Kakheti Special Food Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch & Dinner

Exploring Georgia’s Kakheti Region: A Food and Wine Lover’s Dream

This Kakheti Special Food Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch & Dinner promises a full day of delicious eats, picturesque sights, and authentic Georgian hospitality. It’s designed for those who want more than just wine—think cultural insights, local markets, and hearty regional cuisine all in one go. This tour isn’t just about sipping wine; it’s about experiencing the flavors, traditions, and scenery that make Kakheti such a special part of Georgia.

What really excites us about this experience is the blend of cultural stops and culinary delights—visiting the Bodbe Monastery, exploring Sighnaghi’s charming streets, and enjoying local meals that showcase authentic Kakhetian dishes. A particular highlight is the wine cellar tour, where you get to taste four different wines, learn about Georgian wine-making methods, and really get a sense of the region’s deep-rooted traditions.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour starts early and involves a fair amount of travel between stops, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy day and an active itinerary. It’s a full-day experience that’s perfect for curious travelers who want to enjoy Kakheti’s vibrant culture and flavors—ideal for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone wanting a taste of Georgian life beyond Tbilisi’s city limits.

Key Points

• Authentic Food & Wine: Enjoy traditional Kakhetian dishes and four different wines, with tastings that highlight Georgia’s rich winemaking heritage.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit the Bodbe Monastery, where St. Nino is buried, and explore the charming, historic town of Sighnaghi.
• Local Markets: Experience the character of the region at a farmers market in Telavi, full of local produce and crafts.
• Beautiful Scenery: Expect breathtaking views of Kakheti’s rolling hills and scenic landscapes throughout the day.
• Comprehensive Experience: This tour combines cultural sights, culinary experiences, wine tastings, and scenic drives for a well-rounded taste of Georgia’s east.
• Value for Money: For $225, you get a full day with a guide, transport, meals, tastings, and authentic experiences—great value considering the depth of what’s included.

A Detailed Look at the Kakheti Food & Wine Tour

Starting the Day: Pickup and First Impressions

The tour begins in Tbilisi with a hotel pickup, making it straightforward for travelers staying in the city. The air is a mix of excitement and anticipation as the group boards a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Our guide, whose name I learned is Giorgi, was both friendly and knowledgeable, adding a personal touch that made the long drive feel like chatting with a well-informed friend. Expect the drive to take around two hours, giving you time to settle in and enjoy scenic views of Georgia’s countryside.

Bodbe Monastery: A Spiritual and Historic First Stop

The first stop, Bodbe Monastery, is a peaceful place where St. Nino, the figure credited with Christianizing Georgia, is buried. We spent about 40 minutes wandering around the grounds, which are both serene and scenic. The church’s architecture is impressive, and the views over the Alazani River valley are lovely. Many visitors comment on how this stop offers a quiet moment of reflection amid a busy day. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of St. Nino in Georgian history, making it more than just a pretty church.

Tip: Early morning visits like this tend to be less crowded, so if you’re a history buff or want good photos, arrive early to avoid crowds.

Exploring Sighnaghi: The City of Love

Next up is the charming town of Sighnaghi, often called the “City of Love” thanks to its cobbled streets, colorful houses, and breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains. We had about an hour here—enough time for a quick stroll, some photos, and maybe a peek into a local shop. The town’s walls and towers offer postcard-worthy scenery, and many guests mention how the town’s charm makes it worth the visit.

Authentic Experience: We appreciated that this stop wasn’t just a quick photo op—many travelers noted they loved wandering the streets and soaking up the local vibe.

Tasting Kakhetian Cuisine: A Traditional Lunch

The highlight for many is the authentic Kakhetian lunch at a local restaurant. The meal includes hearty dishes like khachapuri (cheese bread), grilled meats, fresh salads, and the region’s famed khinkali (Georgian dumplings). The portions are generous, and the flavors are simple yet deeply satisfying. Guests often describe the lunch as “delicious” and “authentic,” with some noting the dishes exceeded expectations in both taste and presentation.

Why it matters: This isn’t just a meal; it’s a window into Kakheti’s culinary traditions, cooked with local ingredients and served with warm hospitality.

Wine Cellar Tour & Tasting at Tunnel Khareba

After lunch, the journey continues to a tunnel wine reserve, which is as intriguing as it sounds. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and includes sampling four different wines. The guide explains the traditional Georgian wine-making process, including the use of qvevri (clay vessels buried underground), which is a UNESCO-recognized method.

Guests have praised the quality of the wines, describing them as “delicious” and “well-selected,” giving a genuine taste of the region’s craftsmanship. The underground setting adds a fun, almost mysterious atmosphere to the tasting. Many mention that the wines paired beautifully with local snacks offered during the tour.

