Kakheti Region: Day Trips and Tours from Tbilisi

Nestled in the mountain ranges of Eastern Georgia, the Kakheti Region is among the oldest wine-growing areas in the world. Alongside its sumptuous reds and fragrant whites, this corner of Georgia is known for its deep history, with a plethora of spectacular religious monuments, as well as a smattering of enchanting towns.

Day trips to the Kakheti Region from Tbilisi are a must for wine lovers, history enthusiasts and culture connoisseurs alike. Best of all, they’re suitable for the whole family and are bound to be a highlight of your European vacation.

Here's all you need to know about Kakheti Region, one of the most exciting day trips from Tbilisi.

How to get to the Kakheti Region from Tbilisi?

The Kakheti Region is formed of the provinces of Kakheti and Tusheti. It covers over 11,000 square kilometers and is just under 90 kilometers from Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi.

From Tbilisi to the Kakheti Region by car

The journey to the Kakheti Region takes approximately 1.5 hours by car, following the Kakheti Highway west of Tbilisi all the way into the rolling hills and endless collection of vineyards.

From Tbilisi to the Kakheti Region by bus

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to the Kakheti Region by public transportation instead. The easiest way to do this is to catch a bus to Sighnaghi from the Samgori Bus Station in Tbilisi, which runs several times throughout the day.

Alternatively, you can catch a bus to Telavi from Tbilisi’s Ortachala Bus Station, which takes approximately 2 hours in total.

Guided tour to the Kakheti Region from Tbilisi

Another option is to book a guided excursion to the Kakheti Region. These day trips typically last between 10 and 12 hours, and, if you opt for a private tour, you’ll benefit from a convenient accommodation pickup service. You’ll simply select your hotel from a dropdown list upon booking and, on the day of your excursion, await collection in the lobby from a friendly guide at a predetermined time.

Alternatively, if you choose a group tour, you’ll meet at an easy-to-find spot in the city, which you can find the location of by consulting the booking page.

Whichever excursion you select, you can expect it to start between 9 AM and 10 AM, returning you to Tbilisi in the mid to late evening.

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Kakheti Region day tour features its own unique itinerary, all excursions share similarities. After meeting your driver, either at a public meeting point or in the lobby of your hotel, you’ll board your vehicle and head toward the wine region. Along the way, you’ll typically stop off in Badiauri to try some local goodies before continuing on in the direction of Sighnaghi.

En route, you may pay a visit to religious sites or other attractions that showcase the history of this area of Europe. While in Sighnaghi, you may participate in a spot of sightseeing or, alternatively, spend your time checking out one of the town’s most renowned wineries.

Some Kakheti Region day trips take you to just one winery, while others hop between several to show you the diversity of the tipples produced here. Then, once you’ve indulged in these full-bodied reds and crisp whites, you’ll return to Tbilisi.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Kakheti Region?

There are several types of day trips to the Kakheti Region for you to choose between, depending on your travel style and the destinations you wish to see.

Guided tours to the Kakheti Region from Tbilisi

On this Kakheti Region day tour, you’ll stop at the village of Badiauri, home to one of the best bakeries in the area. After sampling fresh local bread, you’ll continue on to the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe, which was originally constructed in the 9th century.

Explore these ancient walls before making your way to Sighnaghi where you’ll participate in a walking tour that covers the city’s most famed attractions, including its cobblestone walls, once used to protect its residents from raids. Explore two wineries, including the largest in Georgia, sampling a total of seven of their finest tipples and discovering the history behind the sites, one of which has provided its wines to the Georgian royal family for almost 500 years.

Private tour to the Kakheti Region from Tbilisi

Those who are seeking greater personalization than a group tour provides can opt for a private day trip to the Kakheti Region. You’ll benefit from a comfortable vehicle and a relaxing drive to your destination without the noise of other tourists around you.

Make a pit stop in Badiauri to feast on Georgian produce before hopping between three esteemed wineries, each of which has its own defining feature, from organic certifications to family-run estates and unusual locations in Soviet bomb shelters.

Enjoy lunch with a local family at one of these venues and participate in a dessert-making class before driving through the Gombori Pass on the return to Tbilisi, admiring the lofty mountains, and rolling hills that surround the region.

Private day trip to the Kakheti Region plus Mtskheta from Tbilisi

This combination tour from Tbilisi begins with a visit to one of the country’s oldest cities — Mtskheta. Founded in the 5th century B.C., the destination features a number of dazzling religious monuments, which form Mtskheta’s UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, believed to be the burial ground of Christ’s mantle.

After discovering this ancient town, you’ll move on to the Kakheti Region where you’ll enjoy wine and lunch with a local family, and discover the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe, which is often visited by pilgrims who wish to pay their respects to St. Nino, said to have performed miracles on the sick and needy.

Finally, walk along the “Great Wall of Georgia” in Sighnaghi and discover why it’s nicknamed the “City of Love.”

How much does a day trip to the Kakheti Region from Tbilisi cost?

The most budget-friendly Kakheti Region day trip costs around US$40 per person, which includes seven wine tastings, as well as all entrance fees and the services of a professional guide.

A private combination Kakheti Region and Mtskheta day trip costs US$220 per person, and includes a wine tasting. Lunch is at your own expense.

Private Kakheti Region excursions include at least tastings of at least six wines across three different venues, as well as lunch and any additional activities, and cost US$250 if you travel solo. However, the price per head decreases with each member added to your party, and with a group size of 10 participants, you’ll each pay approximately US$100.

What will you see and do?

The Kakheti Region is formed of eight districts within Eastern Georgia, including Sighnaghi and Sagarejo, and its capital is Telavi. The mountainous area is best known for its wines, of which it produces more than 70% of Georgia’s total. In fact, the region produces over 250,000 tonnes of wine per year, the majority of which is made from Rkatiteli and Saperavi grapes.

While Saperavi can be made into a rosé, it is most often drunk as a full-bodied red wine and is known for its deep red, almost black color. On the other hand, Rkatiteli wine is white and fruity, with notes of apricot, and pineapple. This grape has been grown in the region for more than 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest varieties in the world.

Other grape varieties grown throughout the vineyards in this region include Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Kakhuri Mtsvani, Mtsvivana and Takveri, which you can sample on a Kakheti Region day tour.

When is the best time to visit the Kakheti Region?

Choose late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) for outdoor activities and vineyard visits.

Travel tips

• If you visit religious sites, be sure to dress modestly.
• While many in the tourist industry speak English, learning a few basic Georgian phrases can be appreciated by the locals.
• Visit local markets to buy fresh produce, homemade cheeses, and other regional specialties.
• Georgian wine-making is an ancient tradition with deep cultural and religious roots. Always be respectful when visiting wineries and participating in tastings.