Wine tasting in Tbilisi: 6-8 Georgian wines, two cellars

Two wine cellars, a fortress, temples and the streets that built Tbilisi

A three-hour wine activity in Tbilisi combines tastings of 6-8 Georgian wines at two cellars with a walking tour of the old city's landmarks and neighborhoods. You taste wines made in the traditional cone-shaped clay vessels and by European methods, learn about Georgia's Neolithic winemaking roots from an experienced sommelier, and walk past an ancient fortress, temples and the city's original streets. Churchkhela, a grape-and-walnut delicacy, is served as an appetizer.

The experience

The day starts with a walk through old Tbilisi's most atmospheric corners: past the ancient fortress, temples and the bizarre buildings that line the original streets. Your guide talks through the history, culture and traditions of Georgia as you move between the two tasting venues. The first stop is a Western-style wine boutique. The second is an authentic cellar with a homely feel, the kind of place where locals drink. Between tastings, the walking tour continues, so you're seeing the city the whole time, not sitting in one room.

At each cellar you taste several famous Georgian wines: 6 to 8 tasting portions in all. Some are made the traditional way, in cone-shaped clay vessels called qvevri, a method that goes back to the Neolithic era. Others follow European technology. You'll also try real Chacha, a spirit made from grapes that reach 50 degrees of alcohol. An experienced sommelier guides the tastings and answers questions. The guide notes that he's friendly and will gladly explain what you're drinking and why it matters to Georgian culture.

Churchkhela (sliced grape juice and walnuts pressed together) arrives as an appetizer with the wine. Bottled water is provided throughout. The whole thing takes three hours, and you'll need to be at least 18 to join.

What’s included

• A live guide in your choice of English, French, German or Russian.
• a walking tour of old Tbilisi covering the ancient fortress, temples and original streets.
• wine tastings of 6-8 Georgian wines made in traditional qvevri clay vessels and by European methods, plus Chacha.
• Churchkhela served as an appetizer.
• bottled water throughout the activity.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Stroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Georgian Promenade

Is this one for you?The three hours include steady walking between the two cellars and through old Tbilisi, so come ready to move. If you prefer to stay in one place, a seated tasting at a single venue would suit you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Russian.

What are Georgian wines made in qvevri, and why are they different from European wines?

Qvevri are cone-shaped clay vessels buried in the ground, and Georgian winemaking in them dates back to the Neolithic era: thousands of years before European methods. The clay and the burial process create a different flavor and texture. You'll taste both qvevri wines and European-style wines on this activity so you can feel the difference yourself.

How much walking is involved in the three hours?

The walking tour of old Tbilisi runs between the two cellars and throughout the activity, so you're moving most of the time rather than sitting in one place. The pace is steady but not rushed, and the guide stops to point out the fortress, temples and original streets as you go.

What is Chacha, and will I taste it?

Chacha is a Georgian spirit distilled from grapes, and it reaches around 50 degrees of alcohol: much stronger than wine. Yes, you'll taste real Chacha as part of the 6-8 tasting portions across the two cellars.

Can I ask the sommelier questions about the wines?

Yes. The guide notes that the sommelier is very friendly and will gladly answer questions about Georgian winemaking traditions, the wines you're tasting and how they're made.