Telavi, Georgia is the gateway to the Kakheti wine region, offering visitors a vibrant tapestry of historic wineries and timeless architecture. From sipping unique local wines to exploring its ancient heritage, this guide provides you with a firsthand look at what to see, do, and of course, eat and drink in Telavi. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, history buff, or simply seeking a new travel experience, begin your journey right here.
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Planning a Trip To Visit Telavi Georgia?
Here are our insider tips on tours and places to stay:
Top Tour
- Eat This! Tours – Premium food and wine tours. Experience premium small-group tours providing an authentic taste of the region’s finest food & wine.
Top Hotels Telavi
- Tsinandali Estate – 5 Star. Radisson collection, highest standard hotel in Kakheti. With spa and pool.
- Chateau Mosmieri – 4 Star wine hotel with pool, vineyard, restaurant, and terrace with Caucasus views.
- Esquisse Design Hotel – 4 Star wine and design hotel with a pool, in Telavi.
Exploring Telavi: The Heart of Georgian Winemaking Country
Telavi offers a special blend of history, culture, and food that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s not just about sipping wine (though that’s certainly a highlight!). Here, you can explore centuries-old landmarks, enjoy tasty Georgian cuisine, and soak up the unique local atmosphere. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or just looking for a new experience, Telavi invites you to discover all it has to offer. It’s a place where the past meets the present in the most delightful way
Batonis Tsikhe Fortress
One of Telavi’s crowning jewels is the Batonis Tsikhe Fortress. Reconstructed in the 17th century, this complex exhibits a stunning example of Persianate-style architecture. Walking through the fortress is like stepping back in time, with every corner revealing a slice of Telavi’s rich history and the region’s past.
Within the fortress, you’ll find:
- The Royal Palace of King Erekle II, furnished with royal bedrooms and his throne
- The Telavi History Museum, where you can delve deeper into the region’s fascinating history
- The Russian Kabarda Regiment’s headquarters and barracks (after the Russian annexation in 1801)
- The Women’s College of St. Nino (after a reconstruction in 1865)
It’s also just a nice area to walk around and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The Giant Plane Tree Telavi
Telavi has an amazing natural landmark – the Giant Plane Tree. This incredible tree is believed to be over 900 years old, making it a living piece of history. It stands an impressive 46 meters (150 feet) tall, towering over the city like a natural skyscraper.
The Giant Plane Tree isn’t just old and big – it’s also deeply important to Telavi’s culture and history. Some people say Queen Tamar herself planted it, though that’s hard to prove. What we do know is that many famous Georgian writers have visited this tree, drawn by its size and beauty. Writers like Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, and Vazha-Pshavela all came to see this natural wonder. Their visits have only added to the tree’s significance in Georgian culture.
This ancient tree offers a unique way to connect with Georgia’s past. Standing beneath its massive branches, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at its age and the history it has witnessed.
Traditional Homes and Woodworking Techniques
As you wander through Telavi, you’ll spot traditional homes with beautifully carved balconies. These intricate designs, featuring natural and religious motifs, show off the skill of local craftsmen.
A standout style here is the Darbazi home, known for its wooden balconies and verandas that are both practical and pretty. Take a stroll down Cholokashvili Street to see these stunning balconies and get a glimpse of daily life in Georgia.
Savouring Local Flavours: Food and Wine Experiences
Telavi’s food scene is as lively and varied as its culture. The city is famous for its wine bars, family-run maranis (wine cellars), and immersive wine tastings where you can dive into local winemaking traditions. Whether you’re a wine lover or a foodie, Telavi has something to delight your taste buds.
Besides wine, Telavi is packed with culinary treats, from local cheeses to traditional sweets. The city’s restaurants and cafes proudly serve local specialties, making them perfect companions to Kakhetian wine.
Telavi Bazaar
No trip to Telavi is complete without visiting the lively Telavi Bazaar. This bustling market is packed with traditional Georgian sweets, herbs, cheeses, and more, offering visitors a truly authentic and flavourful experience. The scents, sights of unique foods, and interactions with friendly local sellers make it a must-see.
Try Churchkhela, a ‘dessert’ made by dipping strings of nuts into thickened grape juice, or Pelamushi, a sweet porridge made from grape must and wheat flour. As you explore the colourful stalls, don’t miss out on other treats like Tklapi (Georgian fruit leather) and Gozinaki (caramelised nuts with honey).
Wine Tasting and Wine Tours in Kakheti
Kakheti, the birthplace of classical winemaking in Georgia, is famous for its traditional and natural wines. Some of the local grape varieties you’ll find in the Kakheti region include:
- Rkatsiteli
- Saperavi
- Kakhuri Mtsvane
- Cabernet Sauvignon
You can enjoy wine tasting in Telavi all year round. Sampling these unique Georgian grapes and learning about the region’s ancient winemaking traditions, which date back over 8,000 years, is best experienced on a wine tour (no drinking and driving!). Georgian wine pours are generous, so it’s wise to have a professional driver to take you to the best wineries and ensure you travel safely.
