Wine & Dine group tour from Kutaisi

A Closer Look at the Wine & Dine Group Tour from Kutaisi

If you’re exploring Georgia, particularly the scenic region of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, this Wine & Dine group tour offers a genuine taste of local life. While I haven’t taken this specific trip myself, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of an experience that beautifully combines wine tasting, authentic food, and warm family hospitality. From the moment we learn about young wine maker Baia and her sister Gvatsa, it’s clear that this tour is about more than just drinking wine — it’s about connecting with Georgia’s rich traditions and passionate locals.

What stands out is the personalized guided visit to a family-run winery, where you get to see the vines just behind the house and learn the story behind each glass. Plus, the chance to taste three different local wines and Chacha (a traditional grape brandy) promises a flavorful experience. The home-cooked Georgian lunch, especially prepared by Baia’s mom, is often highlighted as a major highlight — hearty, authentic, and full of local personality.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is roughly four hours, which means it’s quite relaxed but still packed with highlights. If you’re looking for a quick, authentic Georgian experience without the hassle of organizing your own visits, this tour offers great value. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy wine, food, and culture, and are comfortable in a small group setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Family Winery Visit: You’ll meet young, passionate wine makers and see the vineyard behind their house.
• Tasting Local Wines & Chacha: Experience different varieties like Tsolikouri, Krakhuna, Ojaleshi, and more in a relaxed setting.
• Hearty Georgian Lunch: Enjoy homemade dishes, especially the famous Imereian food, made by the hostess’s family.
• Flexible and Convenient: The tour departs from Kutaisi, with pickup included, making it easy to plan.
• Balanced Duration: Four hours offers enough time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
• Great for Authenticity Seekers: Perfect for those wanting an honest glimpse of Georgia’s wine traditions and family hospitality.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at 13:00 from the central square of Kutaisi, a bustling hub that’s easy to find. You’ll travel comfortably in a small van, with the entire trip lasting about four hours — including pick-up, the winery visit, lunch, and return. The timing is well-suited for an afternoon escape, leaving your morning free to explore Kutaisi or relax.

The Vineyard Behind the House

Our journey begins in Bagdati, a charming village in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region. Baia and Gvatsa Abuladze, young women with a clear passion for their craft, show us their vineyard just behind their house. It’s a delightful part of the experience because you get to see the very vines that produce the grapes for their wines. It’s a straightforward yet authentic introduction to Georgian viticulture, emphasizing family, tradition, and sustainability.

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The Winery Tour and Tasting

Next, you’ll be taken into the wine cellar. Here, the sisters guide you through their production process, explaining how they craft their Tsolikouri, Krakhuna, Aladasturi, Ojaleshi, and Otskhanuri Sapere wines. The cellar itself is a warm, inviting space that reflects a deep respect for tradition, often with barrels and tools that have been part of their family for generations.

During the tasting, you’ll sample three types of wine along with Chacha, Georgia’s iconic grape brandy. Reviewers mention that the wine selection is excellent — the quality, balance, and local character shine through. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the sisters explained each wine and their passion was contagious.” The tasting is casual but informative, allowing you to appreciate the diversity of Georgian wines beyond the commercial labels.

The Georgian Lunch

After the wine tasting, you’ll sit down for a homemade Georgian lunch. Baia’s mom prepares a feast of traditional dishes, often including Imereian food — hearty, flavorful, and full of local ingredients. Guests consistently praise this part of the experience, describing the food as “delicious,” “authentic,” and “the best homemade meal I’ve had in Georgia.” Expect a big table filled with various meats, fresh bread, pickled vegetables, and local favorites. The relaxed setting makes it easy to chat with fellow travelers and the hosts, deepening your appreciation for Georgian hospitality.

Return to Kutaisi

Post-lunch, you’ll journey back to Kutaisi, arriving around 17:00. The ride provides an opportunity to reflect on what you’ve experienced — the winemaking process, the familial warmth, and the landscape’s gentle beauty.

The Experience in Detail

The Winery Environment

The family winery in Bagdati is simple but evocative. It’s not polished touristy glitz but genuine, lived-in space where tradition persists. The sisters, Baia and Gvatsa, are proud of their craft, yet approachable and eager to share stories. Reviewers mention their warm hospitality and the “personal touch” that makes this tour stand out from larger, commercial winery visits.

Wine and Chacha Tasting

Among the wines, you might find yourself particularly taken with the Ojaleshi, a lesser-known but aromatic variety, or the local Krakhuna — both offering a taste of Georgia’s wide wine spectrum. The Chacha, often overlooked by first-timers, is a potent but smooth traditional spirit that pairs well with the food. The tasting is relaxed, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and learn about grape varieties and local wine-making techniques.

The Georgian Lunch

The homemade feast is often described as a highlight. The hostess’s dishes are crafted with love, and the emphasis on local, homemade ingredients shines through. One reviewer called it “the best Imereian food I’ve ever tried,” emphasizing its authenticity. The lunch is generous and designed to complement the wine, offering a satisfying, full-bodied experience.

Group Dynamics and Pace

With a small group, the atmosphere is intimate and friendly. The tour’s pace is comfortable, allowing time to enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed. It’s an ideal setting for casual conversation and making new friends while savoring local flavors.

Pricing and Value

Considering the price includes a guided winery tour, multiple wine and Chacha tastings, and a hearty homemade lunch, it offers good value. Georgia’s wine culture is legendary, and getting to taste local varieties directly from producers — without the crowds or commercial markup — makes this experience even more worthwhile. For travelers seeking a genuine, family-run experience, the cost is reasonable and reflects the personalized, authentic nature of the tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to explore Georgia’s diverse grape varieties. It’s also well-suited for food lovers wanting a true taste of local cuisine, and for those who appreciate small, family-run establishments over touristy spots. Travelers interested in culture and authentic hospitality will find this tour especially rewarding.

It’s less ideal for those seeking a large-scale winery tour or a very brief visit, as the experience involves a leisurely pace and a hearty lunch. But if you’re after a relaxed afternoon filled with genuine stories and local flavors, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

For the traveler wanting more than just a quick sip of Georgia’s celebrated wines, this Wine & Dine group tour from Kutaisi offers a memorable, authentic experience. You’ll gain insight into local traditions, meet passionate young winemakers, and enjoy a homemade feast that embodies Georgia’s welcoming spirit. Its balance of history, taste, and family warmth creates an experience that’s both educational and deeply personal.

This tour is best suited for food and wine lovers, curious travelers who want to connect with local families, and anyone wanting a genuine taste of Georgia beyond the more commercialized tourist spots. While it’s simple in setup, the warmth of the hosts and the authenticity of the wine make it a treasure for those who appreciate real, heartfelt experiences.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about four hours, including transportation, the winery visit, lunch, and return to Kutaisi.

What is included in the tour?
The price covers a guided winery tour, tasting three different wines and Chacha, and a homemade Georgian lunch.

Is the tour accessible?
Yes, the tour mentions wheelchair accessibility, making it suitable for a variety of travelers.

What is the departure time?
The tour starts at 13:00 from the central square of Kutaisi; check availability for exact starting times.

How is transportation arranged?
You’ll travel comfortably in a small van, with a roughly 50-minute drive each way, making the journey easy and relaxed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in your travel plans.

In all, this tour provides a thoughtfully curated taste of Georgia’s wine, food, and family hospitality — a true highlight for those seeking genuine local experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here: