The Wine Route in GEORGIA

The wine route in Georgia, an 8000-year journey to the origins of the history of wine – 15/22 June 2025

Traditionally, wine is associated with Mediterranean culture, but ancient and modern oenology bears the name of Georgia first among the producing countries. In fact, according to discoveries, the first wine dates back to 6000 BC and its traces have been identified right in Georgia, in the heart of the Caucasus. It is therefore precisely the Caucasus, and not the Mediterranean, the cradle of wine and Georgian wine, in addition to being around 8,000 years old, also has an interesting tradition from a "technical" point of view.

Travel program 15/22 June 2024 – 8 days / 7 nights

Day 1, June 15: Rome/Istanbul/Tbilisi

Meeting at 4:00 am at Fiumicino International Airport.

Flight departure at 7:00 am.

Arrival at 4.35pm (local time, +3 compared to Italy) at Tbilisi International Airport. Meeting with the guide. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in hotel in Tbilisi.

Day 2, June 16: Tbilisi

After breakfast, visit the fascinating capital of Georgia. Tbilisi today is an important industrial, commercial and socio/cultural centre; it is strategically located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, along the historic "Silk Road". We will visit the most important attractions of the city: the Metekhi church (13th century), the Narikala Fortress (4th century), one of the oldest fortifications in the city, the Sulfur Baths, the Sioni Cathedral and the Anchiskhati Basilica (6th century). Followed by a visit to the wine museum which hosts the archaeological and ethnographic exhibition relating to the Georgian winery and tells us the story of 8,000 years of winemaking in Georgia. In the afternoon we visit the National Museum of Georgia, which boasts an extraordinary archaeological collection. We visit the Golden Treasure Hall (3rd millennium BC – 4th century AD) and the Terracotta Hall where we will have the opportunity to see the oldest Giarra (kvevri) (8000 years old) found in Georgia. Free time to rest. Welcome dinner in a traditional restaurant with folkloristic evening. Overnight stay in hotel in Tbilisi.

Day 3, June 17: Tbilisi – Vardisubani – Alaverdi – Gremi – Telavi (170 km)

After breakfast, depart for the Kakheti Region, Georgia's wine region, which is associated with good wine and exceptional hospitality. Visit to the local workshop of Vardisubani where artisans have worked for four generations and make terracotta jars following practices that date back to the dawn of winemaking. We continue with a visit to the majestic Alaverdi Cathedral, which preserves a cycle of frescoes from the 11th - 17th centuries. Afterwards, visit the local winery and taste the wines made in Kvevri. Followed by a visit to the imposing citadel of Gremi, capital of the kingdom of Kakheti in the 16th and 17th centuries. Arrival in Telavi, the capital of Kakheti. Dinner and overnight stay in Telavi.

Day 4, June 18: Telavi – Tsinandali – Signagi – Kakabeti – Tbilisi (190 km)

After breakfast visit the local market of Telavi. The Telavi market is a lively and colorful place, where local farmers present their fresh, seasonal products. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, discover traditional ingredients and experience the authentic flavors of the Kakheti region. Visit to Tsinandali which is the house-museum of the romantic prince and poet Alexander Chavchavadze (19th century), who introduced the European method of wine preparation to Georgia. In the 19th century his palace was a favorite meeting place for Georgian writers. After the house-museum we see Tsinandli Winery – located in the territory of Tsinandli Park, it is one of the first wineries in Georgia built in 1835, where Georgian wine was bottled for the first time. Departure for the fortified city of Sighnaghi (18th century). The city has retained its original image, and offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. Visit to the Bodbe monastery, the place where Saint Nino, "the Light of the Georgians", who preached the Christian religion in Georgia with a cross made of vine shoots, is buried. Lunch in a traditional restaurant. We will continue to Kakabeti and visit family winery – Velino. Founded by a family passionate about wine, the winery offers an authentic experience for wine lovers looking to explore the Georgian winemaking tradition. Wine tasting. At the end of the visits, return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 5, June 19: Tbilisi – Mtskheta – Château Mukhrani – Gori – Uplistsikhe – Kutaisi (300 km)

After breakfast, departure for Mtskheta, the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia: visit to the Jvari Church and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where tradition has it that Christ's tunic is buried. Both are UNESCO heritage places. We will visit Château Mukhrani – an essential experience for any wine enthusiast. We will discover the history of the Georgian royal family with its beautiful legends and the taste of antiquity and enchanting wines. We will taste an exclusive selection of Georgian cheeses accompanied by fine wines from local vineyards of the Kartli region. Arrival in Gori, birthplace of Josef Stalin, where we make a short photo stop in front of the local museum dedicated to him. We continue to Uplistsikhe, the oldest existing rock city in Georgia, founded in the 1st millennium BC. C. along a branch of the Silk Road. At the end of the visits we continue to Kutaisi, the ancient city which on several occasions played a fundamental role in the history of Georgia. It was among the most important centers of ancient Colchis, an area inhabited for 4000 years, famous for being the destination of Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece. Accommodation, dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Kutaisi.