Kakheti is a wine lover’s paradise. This region in Georgia has at least 11 unique local grape types you won’t find anywhere else. You can explore both old and new ways of making wine here. Visit Tsinandali Estate to see modern European-style winemaking. Or try wine made the ancient Georgian way in clay pots called qvevri. Taking a wine tour in Kakheti lets you taste history and experience flavors from the past and present. It’s a great way to discover Georgia’s rich wine culture!
Must-Try Local Dishes
The culinary delights of Telavi go beyond sweets and wines. The city’s diverse and flavourful cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage. From hearty meat dishes to vegetarian plates, Telavi offers a gastronomic experience you won’t forget.
Mtsvadi, a traditional Georgian barbecue made with marinated meat (usually pork), is an essential culinary experience in Kakheti, often accompanied by tkemali plum sauce and raw onion rings. Honestly, you’ve never tried pork BBQ until you’ve had it in Kakheti – it is fresh, juicy, and tender, and then smother it in tkemali sauce…..literally drooling right now thinking about it!
Chakapuli, (considered to be one of the most popular dishes in Georgia) is a herby stew usually made with lamb or veal, with sour plum sauce, wine, and mixed herbs – lots of tarragon. Khashlama, a traditional boiled beef dish often served at a family supra meal, both dishes showcase the rich and hearty nature of eastern Georgian cuisine. Of course, don’t forget to try some Georgian classics including khinkali while you’re there.
For vegetarian options, Pkhali, minced vegetables combined with ground walnuts, and Lobio, a traditional Georgian bean stew, offer a tasty meat free alternative. Badrijani Nigvzit, featuring fried eggplant rolls filled with savoury walnut paste, is another popular vegetarian dish.
Telavi Restaurants
Now you know what the must try dishes are, here are a few of our top Telavi restaurants to add to your Georgia travel itinerary for incredible local food in Telavi Georgia.
Zodiako
Zodiako is an authentic restaurant that all the guides rave about dishing out incredible Kakhetian flavours that will delight your taste buds. This rustic restaurant, tucked away in a charming courtyard, offers succulent mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers), flavourful pkhali (vegetable spreads), and juicy khinkali (meat-filled dumplings) are all fan favourites.
The warm, folk music-filled atmosphere adds to the authentic dining experience. Fair warning – the generous portions are fit for a feast, so bring a seriously empty stomach.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FbZFhc2PWK5ZzH8A7
Odlisi – Cheese Bar
Odlisi – Cheese Bar in Telavi is a quaint yet extraordinary spot in the heart of the city. This family-run cafe, born from their own cheese farm, serves an array of homemade cheeses that are simply a slice of heaven (see what I did there – ‘slice’ of heaven, cheese slice – oh you get it!). The decor, a delightful blend of vintage chic, creates a cosy atmosphere, enhanced by the gentle glow of candlelight. Their offerings of scrumptious snacks and top-notch wines perfectly complement the high-quality cheeses. Spending an evening here is undoubtedly the best way to immerse yourself in Telavi’s culinary scene, offering an experience that’s both authentic and charming
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DzSsEbuaeVUHUUKW8
Badia
Badia Restaurant is our go to choice for any occasion in Telavi, whether it’s a family dinner, a casual lunch, or just a relaxed outing. This restaurant, with its delightful little front garden, is a lovely place to sit on a warm day and enjoy the views accompanied by a tasty meal. It’s a popular spot so it is best to make a reservation.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7SBtwYBXauTcu9N87
Doli Telavi
Communal along with their incredible hotels also have their Doli Restaurants across the country and they never ceases to impress. Doli in Telavi offers up a homely vibe. Here, the menu is a mix of familiar favourites and exciting new tastes, all cooked just right. Whether it’s a quick meal or a relaxed evening, Doli’s charm makes your dining experience memorable. It’s a spot in Telavi that’s not to be missed for anyone who loves a good meal in a great setting.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y5acFerKiW7MSNZV6
Exploring the Surrounding Attractions
The allure of Telavi extends beyond the city’s boundaries. Surrounding the city are several attractions that offer a deeper exploration of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Tsinandali Estate: History and Wine Tastings
Tsinandali Estate is a landmark in Georgian wine history. Here is the place where Georgian wine was bottled for the first time. This event marked the beginning of a new era, blending ancient traditions with modern techniques.
Today, Tsinandali Estate stands as a testament to Georgia’s rich winemaking heritage. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Georgian culture, history, and the renowned winemaking traditions of the Kakheti region.
Visitors can explore the historic estate, learn about its significance in shaping Georgia’s wine industry, and sample exceptional wines that showcase both traditional and modern winemaking methods. A visit to Tsinandali Estate offers a unique glimpse into the past, present, and future of Georgian wine.
