Kvareli is a fantastic place to explore if you’re interested in Georgia’s renowned wine culture, delicious food, and charming towns. Unlike more crowded tourist spots, Kvareli offers a genuine taste of Kakheti’s traditions, especially through its wine tours and local food experiences. We particularly enjoy tours that combine cultural sights with hands-on tasting opportunities—like visiting the Bodbe Monastery or exploring local wineries. One highlight is the Kakheti Special Food Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch & Dinner, which perfectly blends sightseeing with culinary delights, ensuring a full day of memorable experiences.
Below, you’ll find a selection of the best tours in Kvareli—from comprehensive day trips that cover historic sites and wine cellars to more intimate tastings focused on traditional Georgian winemaking. Each offers something unique, depending on your interests and how much time you want to spend enjoying Kakheti’s flavors and culture.
1. Kakheti Special Food Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch & Dinner
This full-day trip from Tbilisi is a well-balanced mix of historic sites, local cuisine, and wine tasting. Starting with a visit to the Bodbe Monastery, where the burial site of St. Nino—the saint credited with Christianizing Georgia—is revered, you get a glimpse of the spiritual heart of Kakheti. The tour then takes you to Sighnaghi, a town famous for its medieval walls and stunning views over the Alazani Valley, perfect for snapping photos or simply wandering its cobbled streets.
Midday, you’ll enjoy a traditional Kakhetian lunch, featuring dishes like Khachapuri and Khinkali, which pair beautifully with local wines. Afterward, the tour visits the Khareba Wine Cellar, where you’ll tour the underground tunnels and taste a variety of Kakhetian wines, including some made in the traditional Qvevri method. The day wraps up with a Georgian dinner of dumplings, giving you a delicious end to a well-rounded experience. This tour is perfect for those who love a comprehensive experience—covering everything from culture and history to food and wine. The price at $225 per person reflects the all-inclusive nature, making it a good value for a full day’s adventure.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want a thorough introduction to Kakheti’s culture, history, and flavors, all in one day.
2. Kakhetian Authentic Wine Tasting and Traditional Dinner
This tour focuses more on wine and food, offering an intimate look at Georgia’s most iconic beverage—Qvevri wine—at a family-run winery. The experience begins with a guided tasting of 5-7 wines, where you can learn about the Qvevri fermentation process that Georgia claims as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. The winemaker shares stories about the history and tradition behind each wine, making it feel like visiting a friend’s cellar.
Along With tasting, you’ll enjoy traditional Kakhetian snacks, which perfectly complement the wines. The highlight is a walk through the vineyards, observing the seasonal rhythms of local grape growers. The tour can also include joining a Chacha-making celebration, adding a fun, interactive element. The evening concludes with a traditional dinner of kakhetian dishes, paired with the wines you’ve just sampled. This tour is ideal for wine lovers who want a hands-on experience and deeper understanding of Georgia’s winemaking traditions. It’s slightly less structured than the first tour but offers rich, authentic interactions with local artisans.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those passionate about wine and interested in experiencing Georgia’s winemaking culture firsthand.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two Kvareli tours, consider your priorities. If you prefer a comprehensive day of sightseeing, historic sites, and multiple tastings, the Kakheti Special Food Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch & Dinner offers a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price. It’s suited for travelers who want to see Sighnaghi and Bodbe Monastery, enjoy Georgian food, and learn about wine in a scenic setting.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in deepening your wine knowledge and prefer a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere, the Kakhetian Authentic Wine Tasting and Traditional Dinner is your best pick. It emphasizes authentic wine-making techniques and local flavors, ideal for wine enthusiasts or those wanting a more personal connection with Kakheti’s winemakers.
Budget-wise, the first tour provides a full-day experience that covers a lot, making it good value for the cost. The second is more specialized and may appeal if your main focus is wine. Be sure to book early, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Kvareli offers a range of compelling options for wine lovers, culture seekers, and foodies alike. From the all-encompassing Kakheti Special Food Tour that marries history and flavors, to the more intimate and hands-on Kakhetian Wine Tasting for serious wine fans, you can tailor your experience based on your interests. Whichever you choose, early booking is advisable—these tours fill up fast!
