Kakheti Wine Tour: Tunnels, Palaces, and Qvevri Wine

Immerse yourself in Kakheti, the undisputed cradle of wine, where the tradition of winemaking has thrived for 8,000 years. This full-day tour is a journey through history, scale, and traditional flavors. You will explore the aristocratic heritage of Tsinandali Palace, descend into the massive 8,000-meter-long Kvareli Wine Tunnels hewn under the Caucasus, and experience the ancient Qvevri method at a historic 16th-century private cellar in Velistsikhe. Taste three distinct wines—including the UNESCO-listed Qvevri variety—in their authentic historical settings.

Highlights:

• Alaverdi Cathedral (XI c)
• Twin's wine cellar and museum in village Napareuli (optional)
• Gremi Fortress (XVI c)
• Wine tunnels in Kvareli
• Tsinandali Palace and XVII c wine cellar (wine tasting optional)
• Wine factory "Shumi" (visit and wine tasting optional)
• Telavi – The main city of Kakheti region
• Gombori Pass on the way back to Tbilisi (1620 m)

The Kakheti Wine Tour is an immersive, full-day experience that blends 8,000 years of Georgian winemaking tradition with the region’s most important cultural treasures. We begin with hotel pickup in Tbilisi, setting off through the scenic Gombori Pass towards Telavi, the heart of Georgia’s largest wine-producing region.

1. Alaverdi Cathedral (11th Century): Our journey into history starts at the magnificent Alaverdi Cathedral, located northwest of Telavi. This impressive 11th-century Orthodox monument is of immense national importance and is currently on the UNESCO Tentative List. Its towering structure provides a profound sense of Georgia’s medieval religious heritage.

2. Twins Wine Cellar (Traditional Qvevri Winemaking): The next destination is the famous Twins Wine Cellar in Napareuli Village. This stop offers a deep dive into the traditional Georgian way of winemaking. You will explore the detailed Wine Museum to learn how the massive Qvevri (terracotta tanks) are made, installed, and used throughout the fermentation process. Your visit concludes with a dedicated tasting of different wines and Chacha (Georgian pomace brandy).

Note: Please note that this visit is an optional addition and may not be included in the standard tour package price.

3. Gremi Fortress (16th Century Royal Residence): We continue to the picturesque Gremi Fortress, which served as the capital of the Kakheti Kingdom until the 16th century. The site’s beautifully preserved tall bell tower and high walls make a lasting impression on visitors. Its dominant position offers a stunning backdrop for photography and deep historical insight.

4. Kvareli Wine Tunnels (Monumental Scale): The tour then takes a monumental turn as we reach the Kvareli Wine Tunnels, constructed beneath the hills of the Greater Caucasus. This incredible facility boasts an overall length of 8,000 meters, with two main tunnels each exceeding 800 meters. These natural, stable conditions are used for the perfect aging of fine wines. Above the tunnels, a restaurant offers picturesque views over the Alazani Valley—a perfect spot for a delicious Georgian meal (optional lunch).

5. Tsinandali Palace and Winery (Aristocratic Heritage): The root of the wine adventure leads to the Tsinandali Palace (19th century), the former estate of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze. You will explore the palace’s beautiful French park and its historic wine cellar, widely credited as the birthplace of modern Georgian wine bottling. Guests can participate in a tasting of different quality local wines here.

Finally, the tour includes a stop in Telavi, the administrative center of Kakheti, where you can browse the vibrant local market before returning to Tbilisi via the Gombori Pass.

Tour Duration: The duration of this comprehensive Kakheti wine tour is approximately 8–9 hours.

Duration: 8-10 hours
Driving distance: 330 km
Season: All year around
Itinerary: Wine Tour on Google Maps