, and stories you’ll want to remember.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—yeasty and warm—coming from a tiny bakery tucked behind a faded blue door in Old Tbilisi. Our guide, Nino, waved us inside before I could even finish snapping a photo of the Gabriadze Theater’s crooked clock tower. The baker handed me a piece of khachapuri straight from the oven. It burned my fingers a little, but honestly? Worth it. There was flour dust on everything and someone’s radio playing what I think was old Georgian pop.

We wandered through twisting lanes where balconies leaned over us like they might whisper secrets if you stood still long enough. Nino pointed out carvings on the ancient church stones—she said some were older than her grandmother’s stories. The Peace Bridge looked almost out of place with its glass curves shining in the afternoon light, but somehow it fit. At one point we stopped at a spice shop; I tried to pronounce “khmeli suneli” and Li (one of the shopkeepers) laughed so hard she nearly dropped her jar of dried marigold petals.

The cable car up to Narikala Fortress made my stomach do that weird flip—I’m not great with heights—but the view from up there is something else. The Mother of Georgia statue looked out over everything, arms wide open. We tasted churchkhela (that chewy walnut candy) near the sulfur baths where steam curled around us and made my glasses fog up. By the time we got to the wine tasting, my feet were tired but I didn’t really care anymore. Two reds, two whites, all poured by someone who actually wanted to talk about grapes instead of just selling bottles. I still think about that view back down into the city as dusk started settling in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Tbilisi highlights and tastings

• Take ride to Narikala fortress
• Enjoy view from Narikala fort
• Visit oldest church of Tbilisi
• Discover Gabriadze puppet theater details
• Walk across Peace Bridge
• Stop at old bakery for pastries
• Enjoy wine tasting in wine shop

Top questions

How long does this Old Tbilisi walking tour last?

The tour typically lasts around 3-4 hours including all tastings and stops.

Is wine tasting included in this Tbilisi food tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy a tasting of two red and two white traditional Georgian wines.

Does this tour include entry fees or transportation?

The cable car ride up to Narikala Fortress is included; public transport options are nearby for arrival/departure.

Are children allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; minimum drinking age is 18 for wine tasting.

What foods will I try on this Old Tbilisi highlights tour?

You’ll taste khachapuri (cheese pie), lobiani (bean pie), sweet pastries with cream, churchkhela candy, plus spices.

Where does this Tbilisi day trip start?

The meeting point is central in Old Tbilisi; details provided after booking.

Is lunch included or just tastings?

The experience includes multiple tastings but not a full sit-down lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Old Tbilisi’s highlights with all tastings—fresh cheese pie (khachapuri), bean pie (lobiani), sweet cream pastry—and samples at both a spice boutique and bakery. You’ll also enjoy churchkhela candy tasting, four Georgian wines at a local shop, plus your cable car ticket up to Narikala Fortress—all led by a professional local guide before returning downtown on your own schedule.