TBILISI: Authentic Georgian Cheese Tasting Experience

If you’re curious about Georgian cuisine beyond its famous khachapuri and khinkali, then this cheese tasting tour in Tbilisi offers a tasty glimpse into the country’s age-old dairy traditions. Though it’s a relatively short experience—just about 40 minutes—it packs a punch with a range of cheeses and local wines that truly showcase Georgia’s culinary identity. It’s a fun, relaxed way to connect with Georgian food culture in a friendly setting.

What we really appreciate is how this tour combines learning about cheese-making traditions with tasting some of the most distinctive cheeses from mountain villages and remote regions. Plus, the inclusion of two local wines—one red, one white—makes it a well-rounded introduction to Georgia’s renowned wine culture. Of course, with such a compact duration, it’s best suited for those with a general interest in food, or as a quick highlight during a busy day in Tbilisi.

One thing to keep in mind: this experience isn’t designed for those with lactose intolerance, and since it’s a tasting, it won’t replace a full meal. Still, it’s a genuine, informal encounter with Georgian culinary craftsmanship that we think will charm anyone eager for authentic flavors and stories behind the food.

Who will love this? Food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting a taste of Georgia’s rural traditions in an accessible, friendly format.

Key Points

• Learn about traditional Georgian cheese-making methods from knowledgeable hosts.
• Taste four different cheeses, including sulguni, imeruli, and brynza, often made from local mountain-region milk.
• Enjoy two glasses of Georgian wine, paired with your cheese selections, in a relaxed setting.
• Experience a small-group environment limited to six participants for personalized attention.
• Visit a specialty cheese bar showcasing high-quality cheeses from remote villages.
• Includes water and a chance to ask questions about Georgian culinary traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Cheese Journey in the Heart of Tbilisi

This 40-minute cheese tasting tour in Kvemo Kartli, just outside the bustling streets of Tbilisi, is a delightful way to deepen your understanding of Georgian food culture. While it’s brief, the experience offers a detailed look at the country’s cheese diversity—an often-overlooked aspect of Georgian cuisine.

The experience takes place at a specialty cheese bar, carefully selected for its impressive collection of high-quality Georgian cheeses from mountain regions and distant villages. It’s a small, intimate setting—limited to just six participants—so you get plenty of opportunity to ask questions and interact with your host. The guides speak English and Russian, making it accessible for many travelers.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

Once you arrive, you’ll be introduced to the essence of Georgian cheese-making. Georgian cheeses are made from cow, sheep, or goat milk, sometimes blended, reflecting the diversity of regional farming practices. Your host will explain how each cheese is produced, often emphasizing traditional methods passed down through generations.

You’ll sample four distinct cheeses, which can include the popular sulguni (a mild, elastic cheese often used in cooking), imeruli (resembling mozzarella), and brynza (salty and crumbly). These cheeses are characterized by their unique textures and flavors, often reflecting the mountain climate and remote village origins.

The tasting is complemented by two glasses of Georgian wine—one red and one white—each selected from family-owned wine cellars. Georgia is renowned as a birthplace of wine, and pairing local wines with cheeses reveals a harmony that is best experienced firsthand. The host will guide you through the tasting notes, helping make sense of the flavors.

The Experience’s Highlights and Unique Features

One of the key strengths of this tour is the expert guidance. Travelers have noted how knowledgeable and friendly the hosts are—making the experience both educational and enjoyable. As Koen describes, “We had lots of fun with great cheese and wine. It was nicely organized by very nice people!”

The cheeses themselves provide a glimpse into Georgia’s rural traditions. The diversity of cheeses showcases regional differences—some cheeses might be salty and crumbly, perfect for snacking or cooking, while others are more elastic and mild, ideal for pairing with wine. The cheeses are sourced from mountain regions and remote villages, offering a taste of Georgia’s agricultural heritage.

This experience isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding. The host will share insights into the history, techniques, and cultural importance of cheese in Georgia—an integral part of Georgian hospitality and everyday life.

Practical Details and Value

The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes, making it suitable for those with a packed schedule or looking for a quick cultural highlight. It’s priced for a small group—only six participants—so you’ll get personalized attention and a more authentic, less commercial experience.

Included in the price are the cheese tasting of four cheeses, two glasses of wine (red and white), water, and the guidance of a knowledgeable host. The experience is especially good value considering the quality of the cheeses and wines, as well as the intimate setting.

Since wine and cheese are paired with education and storytelling, you’ll walk away not only with a full belly but also with a richer appreciation of Georgia’s culinary storytelling.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is an excellent choice for foodies eager to explore authentic local flavors without committing to a full-day tour. It’s also perfect for travelers interested in learning about traditional food practices in a relaxed environment. If you’re a wine lover, you’ll love the Georgia-specific pairing.

However, those with lactose intolerance should be aware they might not tolerate the cheeses well. Also, since this isn’t a sit-down meal, it’s best to pair it with a more substantial meal either before or after.

Final Thoughts

This cheese tasting experience in Tbilisi offers a genuine, taste-driven peek into Georgia’s rural culinary roots. It’s a short, engaging, and educational activity that pairs well with other sightseeing or cultural experiences in the city. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides make for a personal and insightful encounter, especially if you’re curious about local traditions or simply love good cheese and wine.

For travelers who appreciate authentic flavors, enjoy storytelling, and want to go beyond the typical tourist fare, this tour is a worthwhile addition to your Georgian itinerary. It’s a taste of tradition delivered in a friendly, accessible way—delighting the senses and enriching your understanding of Georgian culture.

How long is the cheese tasting experience?
It lasts approximately 40 minutes, making it a quick yet informative activity.

What cheeses will I taste?
You’ll sample four different cheeses, such as sulguni, imeruli, and brynza, each showcasing regional styles.

Are wines included?
Yes, you will enjoy two glasses of Georgian wine—one red and one white—paired with the cheeses.

Is it suitable for children or families?
The experience is designed for adults, especially given the wine tasting component. It may not be ideal for young children.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak both English and Russian, ensuring accessibility for many travelers.

Is this experience good value?
Absolutely. It includes four cheeses, two wines, and expert guidance, all in a small-group setting, providing a memorable cultural and culinary snapshot.

Where does the activity take place?
It occurs at a specialty cheese bar in Tbilisi, focusing on high-quality Georgian cheeses sourced from remote regions.

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?
Yes, as spots are limited to six participants, booking ahead ensures you secure your place.

Is the activity suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
It’s not suitable for people with lactose intolerance, as cheeses are a core part of the experience.

This cheese tasting tour in Tbilisi offers a friendly, authentic, and flavorful way to connect with Georgia’s dairy traditions. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious about local culture, it’s a compact experience that leaves a lasting impression—and a craving for more Georgian cheese and wine.

You can check availability for your dates here: