When you think of Georgia, your mind might first wander to the majestic Caucasus Mountains or the ancient history tucked into its cobblestone streets. But let’s be honest: what really steals the show is the food and wine. Georgia’s culinary culture is nothing short of a love letter to the senses, brimming with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a winemaking tradition that dates back over 8,000 years—making it the birthplace of wine. Yes, you read that right.
A food and wine tour in Georgia isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience. It’s about gathering around for a table, drinking qvevri-aged wine, and feeling like you’ve stepped into a storybook of hospitality and flavor. If you’re craving authenticity and a true taste of Georgia, we can proudly say that our tours offer the immersive journey you’re looking for. Here’s what to expect when you join us.
Highlights of our Georgian Wine Tour Experience
Authentic Culinary Experiences
Georgian cuisine is known for its simplicity and soulfulness. On our Georgia culinary experiences, you’ll step into a world where every dish tells a story. You’ll find yourself dining in a local’s home, where generations-old family recipes are prepared with love. Think of the aroma of freshly baked bread or khachapuri wafting from the kitchen paired with tangy cheeses and fragrant herbs cut fresh from the garden.
You’ll visit family-owned vineyards nestled in the rolling hills of Kakheti, Georgia’s premier wine region and beyond. There’s more wine regions than just Kakheti ya know ;-) . In Georgia you won’t just taste the wine; you’ll savor artisan wines crafted with passion and care, emphasizing the craftsmanship and traditional methods involved. You’ll hear the family’s stories and gain insight into winemaking traditions passed down through centuries.
Wine Tastings
Wine lovers, get ready because Georgian wine is unlike anything else you’ve tasted, thanks to its ancient qvevri method of fermenting wine in clay vessels buried underground. On our Georgian wine tours, you’ll visit some of the finest wineries where you’ll sample everything from robust Saperavi reds to crisp Rkatsiteli whites. If you love to experience food and wine pairings we have that too, to enhancing your culinary experience.
What sets these tastings apart is the often presence of the winemakers themselves who guide you through the intricacies of Georgian wine. You’ll learn about the 500+ indigenous grape varieties and how the unique terroir of Georgia influences every glass. Spoiler alert: you’ll likely leave with a new favorite wine (or three). Our wine tours focus on providing premium, authentic travel experiences, balancing luxury with grassroots authenticity through expert guides and intimate group sizes.
Hands-On Activities
What’s better than tasting Georgian food? Making it yourself! Our tours include hands-on experiences where you can roll up your sleeves and dive into a cooking class focused on Georgian cuisine. Master the art of expertly pleating your own khinkali (juicy dumplings) or learn how to cook mtsvadi (pork skewers). Not only will you gain a new set of kitchen skills, but you’ll also come away with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every dish.
For those intrigued by winemaking, you can even try your hand at harvesting and pressing grapes during the wine harvest season. It’s not every day you get to participate in a tradition that predates recorded history. These culinary experiences offer a rare chance to immerse yourself in the flavors and techniques of the region, including the opportunity to engage in the traditional Georgia wine harvest known as Rtveli.
Cultural Immersion
Exploring Local Markets
There’s no better way to experience the soul of Georgian cuisine than wandering through a bustling local market. The colorful stalls brim with seasonal produce, spices, fresh herbs, and handmade cheeses. You can sample everything from tart tklapi (fruit leather) to sweet churchkhela (walnuts dipped in grape juice). These markets offer a lively glimpse into Georgia’s fascinating food culture, and our guides will help you navigate every nook and cranny.
Traditional Cooking Methods, Cooking Class & Local Qvevri Makers
Georgian cooking and winemaking are more than traditions—they’re a way of life, perfected over centuries. During your tour, you’ll immerse yourself in these ancient practices. Mtsvadi – juicy, smoky meat skewers, are grilled over grapevine embers, filling the air with irresistible aromas. Qvevri, the iconic clay vessels used for fermenting wine, are shaped by hand with precision and care, just as they have been for generations. And then there’s the tasting—artisanal wines crafted using these age-old methods, each sip reflecting the deep connection between Georgia’s land, history, and hospitality. It’s not just a meal; it’s a story you’ll taste and remember.
