Day trip in Kakheti-Beauty and Love in a Glass Wine

If you’re considering a day trip from Tbilisi into Georgia’s famed wine region, Kakheti, the “Beauty and Love in a Glass Wine” tour offers a well-rounded taste of the local culture, history, and hospitality. This tour is designed for those who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed — think scenic mountain views, charming villages, ancient monasteries, and, of course, plenty of wine tasting.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances structured sightseeing with authentic local flavors. The stops in villages like Manavi and Badiauri give you a glimpse into everyday life, with homemade wines, traditional snacks, and the chance to try your hand at baking bread. Plus, the visits to key landmarks like Bodbe Monastery and Sighnaghi are highlights packed with history and stunning scenery.

That said, a possible consideration is the guide’s approach—some reviews mention that the guide can be a bit chaotic and speaks mainly English, which might be confusing if you’re expecting a perfectly polished narration in Russian or a quieter experience. Still, if you’re open to a lively, personable guide who’s eager to share their knowledge, it’s a minor point.

Ultimately, this tour tends to suit travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and wine tasting without the hassle of organizing separate visits. It’s especially good if you’re into authentic local flavors and historical sites, but don’t want to spend your entire day confined to a single activity.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: The tour includes stops in villages where you can taste homemade wines and enjoy local treats.
• Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking panoramas of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Range.
• Historical Sites: Bodbe Monastery and Sighnaghi are highlights full of history and beautiful architecture.
• Local Culture: You’ll get a look at traditional Georgian life, including optional bread-making classes.
• Guided Convenience: An English-speaking guide will accompany you, providing context and entertainment.
• Flexible and Relaxed: It’s a 5-hour journey with a well-organized itinerary but some room for personal requests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and End

The tour kicks off from the very heart of Old Tbilisi at “I love Tbilisi” and wraps up back at the same point, making it convenient for those staying in the city’s main areas. The pickup and drop-off logistics are straightforward, which is always a plus when you’re exploring a new place.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price, you’re getting quite a bit — transport, an English-speaking guide, several wine and chacha tastings, plus mineral water. The tastings at Sekhnika winery include several kinds of wine and spirits, which is great value considering the variety and the chance to try local drinks you might not find elsewhere.

However, the tour does not include lunch, so it’s wise to plan for that either beforehand or during the stop at a local restaurant. You might find that the wine tastings and local snacks suffice for early lunch, but if you’re a big eater, packing a snack might be a good idea.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Village of Manavi

Our journey begins with a trip to Manavi, a village famous for its homemade wines and spirits like chacha. It’s a chance to taste wines crafted with traditional methods passed down through generations. The warm hospitality here really shines through, and it’s a highlight for many—some reviews mention that the homemade wines are tastier than store-bought options.

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Stop 2: Tasting and Snacks at Badiauri

Next, we move to Badiauri, where a traditional snack session awaits. Here, you get to enjoy Kakhetian shoti, freshly baked from the oven, paired with mountain cheeses. Some visitors love this part, describing it as “better than Kakhetian shoti straight from the oven.” There’s also an optional bread-making master class, which could be fun if you enjoy hands-on experiences.

Stop 3: Bodbe Monastery

The Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino is a peaceful, beautifully maintained religious site. You’ll find lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a sense of calm that’s hard to beat. The monastery’s history and architecture captivate visitors, with features like the new church of St. Nino, the old church of St. George, and a holy spring adding to the spiritual atmosphere. It’s worth noting that the monastery is noticeably for women, which some travelers find interesting.

Stop 4: Sighnaghi – The City of Love

Sighnaghi truly lives up to its reputation as the city of love. Its charming, narrow streets look like they’ve come straight out of a medieval Italian or Swiss postcard. The city’s colorful houses, the famous wedding house (open 24/7, like Vegas), and the city wall with panoramic views make it a favorite spot. Expect views of the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus Range that are simply stunning—many describe it as a “dazzling” spectacle.

Stop 5: Telavi and the Ancient Plane Tree

The journey continues to Telavi, the regional capital, where the monument to Heraclius II offers a fantastic photo op. Nearby, you’ll find an ancient eastern plane tree that’s over 945 years old — a living testament to Georgia’s long history.

Stop 6: Sehnika Winery and Lunch

No wine tour would be complete without sampling local varieties, and at Sehnika, you get the chance to do just that. After a guided tour of the winery, you’ll taste wines, chacha, and brandy — all paired with a traditional Georgian lunch. This part of the day is especially appreciated for the authentic flavors and the opportunity to relax after a busy morning of sightseeing.

The Gombori Pass and Return

On the way back, you’ll stop at the Gombori Pass at an altitude of 1620 meters, where the views of the mountains and valleys are equally breathtaking. The drive over the pass is a scenic highlight that makes the return journey feel like part of the adventure. Before returning to Tbilisi, the group is often left with a feeling of satisfaction, having experienced much in a short time.

Practical Details & Tips

• The tour runs from 09:00 to around 19:00, which means a full day of exploration but not an exhausting one.
• It’s recommended to check availability in advance since starting times may vary.
• The experience is suitable for most travelers, but those with back problems or epilepsy might want to consider their comfort level, as some parts involve walking and uneven surfaces.
• The tour is offered in both English and Russian, catering to different language groups.
• Given the 5-hour duration and the inclusion of several stops, pace is relaxed but steady — perfect if you enjoy scenic drives and culture without heavy walking.

What Real Travelers Say

While most reviews praise the professionalism of the tour and the stunning views, some mention the guide’s chaotic style and language delivery. One reviewer said, “Our guide was pretty chaotical and spoke mostly English for the international participants and much less Russian for the Russian-speaks,” but many still enjoyed the overall experience. The delicious local food, authentic wine tastings, and beautiful scenery seem to be what most travelers remember fondly.

Final Thoughts

This day trip to Kakheti offers a good mix of culture, scenery, and wine — perfect if you’re after an authentic experience that covers the region’s highlights in a manageable way. The stops at historic monasteries and charming towns, combined with tastings of traditional wines and snacks, make for a memorable day.

It’s best suited for travelers who want an organized, guided experience that takes care of logistics, leaving you free to soak in the sights. If you’re into trying local wines, exploring picturesque streets, and learning about Georgian traditions, this tour hits the right notes.

While the guide’s approach might not be for everyone, most agree that the stunning mountain views, delicious food, and warm hospitality make it a worthwhile trip. Just be prepared for a busy but rewarding five hours filled with authentic flavors and beautiful scenery.

FAQs

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, the tour does not include lunch. You’ll have the chance to enjoy snacks and a traditional Georgian feast at the winery, but you might want to bring extra food if you’re very hungry.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for a day of sightseeing and walking is best. Since some stops involve outdoor activities, layers are a good idea, especially if the weather is variable.

Does the tour run in Russian?
Yes, the tour is available in both English and Russian, so you can choose the language best suited for you.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is around 5 hours, starting at 09:00 and returning around 19:00. It’s a full but manageable day.

Are the wine tastings at specific wineries?
Yes, tastings are included at Sekhnika winery, where you can sample several types of wine, chacha, and brandy.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transport services are included, making it easy to visit multiple sites without worrying about logistics.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While the tour is suitable for most adults, it might not be ideal for very young children due to walking and outdoor stops.

How many people are in the group?
The specific group size isn’t mentioned, but tours like this typically range from small to medium groups, ensuring more personal attention.

Is it suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking and uneven surfaces, so it may not be suitable for travelers with serious mobility concerns.

If you’re looking to taste Georgia’s wines, explore beautiful towns, and enjoy scenic mountain views—all in one day—this trip offers a nice balance. Keep expectations realistic about the guide’s style, but overall, it’s a chance to see and taste what makes Kakheti so special.

You can check availability for your dates here: