From: Tbilisi: Private Zestafoni Wine Day Trip with Dinner

This private day trip from Tbilisi offers a chance to explore Georgia’s renowned wine-making traditions in a quiet, countryside setting. The experience combines scenic drives, a visit to an ancient cave town, and a visit to a hidden natural winery where you’ll taste handcrafted, unfiltered wines made with traditional methods. What really makes this trip stand out is its personalized, crowd-free atmosphere — perfect for travelers seeking genuine local flavor without the bus tours or commercial stops.

One of the things we love about this experience is how flexible it is. You can request stops for photos or explore hidden corners, making it feel more like a road trip with friends rather than a structured tour. However, a potential consideration is the 2.5-hour drive each way, which might be a long haul for those with tight schedules or less patience for long car rides. Ultimately, this tour is a great fit for curious travelers who want a slow-paced, intimate immersion into Georgian wine and rural life.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic experiences, stunning vistas, and local stories over cookie-cutter sightseeing, this trip could be a highlight of your Georgian adventure. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy good wine, scenic countryside, and a relaxed, personal atmosphere. Families with older children, couples, or small groups looking for a meaningful day outside the city will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Private, eco-friendly transportation ensures comfort and intimacy
• Authentic natural wines made without additives in a family-run vineyard
• Flexible itinerary with optional stops and personalized pacing
• Cultural highlight at the ancient Uplistsikhe cave town
• Delicious Georgian dinner served outdoors, weather permitting
• Breathtaking views along quiet rural roads and scenic landscapes

An Authentic Georgian Wine & Culture Experience

This tour offers an authentic glimpse into Georgia’s wine country, away from the tourist crowds. It’s all about connecting with local people, learning their traditions, and tasting wines made with age-old techniques. Unlike commercial wineries, this boutique operation near Zestafoni is run by a family proud of their craft, offering a genuine taste of Georgian hospitality and wine-making passion.

The ride in a modern electric SUV (a 2025 BYD) adds a layer of comfort and eco-consciousness, making the journey itself relaxing. The silence of the electric vehicle enhances the scenery, allowing you to fully enjoy the views and conversation. The drive from Tbilisi takes around 2.5 hours each way, giving plenty of opportunity to see how the Georgian landscape shifts from urban to tranquil rural.

Visiting Uplistsikhe: A Historic Highlight

One optional stop is Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town carved into rock. We found that this site provides an incredible historical perspective, with its labyrinth of tunnels, halls, and ancient dwellings. Many guests appreciated that the stop is flexible—if you’re short on time, you can choose to skip it, but those interested in history or stunning views of the surrounding countryside will find Uplistsikhe compelling. Expect about an hour here to walk through the site, enjoy panoramic vistas, and soak in millennia of history.

The Hidden Natural Winery: A Local Treasure

Arriving at the boutique natural winery is like entering a secret garden. It’s not a sprawling commercial operation but a family-run farm with a welcoming atmosphere. The guide takes you on a walk through the vineyard and cellar, explaining their natural approach to winemaking—using traditional clay qvevri without additives or industrial processing.

Guests have described the tasting as “honest and memorable,” with three handcrafted wines that capture the character of the local terroir. Many reviewers mention the unfiltered, natural quality of the wines, which truly reflect Georgia’s wine traditions. The wines are served alongside stories from the winemakers, adding depth to the tasting.

Dinner with a View

The dinner is a highlight — a simple, hearty Georgian feast served outdoors if weather allows. Expect local ingredients, fresh vegetables, and traditional flavors, all presented in a home-style setting. It’s a perfect way to wind down after a day of exploration, and many travelers note the warm, welcoming atmosphere as a highlight.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start in Tbilisi with a flexible pickup time, then hop into your electric SUV. The drive takes roughly 2.5 hours, giving you scenic glimpses of rural Georgia and the chance to relax in comfort. Along the way, you can request photo stops or a quick coffee break to stretch your legs.

Visit Uplistsikhe for about an hour, walking through ancient caves and enjoying panoramic views over the valley. This site isn’t just historically significant; it offers some of the best photo opportunities of the day.

