Car Wine Tour in Georgia: A Guide by OG Drive
Georgia is rightly considered an ideal country for wine tours. Often called the birthplace of wine, grapes have been cultivated and transformed into this noble beverage here for over 8,000 years. The traditional Georgian method of aging wine in clay vessels called qvevri, buried underground, is included in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. The country boasts more than 500 indigenous grape varieties—from white Rkatsiteli to red Saperavi—with each region offering its own unique bouquet and flavor. Wine is an integral part of Georgian culture: hospitable winemakers are delighted to hold tastings, share legends over a glass, and prepare generous tables filled with homemade dishes. To fully experience this atmosphere, it’s best to embark on a wine tour by rental car. This travel format offers complete freedom: you plan your own route and pace, visit remote wineries, and leisurely enjoy the stunning beauty of Georgia.
What Are the Benefits of Renting a Car for a Wine Tour?
- Freedom of Route. With a rented car, you're not bound to tour schedules or public transportation. You can deviate from standard routes, visit small wineries along the way, linger at scenic viewpoints, or spontaneously stop at cozy village restaurants.
- Access to Secluded Wineries. Many atmospheric wineries are located in rural areas that are difficult or impossible to reach without a car. A personal vehicle allows visits to family-run marani (cellars) situated in picturesque settings, offering authentic Georgian hospitality.
- Convenience After Tastings. After wine tastings, you might want to buy a few (or more) bottles. Having a car solves this issue: you can easily store your "trophies" in the trunk without the hassle of carrying heavy bags or navigating crowded public transport.
- Ideal for Trips with Friends or Family. Traveling with a group? A car means savings and comfort. Rent a spacious SUV or minivan, comfortably fit your luggage, child seats, and picnic gear.
- Flexible Planning. With your car, you can easily adjust plans: stay overnight at a charming wine guesthouse, leave earlier if you wish, or spontaneously visit waterfalls or monasteries. This flexibility creates a special sense of freedom—as if the whole country is yours.
- Memorable Driving Experiences. Georgia is incredibly beautiful. Valleys, mountains, vineyards, ancient towers, sunsets over the vines—you experience it all from the front seat, able to stop anytime for unforgettable photos.
Best Wine Routes in Georgia
Though compact, Georgia grows grapes nearly everywhere. Each region has its grape varieties and wine styles. Here are several routes to include in your road trip:
1. Kakheti: Telavi, Sighnaghi, and Alazani Valley
Kakheti, located in eastern Georgia, is the country’s main wine-producing region and a true mecca for wine tourism. It’s no surprise that tour descriptions often refer to it as «the renowned region producing the finest wines in the post-Soviet space». This is the birthplace of the traditional qvevri winemaking method, and even today, the majority of Georgian wine is produced here. A typical Kakheti route includes the Alazani Valley – a sun-drenched river valley covered in vineyards, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains. Scattered throughout the valley are dozens of wineries and cellars (marani), many of which offer guided tours and tastings.
We recommend starting your journey in the town of Sighnaghi – often called the "city of love" perched on a hill. Stroll through its charming old streets, take in the panoramic views of the Alazani plain from the fortress wall, and then head to nearby wineries. Popular spots include Pheasant’s Tears (famous for its organic Kakhetian wines) and Okro’s Winestasting room.
Next, make your way to the Bodbe Monastery — a sacred site with a beautiful garden — and then continue on to Telavi, the region’s capital. This cozy town is surrounded by endless vineyards. Near Telavi, you’ll find many iconic wine destinations: the historic Chavchavadze estate in Tsinandali (with its lovely park and museum-like wine cellar), the Teliani Valley, winery, theShumi Wine Factory and Wine Museum and the AlaverdiMonastery Marani, where monks produce wine using ancient recipes.
From Telavi, take a side trip to Kvareli – the birthplace of the famous semi-sweet Kindzmarauli (more on that below). Be sure to visit the Khareba Winery, known for its 7-kilometer wine tunnel carved into the mountainside, where tastings take place in cool, atmospheric underground halls. The Kakheti wine trail doesn’t end there — nearly every village (like Kisiskhevi, Napareuli, Vazisubani, and others) has family-owned wineries. Don’t hesitate to explore! If you see a sign or a roadside banner with the word Marani, stop by. Even if it looks like a regular house, just ring the bell — trust us, you won’t regret it!
