Kutaisi, Georgia’s ancient city, offers more than just its stunning monasteries and vibrant markets. It’s also a fantastic hub for wine enthusiasts eager to explore Georgia’s legendary winemaking traditions. Thanks to its proximity to family wineries, natural reserves, and caves, Kutaisi has become a prime destination for authentic wine tours that blend culture, history, and excellent tastes. We particularly love the Wine Tour by Winemaker for its intimate setting and storytelling, as well as the Kutaisi: Wine Tasting in Family Winery shop for those wanting to meet local producers and learn about traditional methods firsthand.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best wine tours in Kutaisi, highlighting what makes each one unique, so you can pick the perfect experience—whether you’re after a quick tasting or an in-depth journey into Georgian winemaking.
1. Wine Tour by Winemaker
This 2-hour to full-day tour offers a chance to enjoy raw, natural wine made using traditional Georgian technology. Led by Giorgi, a knowledgeable and friendly guide, you’ll visit a family-owned winery in the beautiful Imeretian countryside. The tour’s standout feature is observing the unique techniques of Georgian winemaking, especially the use of qvevris (clay vessels buried underground).
Guests rave about the diverse aromas of natural wine and the warm, familial atmosphere. The tour includes tastings of both white and red wines, accompanied by snacks, and ends with a visit to the Nikoladze Family Winery Shop in Kutaisi. Reviewers note the tour’s intimate setting and the guide’s passion, with comments like “Giorgi made us feel really at home” and “highly recommend for wine lovers.”
What makes it special is the chance to learn from a family-run operation that’s passionate about preserving Georgia’s winemaking heritage. It’s perfect for those who enjoy authentic stories, local scenery, and hands-on experiences.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want a personal, in-depth introduction to Georgian wine, with the bonus of local legends and family hospitality.
2. Kutaisi: Sataplia Natural Res. & Tetra Cave Wine Degustation
This 4.5-hour tour combines nature and wine in a way that appeals beyond just the tasting. Starting from See Georgia Tour Agency, you’ll travel in business-class minivans to explore Sataplia Nature Reserve, famous for its 400-meter cave, panoramic views, and Dinosaur Steps—a hit for families or anyone interested in Georgia’s prehistoric past.
The highlight is visiting Tetra Cave, where you’ll sample white wine in the cave’s unique setting—a rare experience that blends Georgia’s tradition with natural wonder. The tour is rich in scenery and includes stops at notable natural landmarks, offering a unique cave wine degustation you won’t find elsewhere.
Reviewers appreciate the seamless transportation and the opportunity to combine outdoor exploration with wine tasting. While the tour is a bit longer, it suits those who want a full sensory experience wrapped in Georgia’s natural beauty.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who enjoy both nature and wine, especially if you’re curious about Georgia’s caves and prehistoric sites.
3. Batumi to Kutaisi, Wine & Dine
A full-day, 12-hour tour that takes you from the sandy beaches of Batumi to Kutaisi’s historic streets, with a focus on local wines and cuisine. Starting with a scenic 2.5-hour drive, you’ll walk through Kutaisi’s charming old town, then visit Baia’s winery for a wine tasting complemented by a Georgian lunch.
This experience is well-suited for those who want a comprehensive day exploring both the culture and flavors of Georgia, with leisurely stops along the way. Guests mention the delicious local foods and the chance to sample authentic Imeretian wines in a relaxed setting.
The tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and tasting, making it a perfect option for travelers who prefer a guided experience with plenty of local flavor. Expect a mix of city walking, wine, and food that rounds out a full travel day.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a combination of sightseeing and wine tasting, especially if you prefer a longer, relaxed experience.
4. Kutaisi, Wine & Dine – group tour around the city
This full-day group tour showcases Kutaisi’s historic monasteries, city highlights, and local wineries. Starting from the city center, you’ll visit Bagrati, Gelati, and Motsameta monasteries before exploring Kutaisi’s central districts. The highlight is a wine tasting and Georgian lunch at Baia’s winery, where you learn about wine making and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
The tour’s strength lies in its comprehensive itinerary, combining cultural sights with wine and food. Reviews mention the deep explanations and personal touches from guides, as well as the delicious homemade lunch paired with top-tier wines. The walk through Kutaisi’s city streets, combined with visits to monasteries, makes it appealing to history and culture lovers.
