Tbilisi to Kakheti Wine Tour: Sighnaghi, Telavi & Tastings

Summary

Georgian bread baking, vineyard tastings and Sighnaghi’s hilltop views

You’ll bake bread in Badiauri village, sip earthy wines in Telavi cellars, wander Sighnaghi’s pastel streets and pause for silence at Bodbe Monastery—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. By sunset you’ll feel Georgia under your skin—warmth lingering long after you’re back in Tbilisi.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what real Georgian wine tastes like—right where it’s made? That question got stuck in my head somewhere between Tbilisi and the first stop in Badiauri. We pulled up just as the sun was warming the fields, and suddenly there was this smell—freshly baked bread, almost sweet, with a hint of woodsmoke. Our guide, Nino, waved us over to a little bakery where we tried our hand at slapping dough onto the walls of a clay oven. My attempt looked more like a lopsided pancake than anything, but nobody minded. The cheese was salty and soft; I can still taste it if I close my eyes.

Bodbe Monastery came next—a quiet spot above the valley where you could hear birds even with a few visitors around. Nino told us about Saint Nino (not related, she laughed), and how people come here for blessings or just to breathe for a minute. The light inside was soft and gold on the old stones. I’m not religious but something about that place made me want to whisper.

Sighnaghi is called the City of Love but honestly, it felt more like the city of stairs—so many winding alleys and pastel houses clinging to the hill. We walked along part of Georgia’s “Great Wall” (I didn’t expect that) and looked out over the Alazani Valley all green and hazy with vineyards. Lunch was somewhere between Sighnaghi and Telavi—I lost track because we were laughing too hard at someone’s attempt at saying “churchkhela” (I won’t name names). The wine tasting in Telavi surprised me; it’s nothing like what you get back home. Earthy, almost spicy? And chacha—well, that stuff is strong enough to make you rethink your afternoon plans.

On the way back through Gombori Pass, the air changed—cooler, sharper somehow—and I remember thinking how far away Tbilisi already felt. There was one last stop at an ancient fortress near Telavi, stone walls half-swallowed by grass. It wasn’t fancy or crowded; just quiet stones and big sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kakheti wine region and sights

• Visit local bakery in Badiauri
• Bake Georgian bread and taste cheese
• Tour Bodbe Monastery and take photos
• Walk in Sighnaghi and see Great Wall
• Lunch in Sighnaghi or Telavi
• Visit 900-year-old tree in Telavi
• Taste wine and chacha in cellar

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Tbilisi to Kakheti?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours each way by vehicle with several stops throughout Kakheti.

Is lunch included on this Kakheti wine tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included during the tour in either Sighnaghi or Telavi.

What kind of wines do you taste in Kakheti?

You’ll taste several types of Georgian wine plus chacha (a local spirit), cognac, honey and churchkhela during cellar visits.

Do I need to be religious to visit Bodbe Monastery?

No, Bodbe Monastery welcomes all visitors regardless of faith; it’s also known for its peaceful atmosphere and views.

Is there hotel pickup included from Tbilisi?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from central locations in Tbilisi.

Are there any physical requirements for this day trip?

The trip is suitable for all fitness levels but does include some walking on uneven surfaces especially in Sighnaghi.

Can I try baking Georgian bread myself?

Yes! In Badiauri village you can try baking traditional Georgian bread alongside locals before tasting it fresh out of the oven.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Tbilisi by air-conditioned vehicle with an English or Russian-speaking guide; hands-on bread baking in Badiauri; entry to Bodbe Monastery; guided walks through Sighnaghi’s old town; lunch at a local restaurant; wine tasting (plus chacha and snacks) in Telavi cellars; all before heading back as dusk falls over Kakheti’s hills.