Next, the journey continues towards the Zestafoni region, where a boutique natural winery awaits. Here, you’ll walk through the vineyard, learn about the unique process of making natural wines in clay qvevri, and taste three wines that are unfiltered and free of industrial additives.

The highlight of the day is the outdoor Georgian dinner, served amidst the peaceful surroundings of the vineyard. Expect hearty, traditional dishes made with local ingredients, paired with more wine if you’re thirsty.

The return trip follows the same route back to Tbilisi, with the journey spaced out to avoid rushing. The entire experience runs about 8 hours, making it a full but comfortable day of discovery.

Value & Practical Insights

At $230 per person, this tour offers good value for those seeking a personalized, authentic experience. The price includes private transportation, a professional guide, the wine tasting, dinner, and the optional Uplistsikhe stop. Since you won’t be sharing with large groups, the experience feels intimate and tailored.

The use of an electric SUV makes this trip particularly appealing for environmentally conscious travelers, reducing emissions while exploring scenic routes. The flexible stops and personalized pacing mean you can prioritize what interests you most. Plus, the tour is designed to avoid overcrowded tourist spots, emphasizing genuine connection with local people and scenery.

A couple of notes: Uplistsikhe isn’t included in the base price—entry tickets are extra, so plan accordingly if interested. Also, the tour is best suited for adults and older children; it’s not recommended for very young kids, wheelchair users, or those with mobility constraints due to the walking involved and the vehicle size restrictions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who crave authenticity over commercialism, seeking a slow, meaningful exploration of Georgian wine and culture. It’s ideal for small groups, couples, or solo travelers who want a personal touch. Those interested in local traditions, scenic drives, and good food will find it particularly rewarding.

It’s a good choice for eco-conscious travelers, given the electric vehicle, and for those who prefer flexibility and privacy rather than large tour groups. If your priority is stunning views, genuine stories, and a taste of rural Georgia, this trip ticks all those boxes.

Final Thoughts

This private Zestafoni wine day trip combines the best of Georgian hospitality, scenic countryside, and traditional winemaking in a way that feels both authentic and relaxed. The personalized approach ensures that you’re not just another face in a crowd but a guest truly immersed in local life.

The mix of cultural highlights, beautiful landscapes, and excellent wine makes for a memorable day that will resonate long after the journey ends. Whether you’re a wine lover, history buff, or simply after a peaceful escape from the city, this experience offers genuine value and a deep connection to Georgia’s soul.

In summary, if you’re after a slow-paced, intimate, and authentic taste of Georgian wine culture combined with stunning scenery and local stories, this tour is well worth considering. Just be prepared for a full day on the road, but know that the comfort of the electric SUV and the warmth of the hosts make it a rewarding journey.

FAQ

Is this tour private?
Yes, the tour is designed for private groups, giving you a personal experience without strangers.

How long is the drive from Tbilisi?
It takes approximately 2.5 hours each way in the electric SUV.

Can I visit Uplistsikhe?
Yes, Uplistsikhe is an optional stop. You can choose to skip it if pressed for time, but many find it a worthwhile cultural highlight.

What’s included in the price?
Private round-trip transportation, a professional local guide, a visit to the winery with wine tasting, and a traditional Georgian dinner.

Are the wines on tasting natural?
Yes, the wines are handcrafted in traditional clay qvevri, unfiltered, and without additives.

Is there a vegetarian option for dinner?
The tour description emphasizes traditional Georgian dishes, which generally include vegetarian options, but it’s best to request in advance if needed.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Entry tickets to Uplistsikhe are not included and are paid separately if you choose to visit.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suited for walking and outdoor dining. Weather can vary, so pack accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for older children and teens, as there’s walking involved and some vehicle size restrictions.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
Yes, with the option to reserve and pay later, you can secure your spot with flexibility up to 24 hours before the tour.

This detailed review should help you decide whether a personalized, scenic, and wine-rich day in Georgia fits your travel plans. It’s a rare chance to explore Georgian culture and landscape with genuine warmth, far from commercialized tourist spots.