Wine tasting in Tbilisi is one of the main experiences tourists wish to have when visiting Georgia. As news spreads that Georgia is the birthplace of wine, many people want to visit a wine bar in Tbilisi to know what to expect before they book a full day wine tour. But which ones are the best, and how do you find them? In this article, we reveal to you, after many many trials ;-) our favourite wine bars in Tbilisi where you can go and experience the best Tbilisi wine tastings.
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Tbilisi Wine Tasting – Best Wine Bars in Tbilisi
Our guide rounds up the top 10 wine bars in the city, each with its own unique charm and selection of Georgian wines. And because we couldn’t resist, we’ve also thrown in a few extra spots that are too good to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting to explore, these picks promise an authentic taste of Tbilisi’s vibrant wine culture. So let’s dive right it….
Wine Merchants
Located only 4 minutes walk from Fabrika, Wine Merchants has the charm of a London pub from the outside and once you step inside you will continue to be charmed by this quaint space. This gastro wine bar and wine shop offers a stellar selection of Georgian wines, all selected by George, their resident enologist (wine-making specialist).
Wine Merchants have been open for a little over a year, but they are certainly leading the way in terms of atmosphere, wine selection, and food. OMG, try the mascarpone cheese with truffle and honey – it’ll make you go weak in the knees, it’s so good! Also, highly recommend the beef sandwich. They bake their bread in-house and it’s divine.
https://www.facebook.com/winemerchantstbilisi
Wine Boutique
Another quaint little wine shop, but this time in Vera and an easy walk from Stamba hotel. The owners are some of the friendliest guys in town and will make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in the door. They opened their doors in 2018 so these guys have had quite a while to make some friends in the wine-making world and ensure their shelves are stocked with some not only tasty but unique Georgian amber wines and natural/bio wines too.
Wine Boutique doesn’t have a food menu but light snacks are available
https://www.facebook.com/wineboutiqueN17
Reserve Wine
This wine bar in Tbilisi stands alone in its use of nitrogen-sealed bottle dispensing, allowing visitors to indulge in over 30 wines by the glass, all thanks to the convenient card system in place. Rather than being limited to a pre-set wine-tasting menu, guests are free to explore and indulge their palates according to their own preferences. Meet their resident experts to get a better idea of the sort of Georgian wine you would personally prefer prior to tasting.
https://www.facebook.com/ReserveWineTastingShop
Wine Code
This place has an exemplary selection of wines – including some reserved wines that even the winemakers can’t offer any more as they don’t have any left. This wine store has them! The staff are very knowledgeable when it comes to Georgian wines and it’s also a great place to see qvevri’s (clay amphoras where Georgian wine is traditionally made) and a satsnikheli which were previously used to stomp grapes. If you are lucky during the Rtveli harvest you can still stomp grapes in a satsnikheli, but due to health regulations, it’s only a fun tourist experience.
DADI Wine Bar
Nestled only a very short walk from Freedom Square lies this charming boutique wine bar and shop that boasts a tasty a la carte menu and many wine-tasting options, perfectly suited for those who are new to the world of Georgian wine. Always a popular place so make a reservation in advance.
https://www.facebook.com/dadiwinebar
St.Bunny Wine and Kitchen
Located conveniently near Rooms Hotel/Stamba on Rustaveli Ave, St. Bunny is a wine restaurant that offers an impressive selection of wines at affordable shop prices. Their menu features delicious food options with an entire menu dedicated to rabbit. This is a great place for a wine tasting as they have a particular emphasis on artisan wines, including pet-nats (sparkling wines). The sommelier is fluent in English, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a delightful dinner paired with excellent wines. Additionally, St. Bunny also offers beginner wine-tasting classes, and khinkali-making classes as well, making it an excellent spot for wine enthusiasts of all levels.
https://www.facebook.com/stbunnytbilisi
Wine Not?
