If you’ve ever wanted to escape the city buzz and learn about Georgia’s lesser-trodden wine country, this private day trip to Zestafoni might just be what you’re looking for. It’s designed for those craving a more authentic, relaxed experience—away from crowded tours and commercialized wineries. Instead, you’ll get a taste of local life, natural wines, and stunning scenery, all in the comfort of a modern electric SUV.

What we really love about this experience are the flexible stops—you can ask to linger at a scenic spot or explore a hidden church—and the chance to taste three handcrafted natural wines made in traditional clay qvevri. Plus, the home-style Georgian dinner offers a warm, genuine ending to what’s often a slow-paced, enriching journey. The only potential drawback? It’s a full day on the road, so if you’re not a fan of long drives, it’s worth considering how you handle travel time. This tour suits travelers who want a deeply personal encounter with Georgia’s wine, history, and countryside, with enough flexibility to make it feel tailor-made.

Key Points

Authentic and private experience with no crowds or buses.
Flexible itinerary allows for spontaneous stops or explorations.
Eco-friendly transport in a quiet, modern electric SUV.
Includes visits to Uplistsikhe cave city and a boutique natural winery.
Tasting of three natural wines and a traditional Georgian dinner.
Ideal for those seeking genuine local flavors and scenery away from tourist hotspots.

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What to Expect on This Unique Georgian Day Trip

This journey takes you from the bustling streets of Tbilisi into Georgia’s quieter, more rural areas, all while maintaining a focus on authenticity and comfort. It’s not about ticking off sights but about feeling the land, tasting the wine, and connecting with local traditions.

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Starting the Day: Comfortable, Quiet Ride to the Countryside

Your day begins with a pick-up from Tbilisi in a 2025 electric SUV—a smooth, whisper-quiet ride that instantly sets a laid-back tone. Traveling in such a modern vehicle isn’t just eco-conscious; it makes the entire journey more relaxing, allowing you to enjoy the passing scenery without engine noise or fuss.

The drive itself takes about 2.5 hours through central Georgia, giving you time to settle in and chat with your local driver-guide. As you leave the city behind, the landscape shifts to rolling hills, green fields, and rural homes, offering a glimpse into everyday Georgian life.

Optional Stop at Uplistsikhe

One of the highlights along the way is the visit to Uplistsikhe, an ancient cave town carved into rock. The stop is optional but highly recommended, as it offers an hour to explore this fascinating site. You’ll walk through tunnels and chambers that have stood for thousands of years, surrounded by panoramic views that make for great photos.

People who’ve visited say, “It’s like walking through history,” and reviewers often mention how the views from the site are breathtaking. It’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs and soak in some centuries-old architecture, all while enjoying the fresh air and scenic vistas.

Reaching the Boutique Natural Winery

As you approach Zestafoni, the scenery shifts again—this time to more lush, greener landscapes. The journey continues in the electric SUV, passing through quiet countryside that amplifies the feeling of escaping the tourist trail.

Your destination is a family-owned natural winery tucked away among rolling hills. This isn’t a glossy, commercial operation but a true family business that makes natural wines the traditional way—without additives or industrial processing. The owners will greet you warmly, making you feel like a guest in their home.

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The Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting

The winery tour kicks off with a guided walk through the vineyard and cellar. You’ll learn about the process of making natural wines in clay qvevri, which involves fermenting the grapes without chemicals or filtration. The tasting features three handcrafted wines, each unfiltered and made entirely from natural methods, giving you a real sense of Georgian wine’s soul.

Guests speak highly of these wines, emphasizing their distinct flavors and purity. One reviewer mentioned, “The wines are so different from what I usually drink—more authentic, more alive.” The relaxed atmosphere allows for conversation, questions, and savoring each sip without rushing.

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A Home-Style Georgian Dinner with a View

As the day winds down, you’ll settle in for a traditional Georgian dinner served outdoors if the weather permits. The meal focuses on local, fresh ingredients, showcasing Georgian flavors in dishes like khachapuri, grilled meats, and seasonal vegetables. Many find this dinner to be surprisingly hearty and homey, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Guests often comment that the hosts’ stories about winemaking traditions and local life give the meal an extra layer of meaning. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy good food, and reflect on the day’s journey.