Plan to spend 2–3 days to fully enjoy the region — tasting the wines and seeing the local sights (like the Gremi Fortress, Nekresi Monastery, and the 900-year-old plane tree in Telavi). Roads in Kakheti are generally in good condition, and the most scenic route is via the Gombori Pass, renovated in 2024. This winding road from Tbilisi to Telavi takes you through the mountains and offers breathtaking views all along the way.
2. Kartli: Mtskheta and Gori Surroundings
Central Georgia – the Kartli region – may not be as well-known, but it has its own unique wine highlights. Surrounding the capital, Tbilisi, Kartli includes the historic towns of Mtskheta and Gori.
A great place to start is the suburb of Tbilisi – the village of Mukhrani near the ancient city of Mtskheta. Here you'll find the elegant Château Mukhrani – a restored royal estate with a winery. The château offers cellar and vineyard tours, premium wine tastings, and even gourmet masterclasses. After sampling local wines made from the Shavkapito or Kakhuri Mtsvane grape varieties, you can explore Mtskheta itself, home to the UNESCO-listed Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery.
Next, head west along the highway toward the town of Gori. Along the way, make a stop in the village of Ateni (just south of Gori), where red dry Atenauri wine is made from the из сорта Tavkveri grape in the scenic Ateni Gorge – one of Kartli's oldest winemaking centers. In Gori, you can combine a cultural experience – such as visiting the Stalin Museum or the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe – with wine tasting at the small Goruli Vazi wine cellar. Though Kartli wines are less known internationally, connoisseurs appreciate the excellent sparkling wines made from Chinuri grapes and the strong local spirits like chacha. This region is the closest wine destination to Tbilisi, making it perfect for a day trip along the route: Tbilisi – Mukhrani – Mtskheta – Gori – Uplistsikhe. The roads are in good condition (with a main highway), and with relatively few wineries, it's easy to pair tastings with cultural sightseeing.
3. Imereti and Racha: Western Georgian Wineries
Western Georgia offers a completely different kind of wine experience. The Imereti region (with its capital in Kutaisi) is known for its white and amber wines, which are made using techniques distinct from those in Kakheti. In Imereti, grapes often ferment without extended skin contact, resulting in lighter, fresher white wines. If you’re planning a wine road trip through Imereti, we recommend heading out of Kutaisi and into the countryside—particularly around the villages of Obcha и Bagdati. This area is home to some well-known young winemakers, like Baia's Wine, where a local family produces organic wines from indigenous Imeretian grape varieties such as Tsolikouri, Tsitska и Otskhanuri Sapere. Visitors are treated to homemade cheeses and stories about the revival of ancient winemaking methods.
Nearby, you'll also find Obida Wine Cellar and several cooperative marani, that offer tours by prior arrangement. addition to wine, Imereti is known for its balsamic-style grape vinegar and chacha, a strong Georgian grape spirit—both of which can be sampled at local farms. While exploring Imereti, don’t miss the region’s natural wonders—like the Prometheus karst caves, the Okatse Canyon, and waterfalls—as well as cultural landmarks such as the Gelati Monastery. After Imereti, the road takes you further north into the mountainous region of Racha.
Racha is a paradise for lovers of semi-sweet red wine. This small region around the town of Ambrolauri is famous for Khvanchkara, a wine made from rare grape varieties Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli. This natural semi-sweet red wine, with notes of raspberry and violet, once won gold medals at international exhibitions and was a favorite of the Soviet elite. Today, several wineries in the village of Khvanchkara and nearby areas produce authentic versions of this wine. The easiest way to try it is by visiting the Khvanchkara winery’s tasting room in Ambrolauri or stopping by private family-owned marani—many locals sell their own freshly harvested wine straight from the barrel. In addition to Khvanchkara, be sure to try Tvishi a semi-sweet white wine made from Tsolikouri grapes grown in the neighboring Lechkhumi region. The drive to Racha takes you through mountain passes and gorges, with breathtaking views—but you’ll need to stay alert behind the wheel. Plan for at least two days: one for the scenic drive from Kutaisi and sightseeing (like the historic Nikortsminda Church and Lake Shaori), and another for wine tasting in the Ambrolauri area. Western Georgian hospitality rivals that of Kakheti, so be ready for generous meals and plenty of toasts!