This tour is best suited for those who want a full-day immersion in Kutaisi’s history, architecture, and gastronomy, with plenty of wine to top it off.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded experience with cultural sights and wine in one day.
5. Wine & Dine group tour from Kutaisi
With a focus on female winemaker Baia Abuladze’s winery, this 4-hour small group tour offers an inside look at local wine-making. Starting from Kutaisi, you’ll visit Baia’s winery, where you’ll experience a guided tour, taste three different wines and Chacha, and enjoy a homemade Georgian lunch.
What sets this tour apart is the personal connection to a female winemaker, emphasizing women’s role in Georgia’s wine industry. Guests highlight the friendly atmosphere and the chance to taste high-quality wines directly from the producer. The hands-on experience of seeing the wine-making process and tasting organic grapes makes it rich in authenticity.
Ideal for those wanting a more intimate, local experience in a short timeframe, this tour offers good value for those interested in small-group, behind-the-scenes connections with winemakers.
Bottom Line: Excellent for wine enthusiasts seeking intimate, authentic tastings with a local producer.
6. Kutaisi City Walking Tour + Free Wine Tasting
This 3-hour guided walking tour explores Kutaisi’s main sights, including the Colchis fountain, Sisters Ishkhnelebi statue, and Mon Plaisir Arch. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the highlights of the city without a long drive, while also indulging in free wine tastings in the city center.
The tour offers a local perspective on Kutaisi’s history and architecture, combined with a casual tasting session in a central spot. Visitors appreciate the easy pace and the opportunity to shop in the local bazaar during the walk.
Ideal for those short on time but eager to combine sightseeing and tasting, this tour suits walkers who want a laid-back experience with a cultural twist.
Bottom Line: Perfect for busy travelers who want a quick, informative city tour with free wine as a bonus.
7. Kutaisi uncorked: Wine Tasting at a local Family Home
This 2-hour experience takes you into a local home to taste authentic Georgian wines. Hosted by passionate locals, this tour focuses on traditional wine-making methods and homemade snacks.
Guests love the warm hospitality and the chance to interact directly with the hosts, who share stories about the significance of wine in Georgian culture. The diverse wine selection includes exquisite regional varieties that you might not find in commercial wineries.
This tour is especially suited for travelers who want an intimate, cultural experience and a chance to sample authentic, homemade wine. It’s a great way to connect with local traditions without leaving the city.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking an authentic, personal introduction to Georgian wine and culture.
8. Kutaisi: Wine Tasting in Family Winery shop
This one-hour tasting at a family-run winery shop offers the closest connection to Georgia’s winemaking heritage. You’ll meet the winemaker in person, learn about traditional qvevri techniques, and taste organically grown grapes.
Guests highlight the friendly atmosphere and the quality of the wine, especially the Saperavi. The owner shares stories about the history and process, giving a personal touch to the tasting. It’s a relaxing experience that emphasizes authentic craftsmanship.
Perfect for travelers who want a quick, informative taste of Georgian wine with local flavor and personal interaction. This is a great introduction if you’re short on time but still want a genuine experience.
Bottom Line: Short but sweet, this experience is perfect for wine lovers who want to meet the maker and learn the story behind each bottle.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Kutaisi
When selecting a wine tour, consider your interests, time, and budget. If you’re after an immersive experience with storytelling and family traditions, the Wine Tour by Winemaker is ideal. Want a mix of natural scenery and caves? The Sataplia Natural Res. & Tetra Cave tour offers that. For a full-day cultural journey, the Kutaisi: Wine & Dine tour combines sightseeing with tasting.
If you prefer short, intimate experiences, the Wine Tasting at a Family Home or the Family Winery shop visit are excellent choices. For those interested in local craftsmanship, the group tours provide insight into Georgia’s wine culture through guided visits and tastings.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time. Consider your fitness level—some tours involve walking or outdoor exploration, while others are comfortably seated.
Final Thoughts
Kutaisi offers a versatile array of wine experiences, from family-run tastings to adventures in caves and city explorations. Whether you’re a passionate oenophile or just curious about Georgia’s famous wines, there’s an option for everyone. The Wine Tour by Winemaker and the Family Winery shop tastings stand out for their authenticity and personal touch, while tours like Kutaisi: Wine Tasting in Family Winery shop are perfect for a quick, meaningful introduction.
No matter your choice, remember to book in advance and enjoy tasting some of the finest wines Georgia has to offer—cheers to your trip!