Flexibility and Personal Touches

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is its flexible route. If you want to pause for photos, explore a hidden church, or grab a coffee with a view, just ask. The driver-guide is there not just to chauffeur but to make your experience tailor-made.

Reviewers love how this approach makes the trip feel more intimate and genuine—more like visiting friends than being on a rigid tour. The only thing to keep in mind is that the day is quite full, with about 6 hours on the road, so a good attitude about travel time is helpful.

The Practical Details

Duration, Cost, and What’s Included

This 8-hour private trip costs about $230 per person. Considering it covers transportation, guides, Uplistsikhe, a wine tasting, and dinner, it offers good value for a behind-the-scenes experience rooted in local life. The transportation is in a 2025 electric SUV, emphasizing eco-conscious travel.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off in Tbilisi, the drive through central Georgia, optional Uplistsikhe visit, wine tasting, a full Georgian dinner, and refreshments. Note that Uplistsikhe entry tickets are not included, so if you want to explore the cave city thoroughly, you’ll need to purchase these separately.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Comfortable shoes and clothes are advised, especially if you plan to walk around Uplistsikhe or the vineyard. Since the dinner is outdoors (weather permitting), dressing appropriately for the season is wise.

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years or anyone with mobility constraints, as it involves some walking on uneven surfaces and a full day on the road. It’s also tailored to travelers comfortable with long drives and who enjoy authentic, slow-paced experiences.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventurous wine lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Georgia. If you value personalized experiences, dislike tourist crowds, and want to taste natural wines made by real people, this is a solid choice.

It also appeals to those who prefer a relaxed pace and the chance to make spontaneous stops. If you enjoy learning about local traditions, savoring home-cooked meals, and exploring scenic rural landscapes, this tour ticks all those boxes.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a quick, city-focused tour or traveling with very young kids, it might be less suitable. The full day on the road and walking involved could be tiring for some.

The Sum Up

This private Zestafoni wine day trip offers a genuine taste of Georgia’s rural life, natural wines, and scenic beauty. It’s designed for travelers who want to go beyond the usual, with a flexible itinerary that emphasizes personal connection, authentic flavors, and environmental consciousness. The combination of history, stunning views, and heartfelt hospitality makes it a memorable experience.

If you’re after a laid-back, yet richly rewarding day that showcases the best of Georgia’s countryside and wine traditions, this tour is well worth considering. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate a slow pace, meaningful stories, and the chance to connect with local producers.

While it’s not a quick sightseeing dash, the value lies in the depth of experience—true to Georgia’s spirit of hospitality, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Perfect for curious, open-minded travelers who want more than just photos but a genuine taste of the country’s soul.

Ready to Book?

From: Tbilisi: Private Zestafoni Wine Day Trip with Dinner

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s generally not recommended for children under 10 due to the full day on the road and walking involved. It’s best for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and are comfortable with longer travel times.

How long is the drive from Tbilisi?
The drive is approximately 2.5 hours each way, making it a sizable part of the day but also allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and tasting.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers private transportation in an electric SUV, a local driver-guide, optional Uplistsikhe stop, visit to a family-owned winery, three natural wine tastings, a Georgian dinner, and refreshments.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, Uplistsikhe entry tickets are not included, so you may need to purchase those separately if you choose to explore the cave city more thoroughly.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and outdoor dining are best. Keep weather in mind—dressing in layers is a good idea.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the route is flexible. You can request additional scenic stops, photo pauses, or a quick visit to a local site along the way.

Is the wine tasting authentic?
Absolutely. The wines are made naturally, in clay qvevri, and are unfiltered, offering a true taste of Georgian winemaking traditions.

What’s the dinner like?
It’s a home-style Georgian meal with local ingredients, served outdoors if weather allows. Many find it hearty, simple, and full of local flavor.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially since it’s a private experience. Booking ahead guarantees your spot and allows for any specific requests you might have.

If you’re craving a genuine, slow-paced day filled with stories, scenery, and good wine, this trip is a standout way to experience Georgia beyond the crowds.