Georgia Food and Wine Tour | Private Tour | Pyala Travel - Travel Program

Day 1 arrival Tbilisi

Arrive in Tbilisi. Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.

Day 2 Tbilisi

In the morning transfer by Metro to the farmer’s market, where we will meet our local host-Teona. She will help us to cook Georgian dishes, but before we start we need to buy correct ingredients. She will lead us to "Dezerter Bazaar" (Dezertir is a soldier or a military person who hides from the war or military services. The name of this place comes from the story, which tells that In the beginning of 20th century In this area Dezertirs gathered and sold different things. By the time this place has transformed into Bazaar. Nowadays it`s the biggest farmer’s market in Tbilisi). She will help us to choose best available ingredients for our lunch. Afterwards we will be heading to Teona`s house. Get familiar with local people`s life style and Georgian hospitality. Together with Teona we will cook our lunch. After the tasty lunch, Georgian wine and social life experience we have to say goodbye to Teona. Then we will explore the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. Wander in the old districts of the city which are structured like terraces, as well as take a walk in the narrow streets to enjoy colorful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of modern architecture. We will start the tour from Metekhi church (13th c) facing the magnificent views of old Tbilisi. A stroll along the winding little streets takes us to the main sights of the city. Afterwards we enjoy the panoramic views of the whole town and through the ancient Narikala fortress (4th c), find ourselves in the historical domed sulphur bath area – connected with the name of our city. Overnight in Tbilisi. The dish of the day: "Khinkali" - Georgian dumplings and Kharcho (Chicken with walnuts souce) and Elarji (Cornmeal with sulguni cheese).

Day 3 3 Day: Tbilisi-Gombori Pass-Alaverdi-Kondoli-Kisiskhevi-Vardisubani-Telavi

In the morning drive via Gombori pass towards Telavi – administrative centre of Kakheti region. Region is famous for being wine making area, as well as associated with welcoming hospitality. Here we can see both snowy Caucasus mountains and fertile valleys. Firstly, we visit Alaverdi cathedral (11th) that used to be the highest church in the region. Drive to village Kondoli, where we visit a traditional Georgian wine cellar. Here we will taste the most special natural wine “Zghia”, which is made from collectible Kakhetian grapes. The wine has already cleared the way to the European market. Afterwards continue the way to visit a winery, where we will have a lunch and try 3 kinds of Georgian wines: Red dry "Saperavi", white dry "Tsinandali" and "Kakhuri" amber collored dry. Afterwards we drive to Vardisubani village. Here we visit a local farmer, who produces the clay jars called "Qvevri", in which Georgian wine was made for centuries. This method of wine making is inscribed at UNESCO heritage list. Wine and Chacha tasting made by the family. Then arrival in Telavi. Dinner and overnight in a family hotel in Telavi. The wines of the day: Zghia (red dry wine), Kondoli (white dry wine), Saperavi (dry red wine), Tsinandali (white dry wine).
The dish of the day: Cucumber tomato salad with Kakhetian oil and Tolma in vine leaves.

Day 4 Telavi-Gremi-Kvareli-Sighnaghi-Tbilisi

In the morning visit Telavi local market, known for its fresh local fruits, vegetables and other specialities. Then continue to Kvareli. On the way, visit 17th century Gremi complex (museum closed on Mondays). In Kvareli, visit famous winery `Kindzmarauli`, here we will taste Georgian wine with Georgian cheese. Combining wine and cheese is an unquenchable subject and it is being discussed by many gourmets and experts around the world. Georgian sommeliers specially worked for few months to create this special product. For lunch we visit a local family. Here we will also learn about Georgia`s rural life, feast traditions and taste delicious homemade dishes. After lunch, drive to Sighnaghi, visit 18th century beautiful fortified town. Take a pleasant walk in the town. Then drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi. The wines of the day: Kindzmarauli (semi sweet red wine), Kisi (dry white wine). The dish of the day: "Mtsvadi" - Georgian Barbeque

Day 5 Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Chardakhi-Sachkhere-Kutaisi

Today we visit the ancient capital and religious center of Georgia – Mtskheta and see its historical places: Jvari Monastery (6th century) and impressive Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) where the Robe of Christ is buried. Both Jvari and Svetitskhoveli are UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit “Iago’s wine cellar” in the village of Chardakhi where we taste unique BIO wines produced by traditional Georgian method in Kvevri. The owner of the winery, Iago produces very unique Georgian wine called "Chinuri". The wine looks dark gold with a floral aroma and floral taste. The finish offered mild tannins and floral nuances. It’s noteworthy that you can find this wine in the list of unique wines of hotel Ritz in London. Later, drive to Sachkhere - Imereti province. Here, at a local village located on mountain slope we visit century-old wine-cellar. Due to different climate people in west and east Georgia keep and produce their wine in a different way. After wine tasting we have lunch with traditional Imeretian dishes. Drive to Kutaisi – second largest city in the country. Dinner and overnight at a family hotel in Kutaisi. The wines of the day: Chinuri (white dry wine), Dzelshavi (red dry wine), Tsolikauri (white dry wine) The dish of the day: Imeretian Khachapuri

Day 6 Kutaisi-Gelati-Ambrolauri-Kutaisi

In the morning visit Gelati Monastery (12th century), famous for it’s mosaic and frescoes (UNESCO World Heritage site). Then we have opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful mountainous regions of Georgia – Racha. The region is famous for wine culture. Here we visit a local wine factory where we taste famous wine of the region – Khvanchkara. Then we will have a lunch at a local family in Ambrolauri. They will host us with traditional dishes like Lobiani and Shkmeruli. Afterwards we drive back to Kutaisi. On the way we stop to visit Nikortsminda church (11c.) well-known for its frescoes and ornaments. Dinner and overnight at a family hotel in Kutaisi. The wine of the day: Khvanchkara (semi-sweet red wine). The dish of the day:  Lobiani (bean-filled bread with bacon), Shkmeruli (chicken cooked in milk and garlic sauce).

Day 7 Kutaisi-Mukhrani-Tbilisi

Visit local market of Kutaisi. Then drive to Mukhrani village. Visit royal estate of duke – Ivane Mukhranbatoni. His interest in farming was greatly enhanced on his trip to France, where he learned more about winemaking. On his return home he decided to start producing wonderful Georgian wines on his forefathers’ Mukhrani estate land. Here we will have famous Georgian wine tasting and lunch. Then we continue our way to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi. The wine of the day: Muskati (Rose semi-sweet wine for desert). The dish of the day:  Trout on Lavashi bread

Day 8 depart Tbilisi