4. Adjara: Coastal Wineries by the Sea
The Black Sea region of Adjara is best known for its seaside resorts, but winemaking traditions are also making a comeback here. In the foothills surrounding Batumi, a unique pink grape variety called Chkhaveri is cultivated. It’s used to produce a delicate semi-sweet wine that’s unlike anything else in Georgia. If you're driving along the coast, it's worth taking a break from the beach for a day and heading into the mountains. On the road from Batumi toward the town of Keda, you’ll find the renowned Adjara Wine House—a winery estate where you can tour the vineyards, see antique wine presses, and taste rare local wines. Their pride and joy is Chkhaveri Rosé, available both as a dry and naturally semi-sweet wine under the “Porto-Franco” label, as well as qvevri-aged versions made using traditional clay vessels.
In addition to wine, guests are treated to traditional Adjarian specialties—like raw honey and sulguni cheese, that pair perfectly with the tasting experience. To round out your wine tour, consider a visit to nearby natural attractions such as the Makhuntseti Waterfall and the ancient arched Queen Tamar Bridge, both located close to the winery. You can also explore small private farms in the Acharistskali River Valley, where passionate locals grow Isabella grapes and craft homemade wines served in nearby restaurants. Back in Batumi, check out local wine bars and shops for a unique pairing of Adjarian wines with fresh seafood, it’s an unexpected but delightful culinary experience. While some mountain roads in Adjara can be narrow and winding, the main highway from Batumi to the wine house is in good condition and takes about 30 minutes to drive
Semi-Sweet Wines of Georgia – Kindzmarauli, Khvanchkara, and Beyond
Georgia’s semi-sweet wines deserve a special mention, as many travelers come specifically to try them. Kindzmarauli and Khvanchkara are the most famous among them.
Kindzmarauli – This semi-sweet red wine, with its rich berry flavor, is produced in Kakheti—specifically in the Kindzmarauli microzone of the Alazani Valley—using the Saperavi grape. No sugar is added; its sweetness comes naturally from stopping the fermentation process early, which preserves some of the grape’s natural sugars. A good Kindzmarauli strikes a harmonious balance between sweetness and tannins, with an alcohol content around 11%. The best place to try it is right where it’s made, in the town of Kvareli, at any small-scale producers, many of whom offer their own unique interpretations of this classic wine.
The second iconic name is the previously mentioned Khvanchkara from Racha. Like Kindzmarauli, it’s naturally semi-sweet, but it differs in grape composition—made from two unique red varieties—and in its aromatic profile. Khvanchkara offers notes of raspberry, pomegranate, and sometimes even chocolate. For many years, it was considered a luxury wine—legend has it that Joseph Stalin favored it and kept hundreds of bottles in the Kremlin. Today, every visitor to Racha can enjoy a bottle of this once-scarce delicacy. And Georgia’s semi-sweet wines go far beyond just these two names.
Be sure to try Usakhelauri - a very rare wine from western Georgia (Lechkhumi), whose name means “Nameless,” a nod to its divine taste. Produced in tiny batches, it’s known for its luxurious aroma, with hints of roses and oriental sweets.
There’s also Ojaleshi, a semi-sweet red from the Samegrelo region, and Tvishi, a white semi-sweet wine from Imereti with subtle notes of pear and peach. You can even plan your wine tour around Georgia’s semi-sweet wines: for example, start in Tbilisi, head to Kvareli for Kindzmarauli, then make your way through Kutaisi up to Racha for Khvanchkara. Of course, keep in mind that sweet wines are typically dessert wines—not meant for drinking in large quantities. It’s a good idea to alternate them with dry wines and always drink responsibly, especially if you’ll be behind the wheel.
Recommended Wineries and Tastings
Ikano Estate
Where can you taste Georgia’s most famous wines? We recommend combining visits to large wine estates (wine factories) with small family-owned marani (traditional Georgian wineries) for the most well-rounded experience. Here are a few ideas by region:
- Kahetia: In addition to the wineries mentioned above, be sure to visit Ikano Estate in Kvareli. Founded in 2008 by a group of friends from 11 different countries, this winery was born from a shared vision: to produce high-quality, small-batch Georgian wines. Ikano Estate blends sustainable viticulture with traditional qvevri winemaking methods and the best of modern techniques, offering a unique and thoughtful approach to Georgian wine. At Shumi Winery (with locations in Tbilisi and Tsinandali), you’ll find a wine museum and a nursery of rare grape varieties, and tastings are paired with a cheese platter for the full experience. History enthusiasts should head to the Alexander Chavchavadze Winery in Tsinandali—a museum complex set in a beautiful park, where you can sample not only wine but also a unique Georgian brandy. If you’re after a cozy, homemade atmosphere, book a visit to the private Tvishi Marani estate in Napareuli or Nashe Vino in Rkatsiteli. The hosts will take you through their vineyards, show you the traditional qvevri, and seat you at the table for a meal complete with heartfelt toasts.