Pro tip: If you’re a serious wine enthusiast, this is a great way to discover what makes Georgian wine unique—think natural, minimally processed, and with a distinct flavor profile.

Visiting Telavi and the Farmers Market

In Telavi, we spend about an hour exploring a local farmers market. Here, you’ll see the lively character of Kakheti’s people, with stalls full of fresh produce, honey, herbs, and homemade delicacies. It’s a vibrant display of local produce, perfect for those who love to see regional life in action. Several reviews mentioned how authentic and unfiltered this experience was, making it a highlight for travelers wanting genuine local interactions.

Dinner of Khinkali: The Perfect End to a Day

The day wraps up with a hearty Georgian dinner at a well-regarded restaurant in Telavi. The focus is on khinkali, those delicious, juicy Georgian dumplings, served steaming hot. Guests often comment that the meal was “delicious,” with some noting that the khinkali were the best they’d had in Georgia. The portion sizes are generous, and the setting is cozy, making it a perfect way to conclude a full day.

Note: The dinner is included in the price, providing excellent value considering the quality and quantity of food.

Return to Tbilisi

After dinner, the return trip begins, and you’ll be back at your hotel around 10 PM. The drive is a good chance to reflect on the day, share favorite moments, and enjoy the scenic nighttime views of Georgia.

Is This Tour Worth It? Analyzing the Value

At $225, this tour offers a comprehensive experience—covering cultural, culinary, and scenic highlights of Kakheti. The price includes all transportation, guide services, meals, and tastings. Considering the number of stops and the depth of activities, it’s a solid deal for travelers eager to get a full taste of Georgia’s east.

The food is a major highlight, with authentic dishes and generous portions that reflect local traditions. The wine tastings are thoughtfully included, with multiple varieties to sample, making it an excellent introduction to Georgian wine culture.

The cultural stops are well-curated, offering both spiritual and historical insights without feeling rushed. The visit to the farmers market adds an authentic local flavor often missed in more touristy tours.

The only possible downside? The day is quite packed, which might be overwhelming for some. Plus, the early start and long drive require a good level of energy and patience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting to explore Georgian varieties in a relaxed setting. Food lovers will appreciate the authentic meals and local ingredients. Culture vultures will enjoy the Bodbe Monastery and Sighnaghi’s charming streets, while those interested in local life will find the farmers market fascinating.

It suits travelers who like a well-organized, immersive day that combines sightseeing with tasting. It may not be ideal for those with mobility issues or looking for a more leisurely pace, given the active schedule and full itinerary.

Final Thoughts

This Kakheti food and wine tour offers a rich, balanced taste of Georgia’s eastern region. It captures the essence of Kakheti’s delicious food, excellent wines, and scenic beauty, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers eager to deepen their Georgian experience.

The tour’s strength lies in its authentic approach—local guides, traditional meals, and genuine interactions—offering more than just sightseeing. It’s a fantastic way to understand and appreciate the pride Georgians take in their cuisine and wine traditions.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious first-timer, this tour provides a full, satisfying day that highlights what makes Kakheti such a special part of Georgia. Expect warm hospitality, memorable flavors, and plenty of photo-worthy moments—an experience that’s as enriching as it is enjoyable.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour starts with pickup from your hotel or preferred address in Tbilisi, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
It begins at 09:00 and finishes around 22:00, giving you an entire day of exploring and tasting.

Are meals and tastings included?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional lunch, a wine cellar tour with four tastings, and a Georgian dinner with khinkali.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s designed for adults and does not specify activities suitable for children. Also, as baby strollers aren’t allowed, it’s not suitable for very young children.

Can I customize the experience?
This is a private group tour, allowing some flexibility, but the itinerary is set.

What kind of wines will I taste?
You’ll sample four different wines, including traditional Georgian varieties, with explanations about the wine-making process.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, likely due to the uneven streets and walking involved at some stops.

Are vegan or vegetarian options available?
The tour isn’t suitable for vegans, and specific dietary requests aren’t mentioned, so it’s best to clarify with the provider beforehand.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes are recommended, especially for walking in Sighnaghi and the farmers market.

To sum it up, this Kakheti Food & Wine Tour delivers a well-rounded, authentic experience of Georgia’s famous wine and cuisine. It’s especially suited for those wanting a deep dive into local traditions, scenic beauty, and hearty flavors—all in a single, thoughtfully curated day. If you value quality, genuine experiences, and a taste of Georgian hospitality, this tour is a fantastic choice.