The Cradle of
Winemaking

Day 1: Arrival in Tbilisi

Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure with no guided activities. Overnight Hotel KMM or similar. No meals included. 

Tbilisi

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Georgia's capital feels neither European nor Asian, but rather an invigorating fusion of both. Founded in the 4th century by King Vakhtang Gorgasali on the site of its warm mineral-water springs, it rapidly developed into the principal city of the Caucasus. By the 12th century Tbilisi was one of the most important political, economic and cultural centres of the region. It stood as a key station on the famous Silk Road – right on the border between Europe and Asia. The city has a vaguely southern feel to it, with a relaxed atmosphere and an easy charm. In the old town, known as the Maidan, wooden houses with a distinctly Balkan feel overlook the stately Mtkvari River which dissects the city, at times through a deep gorge, and in the city centre there are imposing neo-classical and Art Nouveau buildings mingling incongruously with the inevitable Soviet-era concrete blocks. Gorgasali Square, on the opposite bank of the river to the Metekhi Church, was once the site of the old bazaar, and is an ideal place to start a walk taking in the sights of the city. A road from the Armenian Church on the south side of the square leads to the Narikala Citadel, built in 360 AD by the Persians, indicating the significant Middle Eastern influences here; it was severely hit by an earthquake in the 19th century. You can walk along the battlements of the citadel which offer rewarding views across the city. Tbilisi has a good range of restaurants and cafes strung out along both the left and right banks of the river where you can sample some of the local delicacies and watch the life of the city pass you by. 

Day 2 – Tbilisi Sightseeing

Today you will meet your guide for a tour briefing at 08:30am at the hotel. Afterwards, embark on a guided walking tour around old Tbilisi, taking in the fascinating history of this long-overlooked region. You spend the day discovering sites such as the Narikala citadel, Metekhi Temple and Sioni Cathedral. Visit Sarajishvili Brandy Factory and take the opportunity to try some high-quality Georgian brandy. After the brandy tasting, visit Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square before enjoying traditional Georgian food at a local restaurant. During the meal we will also try some local wines. Later this afternoon you can enjoy some leisure time to amble through the streets of old Tbilisi. Overnight Hotel KMM or similar. (BL) 

Day 3 - Tbilisi – Sighnaghi – Kvareli

After breakfast drive east towards Kakheti. Visit Bodbe Monastery of St. Nina. Then continue to the picturesque town of Sighnaghi and take a leisurely stroll through this beautiful town admiring the fabulous views towards the High Caucasus range in the distance. Continue to a local cellar producing artisanal natural wines according to ancient Georgian traditions, where tasting will be offered with light snack. After wine-tasting we travel to Kvareli. On arrival we check in to the hotel and spend some time at leisure. For dinner we visit a local farmer’s house. You will be invited into this welcoming local establishment to enjoy organic food and wine and take part in the famous Supra, a feast led by the Tamada (the toastmaster). The experience here will allow you to be immersed in the food and wine of Kakheti and learn about folklore and agricultural traditions. Overnight at Hotel Chateau Kvareli or similar (BD) 

Wine in Georgia

Even for those who regard their wine knowledge as broad and inclusive, the vines of Georgia will, in all probability, have largely escaped them.  Incredibly, there is much evidence to suggest that Transcaucasian wine making may date back over 8,000 years, making it the probable home of the cultivation of grapes and production of wine – in fact the Georgian word ‘gvino’ gives us our modern name for the drink. Families widely produce wine on a small scale and the original Georgian method of underground fermentation in 'kvevri’ – large earthenware storage vessels is having a renaissance. Georgia now annually produces 150 million litres of wine in 18 specified areas, of which Kakheti is by far the largest and boasts the most celebrated and prized bottlings, including the excellent Kindzmarauli. Both whites and reds have traditionally veered towards the sweet, but this is evolving as the wine industry grows in influence and a wide range of styles and preferences are now catered for. International interest in Georgian wines is burgeoning, but you will certainly have access to a range of tastings which have yet to emerge beyond the region’s borders. 

Day 4 – Kakheti Province including Alaverdi Cathedral

After breakfast we visit Nekresi Monastery, founded in the 4th Century and Gremi architectural complex of the 16th c. This will be followed by a visit to the family run winery where we enjoy tasting with light snacks. Continue to spectacular Alaverdi Cathedral 11th Century located in the shadow of the Greater Caucasus range. Also visit the Apiary located nearby Alaverdi Monastery where you will be able to taste natural local honey. Back to the hotel there will be some time at leisure before later visiting Winery Khareba, tasting some excellent wines and an opportunity to participate in traditional Georgian bread making and also the churchkhela making process (a traditional candle shaped candy). Here you will also enjoy dinner. Overnight at Hotel Chateau Kvareli or similar (BD) 

Day 5 – Kvareli – Tsinandali Residence - Ikalto Monastery - Telavi – Kvareli

This morning, visit the lovely Tsinandali Residence and its attractive grounds dating from the 19th century. Then continue to Ikalto Monastery and its academy founded in the 11th Century, where viticulture was taught as well as theology and philosophy. We visit one small winery for lunch and wine tasting. Continue to Vardisubani and witness the ancient tradition of winemaking in Georgia recognised now by UNESCO as a significant intangible cultural heritage. We have a short sightseeing tour in Telavi, an important town in Kakheti region. Later return to the hotel. Dinner this evening will be at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Chateau Kvareli or similar (BLD) 

Day 6: Kvareli – Giuaani Winery – Tbilisi

After breakfast we leave Kakheti region and return to Tbilisi. On the way visit Giuaani winery in the village of Manavi.  Here we will enjoy lunch and wine tasting before arriving in Tbilisi where any remaining time will be at leisure as will be evening for you to sample one of the many restaurants showcasing Georgian and regional cuisine. Overnight at Hotel KMM or similar (BL) 

Day 7 – Tbilisi – Mtskheta (UNESCO) – Chateau Mukhrani – Tbilisi

Drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a site of immense historical and cultural significance. Mtskheta is packed full of historical monuments and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the 6th century Jvari Monastery. Continue to Chateau Mukhrani, known for the famous residence and winery of Prince Mukran Bagrationi, where we have the opportunity to taste some of the wines and enjoy some local snacks for lunch. Return to Tbilisi where you evening is at leisure. Our local team will make recommendations for you to go out in Old Tbilisi. Overnight at Hotel KMM or similar (BL) 

Mtskheta

Pronounced like 'skater' with the first two letters silent, Mtskheta is Georgia's spiritual heartland. Occupied for over 3,000 years, there is evidence of Greek, Hittite and Sumerian civilizations, and the hilltops around the town were the setting of several pagan shrines, which in later years had churches built upon the sites. The main cathedral of Sveti Tskhoveli was built in 1010 AD, but the first church on the site was constructed of wood in the 4th century AD. All the other churches in the town are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. 

Day 8 – Tbilisi

After breakfast take the funicular for panoramic views of the city, followed by a visit to the National Museum (closed on Mondays) which will give excellent context to the experiences from the tour. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, go shopping or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many nice cafes or wine shops. There will be a farewell dinner this evening at an excellent local restaurant and there will be Georgian wines to enjoy. Overnight at Hotel KMM or similar (BD) 

Day 9 – Tbilisi Departure

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)