The estate is more than just a winery; it’s also a beautifully maintained garden that offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here, you can:
- Stroll through the lush greenery
- Soak in the serene ambiance
- Sample a variety of Georgian wines
- Learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and taste the famous Tsinandali wine.
Nekresi Monastery
Nekresi Monastery is a must-see spot near Telavi. It’s on a hill in Alazani Valley and was built way back in the 4th century. One of the best things about Nekresi is the view. From up on the hill, you can see the beautiful countryside all around.
Alaverdi Cathedral
Another noteworthy attraction near Telavi is the Alaverdi Cathedral.
- Founded in the 6th century by Joseph Alaverdeli, an Assyrian monk
- The cathedral is a significant religious monument in Georgia
- Recognized for its rich history and monastic traditions
Honoring an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition, monks at the Alaverdi Monastery use qvevri, traditional Georgian clay pots buried underground, to produce natural qvevri wines. Visitors to the monastery can explore the large 11th-century cathedral, the biggest in Kakheti, but sadly a visit to the marani (wine cellar) is only by special invite only and closed to the public.
Where to Stay in Telavi
Telavi offers a variety of accommodation options to suit your style and budget. You can choose from a range of hotels, from luxurious to simple, as well as charming guesthouses often run by local families.
Some popular options include:
- Holiday Inn Telavi (an IHG Hotel): Gets great reviews from guests
- Esquisse Design Hotel: Known for being quiet and having good facilities
- Bucha’s Guest House – Budget family home winery guesthouse on the outskirts of Telavi.
If you want to stay right in the vineyards, check out:
- Tsinandali Estate 5 Star. Radisson collection, highest standard hotel in Kakheti. With spa and pool.
- Chateau Mosmieri 4 Star Hotel with pool, vineyard, restaurant and terrace with Caucasus views.
Whether you want a luxurious hotel or a cozy family-run place, Telavi has something for everyone. You can find a comfortable spot to relax after exploring the city and wine country!
Getting to Telavi
Getting to Telavi from Tbilisi is easy and scenic. You have a few options:
- Take the main Kakheti Highway
- Go through the beautiful Gombori Mountains Pass
You can travel by:
- Marshrutka (shared minibus): These leave from the Navtlughi Bus Terminal in Tbilisi. It’s the cheapest option.
- Shared taxi: Also affordable and might be more comfortable than a marshrutka.
- Private taxi or transfer service (like GoTrip): More expensive, but you get a comfortable, private ride. They’ll pick you up wherever you want in Tbilisi.
The price depends on how you choose to travel. Marshrutkas and shared taxis cost less, while private taxis or transfer services cost more but offer more comfort.
No matter how you go, you’ll get to enjoy some great views along the way!
If you are looking for a small group size 1 day wine tour or private tour experience, check out: VINES & MOUNTAINS – 1 DAY KAKHETI (TELAVI) FOOD & WINE TOUR (MEET THE WINE ARTISANS!)
When to Visit Telavi
The best time to visit Telavi is usually between May and October. The weather is usually nice and sunny then, but lately May has been just rain rain rain! But if you really want to see something special, come in late September or October. That’s when the grape harvest happens, called Rtveli. It’s a big deal here!
During Rtveli, you’ll see families picking grapes to make wine for the new year. There’s lots of fun stuff going on:
- People sing traditional Georgian songs
- There’s plenty of delicious food
- Everyone drinks wine and makes toasts to celebrate the harvest
This is the perfect time to take a wine tour. You’ll get to see how important wine is to the local culture. If you want to really experience Telavi at its best, plan your trip for harvest time!
Spring is another great time to visit Telavi and Kakheti. The countryside becomes really beautiful, with lots of colorful flowers blooming everywhere.
So, you’ve got two fantastic times to choose from:
- Spring: Everything’s fresh and pretty
- Autumn: It’s harvest time with lots of fun activities
Both seasons offer amazing experiences:
- You can learn about the local culture
- Try authentic wines made by families
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery
You can visit Telavi in winter too, but spring and autumn are the best times in my opinion. These seasons give you the nicest weather and the most interesting things to see and do.
No matter when you choose to come, Telavi will give you memories to last a lifetime!
Telavi is the perfect spot to experience Georgia’s famous wine country. This charming city has it all – old buildings, lively markets, and amazing food and wine. You can explore historic sites, try delicious local dishes, and of course, taste lots of great wine. Telavi is right in the middle of the Kakheti region, so it’s ideal for getting a real feel of Georgian culture. Whether you love history, food, or wine (or all three!), you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. Come visit Telavi and see for yourself why Georgia’s wine country is so special!
–> Cap off your Telavi adventure with our signature Vines & Mountains Telavi Wine Tour – a journey through exquisite vineyards and authentic family wine tasting sessions. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich wine heritage of Kakheti.
