3-Day Tour in the Homeland of Wine: Georgia Winerist Exclusive

Day 1

Your first day will allow you to visit the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia, Mtskheta, Soak up the history and see its sights: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) and Jvari Monastery (6th century) – both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Continuing your journey to the west part of Georgia, stop briefly in Kaspi to taste wine made by the traditional methods of Georgian wine making and enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch with locals. Get the authentic tastes of freshly harvested products from the host`s garden. Sit at the local`s table, share a delicious meal prepared with family recipes, and incredible moments to cherish forever. Experience how to live like a Georgian and eat like a Georgian! 

This place is a great example of how the younger generation continues the tradition left by their ancestors. Continue to Sachkhere, visit a small-scale family wine cellar. Here we will learn about the history of wine making and will taste the natural wines made from the unique grape varieties, that were on the verge of extinction, just a few years ago (This method of wine making is inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list). Finally drive to Kutaisi.

Overnight at a hotel in Kutaisi.

Day 2

After a hearty breakfast, we start the day by going to the local food market, where you will see the enormous selections of fresh ingredients used in Georgian cooking.

Your guide will accompany you to descripe all the different ingredients, fruits, and help you to buy those you wish to have. Your tour continues by driving to Martvili and visit Martvili canyon. Here we have a possibility to take a boat trip and enter deeply in the canyon.

Continue to a local family, where we taste Megrelian cuisine. A visit to Georgia is improbable without a local family lunch. The tradition of generously hosting a guest is especially felt here, true celebration regional ingredients and eating and drinking together. The kindness of the hosts, the immediacy, the taste of home-made dishes and wine create special emotions around the table.

Following our visit, we will continue our journey to Kutaisi and visit Gelati Cathedral (12th century) – one of the earliest academies in Europe (UNESCO World heritage site).

Overnight at a hotel in Kutaisi.

Day 3

In the morning, we will visit the town of Gori – the heart of Kartli region and its historical place Uplistsikhe Cave Town (1st millennium BC). Uplistsikhe was a waypoint on the Silk Road, which passed through Georgia on this route, it is one of the oldest settlements and urban centres in the Caucasus. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church and an antic theatre carved out in rock.

Then, drive to Mukhrani village, where we visit royal estate of duke – Ivane Mukhranbatoni, who renowned member of the Georgian Royal family Bagrationi. His interest in farming was greatly enhanced on his trip to France, where he learned more about winemaking. On his return home he decided to start producing wonderful Georgian wines on his forefathers’ Mukhrani estate land. Chateau Mukhrani represents an iconic part of Georgian history. The palace and surrounding gardens were designed by French architects.

After wine tasting drive to Tbilisi.