- Kartli: flagship winery of the region is the already-mentioned Château Mukhrani, which offers a variety of tour options—from express tastings to full experiences that include lunch and a churchkhela-making workshop. Tours can be booked online via the official website or through local tour agencies. Also near Mtskheta, you’ll find Iago's Winery, run by small-scale winemaker Iago Bitarishvili. He was one of the first in central Georgia to revive the traditional qvevri winemaking method from Kakheti, and he produces excellent organic wine from the white Chinuri grape. A visit to his winery is a chance to experience artisanal winemaking in an almost home-like setting. In Gori, you can stop by the Ateni Wine Cellar, where you’ll learn about the production of Atenuri wine and be treated to freshly baked shoti bread from a traditional tone oven.
- Imereti: In the surroundings of Kutaisi, tastings at family wine cellars are especially popular. One of the most visited is “Obaoba” in Bagdati: a guesthouse and marani where the Gelashvili brothers produce wine in qvevri and serve generous traditional meals to their guests. You can even spend the night here, with views of the vineyards. Another option is Chateau Chikovani in Vani, a winery combined with a hotel and a swimming pool. It’s a great example of successful agritourism, where visitors enjoy tastings of Krakhuna wine while watching the sun set over the vines. Don’t miss the chance to try Imeretian wines made from the Otskhanuri Sapere grape—a rare red variety that produces rich, dark wines (for example, at the Giorgi Vani estate).In Kutaisi itself, be sure to visit VINOGROUND—a wine bar and shop featuring the best local wines from small producers, where you can order a curated tasting set.
- Racha: There are fewer organized wine tours here, but in Ambrolauri, make sure to stop by the official Khvanchkara shop and tasting room. They offer the chance to compare classic Khvanchkara with new experimental wines from Racha’s winemakers. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Rtveli harvest festival in the fall—Racha often hosts wine fairs and festivals with folk music during this season. Another atmospheric spot is the Kviraya Family Wine Cellar in the village of Sadmeli near Ambrolauri, where you can taste Usakhelauri wine and see the entire production process up close. For a deeper dive, arrange a tour at Royal Khvanchkara—a modern winery with its own vineyards, focused on premium-quality wines and reviving forgotten traditions.
- Adjara: In addition to the previously mentioned Adjara Wine House, you can visit Chateau Iveri—a new winery estate in the mountains of Adjara, designed in the style of a castle. They cultivate both Chkhaveri and European grape varieties, and host wine-themed evenings for tourists. In Batumi itself, stop by the “Batumi Wine Room” wine bar, which features a curated collection from across Georgia, including rare Adjarian rosés. Many food lovers note that the delicate Chkhaveri pairs beautifully with Adjarian cuisine—especially fruits and cheese—which you can experience during special tasting sessions at select Batumi restaurants.
Tips for planning your visits. Georgian wineries are welcoming, but it’s still best to plan your visits in advance. If you’re aiming for specific producers or family-run cellars, contact them a few days before your arrival – via their website, Facebook, or by phone. Many popular spots (like Château Mukhrani or Tunnel Khareba) offer scheduled tours in several languages (Georgian, Russian, English). Smaller private estates often operate by appointment: they’ll set a time for your visit and might ask you to confirm the number of guests and your preferred tour language in advance. Tasting prices vary: a basic tasting of 3–5 wines usually costs around 20–30 GEL per person (≈$7–10), while an extended tour with tasting goes for 40–50 GEL ($15–20). Larger châteaux tend to charge more – for instance, a tour with lunch at Château Mukhrani can cost ~$50–100, but it includes a full gastronomic experience. Some places even offer free tastings if you buy a bottle. The duration ranges from 30 minutes (a simple tasting) to 1.5–2 hours (tour + tasting + snacks). Don’t hesitate to ask winemakers questions – Georgians are proud of their wine and are happy to talk about grape varieties, the qvevri method, and family traditions. You’ll often be offered a taste of strong chacha (grape brandy) as well – be careful, it can be 50–60% ABV! It’s a good idea to buy the wines you like right after the tasting – prices at the winery are often lower than in stores. For example, a bottle of Kindzmarauli might cost 20 GEL at the factory but 30 in a souvenir shop. And of course, make sure you’ve got space in your car for your wine “haul” – it’s easy to end up with a dozen bottles after a tour… hard to resist, right?