The Role of Food & Wine in Georgia
In Georgia, food and wine are more than sustenance; they’re a way of life. At the center of every gathering is the Tamada, or toastmaster, who leads a series of heartfelt and often poetic toasts. Meals are communal, vibrant, and full of laughter. Hospitality here isn’t just a tradition—it’s a sacred duty. By the end of your Kakheti wine tours, you won’t just understand Georgian culture; you’ll feel like part of it.
Exploring the Kakheti Wine Region
The Kakheti wine region is a paradise for wine lovers, blending centuries-old traditions with modern innovation. As the birthplace of winemaking, Georgia is home to an incredible variety of indigenous grapes, in Kakheti you’ll find varieties such as Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Kakhuri Mtsvane. Here, you can immerse yourself in wine culture with visits to wine cellars old and new offering unique tastings, savoring the bold and complex flavors that define Kakheti’s wines. With its deep-rooted history, stunning views, and unmatched hospitality, Kakheti promises an unforgettable journey for anyone passionate about wine.
Special Cultural Tours and Unique Experiences
Georgia is a land of rich traditions, and our special cultural tours offer a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in its unique heritage. Join us for Orthodox Easter where you’ll experience the customs that make this holiday so meaningful to Georgians. One highlight is visiting local cemeteries, just as families do, to honor their loved ones. These gatherings are filled with warmth, shared food, and stories, offering an authentic glimpse into the deep family connections and traditions at the heart of Georgian life.
Another unforgettable experience is Zaodoba, the chacha-making season, when families come together to distill Georgia’s iconic spirit. These sessions are often accompanied by singing, dancing, and of course food, showing the joyful and communal spirit of Georgian culture.
What Makes Our Tours Special
Private and Small Group Tours
We specialize in small group and private tours, offering a more intimate and personalized experience than crowded tour buses or cookie-cutter itineraries. With our approach, you’ll enjoy meaningful connections and one-on-one interactions with winemakers, and locals who love sharing their stories and traditions. These smaller groups allow us to tailor each experience, ensuring that every moment feels unique and truly special.
Local Knowledge
Our guides are more than just experts; they’re storytellers with a deep love for Georgian food, wine, and history. They’ll take you beyond the tourist hotspots to uncover the hidden gems that truly make Georgia special. Whether it’s finding the best tonis puri (traditional bread) or introducing you to a winemaker who still uses ancient techniques, our guides ensure your journey is as authentic as it is unforgettable. Our Georgian wine tours offer a comprehensive experience that combines wine tasting, local cuisine, and cultural exploration, with expert guides making it an authentic and memorable tour.
Exclusive Access
Many of the experiences on our tours—like sharing a meal in a local home or visiting a family-run vineyard—offer a rare chance to connect with Georgia’s culture on a deeper level. These small, family vineyards provide a unique perspective on winemaking traditions, where centuries-old techniques are still practiced with care. You might find yourself lending a hand during the harvest, learning the stories behind the vines, or enjoying a simple yet heartfelt meal with the family. It’s an authentic glimpse into the everyday lives of the people who make Georgia’s food and wine so special.
Travel Information
What to Pack and Expect
When visiting wineries in Georgia, it’s essential to pack accordingly. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the region’s cobblestone streets and hilly terrain can be challenging. A light jacket is also recommended, as the high elevation and temperatures in the marani’s (Georgian wine cellars) can be cooler than expected. However, expect a warm welcome from the locals, who are eager to share their wine, culture, and traditions with you.
Be prepared to be absolutely spoiled with an abundance of delicious local cuisine, featuring traditional dishes like mtsvadi and khachapuri, alongside the region’s famous amber wines. In true Georgian fashion, there will be far more food than anyone could possibly eat—it’s part of the culture to offer an overflowing table as a sign of hospitality. But don’t worry, nothing goes to waste! Leftovers are always cherished and shared, ensuring that every bite finds a purpose.
Ready to Experience Georgia?
If you’ve been dreaming of a culinary adventure that combines ancient winemaking, mouthwatering food, and warm hospitality, Georgia is calling your name. Our tours are designed to immerse you in the heart of Georgian culture, offering unforgettable memories and flavors you’ll carry with you long after the trip is over.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your Georgian food and wine tour with Eat This Tours today and get ready to savor the journey of a lifetime. And if you have any questions about something that we haven’t mentioned here – don’t hesitate to reach out!