Although it’s a very tiny wine bar, Wine Not offers a nice selection of independent Georgian wines. Located across the street from the entertainment area known as Wine Factory, Wine Not? is a nice place to drop into for a wine, either before or after dinner at one of the many restaurants in Wine Factory. Due to its small size, it’s best to check their Facebook page or book a table in advance, as they sometimes run events that book the whole place out.
UPDATE: Wine Not has opened up a 2nd larger bar and restaurant in the lovely Gudiashvili Square in Sololaki. Go and check it out!
https://www.facebook.com/WineNot.ge
Karalashvili Wine Cellar
This quaint cellar bar in the heart of old town can be a bit tricky to find, but once you find it, you’ll love that you came here for a wine tasting. The Karalashvili family has been making qvevri wine since 1396 and their wine bar is just like stepping back in time. We even had some of our wedding photos taken here, it’s so cute!
https://www.facebook.com/karalashviliswinecellar
Pet Nat Wine Shop
A store where the name says it all – they specialize in Pet Nat (Georgian natural sparkling wine) Located across the street from Stamba and Rooms hotel, this quaint little wine shop has a great artisan selection. It is mostly a wine shop, so there isn’t a lot of seating, but there is some space if you wish to buy a bottle and have a drink in-store.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for possible upcoming Tbilisi wine-tasting events.
https://www.facebook.com/petnatwineshop
8000 Vintages
8000 Vintages is a wine bar and store that offers a curated selection of the country’s best wines, along with dried fruit, cheese and charcuterie platters. Since we first visited this wine bar in Saburtalo in 2016 they have steadily grown to be probably the most well known wine bars in Georgia, with 4 branches in Tbilisi and 1 in Batumi and just recently opened a store in Berlin Germany as well!
Their platters have also expanded and offer more than just bread, meat, and cheese. You can get a variety of options that can suit your wine of choice. Just ask the in-house sommelier for advice to help you make the perfect food and wine pairing selection.
Looking for a full-day Georgian wine trip? Experience the best Georgian vineyards on our Signagi and Telavi day tours
More Wine Bars in Tbilisi …
G. Vino Wine Bar
These guys have been established as one of the leading wine bars in Tbilisi for many many years and they now have moved to their brand new location in Axis Towers Vake. Very fancy digs! We are yet to visit them in their new location, but it looks great, and they stock an incredible selection of natural wines.
https://www.facebook.com/g.vinotbilisi
Wine Tower
Located in the heart of old town (right next to the tamada statue) this wine bar is unique as it not only has a fantastic selection of Georgian wines but is spread over 3 floors (one of which is a roof terrace) helping this wine bar live up to its name of being a literal wine tower – with spiral staircase and all!
In warmer months the roof terrace offers views of the cable car and Narikala fortress.
https://www.facebook.com/WineTowerTbilisi
Archive
Archive in Tbilisi is an absolute must visit, more than just a wine bar – it’s a restaurant and museum nestled underground in a 17th-century cellar. Don’t miss the chance to meet Jaba Dzimistarishvili, one of Georgia’s top sommeliers and winner of Sommelier of the Year in 2020 and 2021. His expertise in Georgian wines, combined with the enchanting ancient vibe of the place, will utterly captivate you.
Bonus mentions and places we look forward to checking out:
Red & Wine – Cute little cellar near Radisson. They cook typical Georgian dishes right in the fireplace. Friendly owner who speaks English but quite a small selection of wine.
Mosmieri Tapas – focused on their own wines, haven’t been yet but their wine chateau in Kakheti I’ve been to many times. Good wines and food there. Right in downtown.
Vino Ground – small wine cellar bar who will ply you with wine, right on Erekle 2 st. in the center.
Wine Effect in Vake – Haven’t been yet. Looks cool. Look it up! Little courtyard and indoor area.
So there you have it. Our TOP wine bars in Tbilisi that you can add to your Tbilisi wine-tasting itinerary.
FYI We also have started hosting specialized wine-tasting events at Vinotel in Tbilisi. Follow our tour company Eat This! Tours on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated on upcoming events and tours that we are hosting.
Or, check our events page here.
Hope to see you there!