Day 6, June 20: Kutaisi – Khvanchkara – Ambrolauri – Nikortminda – Kutaisi (200 km)

After breakfast visit the local market. Departure for Racha, it is one of the most beautiful places in Georgia. The attractive beauty of the region, the slopes of the Greater Caucasus, coniferous forests, various rivers and streams together with the genuine hospitality of the local people leave an unforgettable memory for travelers. In addition to the extraordinary beauty of the mountain landscape, Racha is famous for the oldest Orthodox shrines. A delicious lunch in a local family to enjoy typical dishes of the area and taste the famous Khvanchkara wine in the local winery. This naturally semi-sweet red wine, made from the Alexandria & Mudzhuretuli grape variety is grown in the Khvanchkara vineyards, is considered a national treasure of Georgia. It is said that in 1945, Khvanchkara was consumed at the Yalta conference by Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. Lobiani preparation masterclass – typical dish of the Racha region. Visit to Nikortsminda Cathedral (11th century), one of the particular examples of medieval Georgian architecture. The cathedral is known for its magnificent external decorations including reliefs with multiple figures representing different evangelical episodes, figures of Saints and real and fantastic animals. Return to Kutaisi. Accommodation and overnight stay in hotel in Kutaisi.

Day 7, June 21: Kutaisi – Gelati – Baghdadi – Tbilisi (270 km)

After breakfast, departure to visit the large monumental complex of Gelati, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit is exciting for the place, which overlooks the panorama of the hills of Kutaisi, for the great medieval architecture of the Cathedral, the Churches and the Academy of Philosophy and for the magnificent frescoes and mosaics which are still well preserved. Continue to Obcha – We will try the wines of the Imereti region produced by 'Baias Gvino'. Next to Kakheti, Imereti is the most important wine region in the country both in terms of quality and quantity. Typical lunch in the Baia cellar. Overnight in Tbilisi.

Day 8, June 22: Departure Tbilisi/Istanbul/Rome

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport at 1.30pm. Return flight at 5.30pm, via Istanbul, arrival in Rome at 11.30pm.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET – DETAILS INFO:

Price per person (accommodation in a double room) € 1380 

Airport fees € 274

Medical, baggage and flight cancellation insurance € 110

The price includes:   

Return flight

Transfers from the airport to the hotel and vice versa;

All internal transfers according to schedule;

Presence and services of a professional Italian-speaking guide and expert in the food and wine route in Georgia throughout the stay;

Overnight stays in medium-high quality accommodation facilities, with accommodation in double rooms:

4 nights hotel accommodation in Tbilisi

1 night hotel stay in Telavi

2 nights hotel accommodation in Kutaisi

Half board as per program: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners;

Entrance fees where applicable and local taxes: national museum, wine museum, Tsinandali, Vardisubani, Gremi, Uplistsikhe

Wine Tasting – Chateau Buera, Kakabeti, Château Mukhrani, Khvanchkara, Bagdadi

Masterclass – Lobiani

Guide from Italy expert in food and wine culture for the entire duration of the trip

One bottle of water per person per day

The fee does not include:  

Airport taxes

Travel insurance

Alcoholic drinks and meals not indicated

Porterage

Strictly personal expenses, any tips, anything else not explicitly provided for in the previous paragraph "The price includes".

Accommodation facilities used in this program can be replaced with others of the same category:

Tbilisi: Gallery Palace Tbilisi 4* / Hotel Epigraph Town 4*

Telavi: Zuzumbo Spa & Resort 4*

Kutaisi: New Port 4*

Documentation needed to travel to Georgia:

A passport is required, valid for at least six months following the date of entry into Georgia.

To travel to Georgia from Italy or any European Union country, it is not necessary to obtain a visa. This is valid for trips of up to a full year. On the other hand, foreigners who legally reside in Italy, or foreigners with a valid Italian visa, will be able to visit Georgia without the need for a visa issued by the Georgian authorities. Although this is valid for stays of up to 90 days.

Additional Information:

Museums are closed on Mondays.

It is recommended to bring sunscreen, waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes in some tourist attractions.

It is not allowed to enter churches wearing shorts.

Women are required to wear the veil in Orthodox churches.

Attention: The trip will be available unless the minimum quota of 16 participants is reached.