There is something romantic about the plains of Kakheti, Georgia's wine region, that I can't quite put into words. Much like Tuscany in Italy, Kakheti is a stunning region steeped in history, culture, and countless vineyards and wineries that have perfected the ancient art of winemaking.
Perhaps it's a mix of these elements, or maybe I just had too much wine! Who knows? But one thing's for sure: Kakheti is a place you absolutely shouldn't miss. The region is also home to charming towns like Sighnaghi and Kvareli, which we will be exploring here.
In this guide, I will highlight all of my favorite things to do in Kakheti and provide all the information you need to plan the perfect trip. So, without further ado, here is a complete travel guide to Kakheti:
- Kakheti Things to Do Map
-
9 Best Things to Do in Kakheti
- Eat Shoti Bread in Badiauri
- Visit Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral
- Explore Sighnaghi, the City of Love
- Walk the Sighnaghi Wall
- Have a Feast at Kusika Restaurant
- Go on a Winery Tour at JSC Corporation Kindzmarauli
- Go Wine-tasting at Local's family-run winery
- Visit Telavi
- Witness the Wine Harvest in Fall
- Where to Stay in Kakheti?
- When to Visit Kakheti?
- How to Get to Kakheti?
- How to Get Around Kakheti?
- How Many Days to Spend in Kakheti?
- What to Pack for Kakheti?
- Further Reading for Georgia
Kakheti Things to Do Map
9 Best Things to Do in Kakheti
1. Eat Shoti Bread in Badiauri
As you make your way from Tbilisi to Kakheti, you will pass through a small town called Badiauri. This town is known for its traditional way of making shoti, a type of traditional Georgian bread made of white flour and shaped like a canoe. It makes for a great stop to try some of those for breakfast.
You will find plenty of bread and cheese shops along the main road of Badiauri, but I recommend you check out this bread and cheese shop. The family here was very friendly, and they have a lovely backyard with a small vineyard where they will serve you homemade bread, cheese, and wine. Yes, it's okay to drink wine in the morning when you are in Kakheti 😛.
Georgians have been making bread in traditional ovens called tone for thousands of years. The unique shape of the bread comes from this ancient oven, where long strands of dough are pressed against the inside of a round, well-shaped brick or clay structure.
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You will be able to witness this practice firsthand here before they treat you with an unlimited supply of bread, cheese, and wine. They only charge you 3 GEL per person, which I think is very generous, considering the amount of bread you get.
If you’re on this organized tour, you’ll also stop here for breakfast, so you won’t need to worry about getting there. However, if you're driving or taking a private taxi, be sure to make a stop in Badiauri to check out some of these wonderful bread shops!
2. Visit Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral
One of the most iconic landmarks in Kakheti is Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral, a Georgian Orthodox monastery perched on a cliff just 2 km from Sighnaghi. Built in the 9th century, it has become one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Georgia due to its association with a 4th-century Georgian female evangelist, St. Nino, whose relics are enshrined here.
The monastic complex is quite expansive, consisting of a beautiful 9th-century basilica, a free-standing bell tower in classic Russian architectural style, and a newly built cathedral nestled among tall cypress trees on a steep hillside overlooking the Alazani Valley.
The 9th-century basilica is particularly worth visiting, as many of its old frescoes remain remarkably intact, despite having been covered in paint during the Soviet era as part of a broader campaign to suppress religious practices and promote atheism.
The newly built cathedral is also quite nice, although much of the interior is still a work in progress. However, the view from the balcony overlooking the Alazani Valley is truly spectacular. Be sure to spend some time and explore the monastery grounds.
The cathedral is open from 10 AM to 6:30 PM every day, and entrance is free. It can get extremely crowded on weekends, as many Georgians make the pilgrimage here from Tbilisi. I recommend visiting the cathedral on weekdays, preferably in the morning or late evening, to avoid crowds.
3. Explore Sighnaghi, the City of Love
Sighnaghi is the main tourist town of Kakheti, known as the "City of Love". There are many explanations as to why this city is called the City of Love. For one, the town's cobblestone streets, quaint buildings, and panoramic views of the Alazani Valley remind me of Tuscany in Italy, which is a hell of a romantic place.
Secondly, much like Las Vegas, Sighnaghi has a marriage house that offers wedding services to both Georgians and foreigners. Anyone can get married here at any time. All you need is 2 witnesses and 51 GEL and you are good to go. That said, the marriage is only legally recognized in Georgia and nowhere else.
Last but not least, there are several legends explaining why Sighnaghi is called the "City of Love". One such legend tells of a renowned local artist, Niko Pirosmani, who fell in love at first sight with the French actress Margarita de Sevres while she was touring Tbilisi. He was so inspired by her beauty that he painted her portrait, which became one of his most famous works.
One day, Niko took his affection even further. Knowing that the Parisian lady adored roses, the devoted artist sold all his possessions and purchased every flower in the city with his savings just to present them to her. She was taken aback by his gesture and rewarded him with a kiss.
Of course, there’s a good chance that this legend isn’t based on fact, but you can’t deny the romantic atmosphere this city exudes from every corner. I highly recommend spending at least an hour exploring this beautiful town.
Visit one of the many viewpoints, check out the museums like the National Museum, or find a charming restaurant or café where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine.
4. Walk the Sighnaghi Wall
While exploring Sighnaghi, be sure to take a walk along Sighnaghi Wall, a 4-km medieval structure built in the 18th century to protect the city and provide refuge for people threatened by conquerors and marauders.
The wall runs along a cliffside, encircling Sighnaghi with about 28 towers dotting its length. You can spend some time exploring various sections of it. Access the wall from this trailhead, where you can walk all the way around or exit from here to easily return to Sighnaghi. The wall offers stunning views over the Kakheti plains.
I don’t recommend walking back the same way, as the path is extremely narrow and could create unnecessary traffic jams. However, it’s still a fun experience, and the views from the wall are pretty amazing, so be sure to check out the Sighnaghi Wall while you’re here.
5. Have a Feast at Kusika Restaurant
If you're looking for a nice restaurant to sample the famous Kakheti wine and feast like a local, Kusika Restaurant comes highly recommended. Located in the center of Sighnaghi, right next to the entrance of Sighnaghi Wall, it makes for a perfect lunch stop while you explore the town.
The restaurant is run by a local family and offers a variety of Georgian dishes, including homemade wine and different flavors of Chacha you can sample. This region of Kakheti is particularly renowned for its BBQ and the local version of khachapuri, so be sure to give those a try!
They also offer workshops where you can see how khachapuri is made, which I found quite fascinating. Just don’t call it Georgian pizza in front of the lady who makes it! 😂 The restaurant features several seating areas, both indoors and outdoors, and the view from here is really something. The restaurant is open from 9 AM to 10 PM every day.
I was part of an organized tour, and they arranged a feast for 45 GEL per person, featuring a variety of dishes, wines, and drinks for us to enjoy. It was amazing, and we had a great time toasting and drinking from a horn, just like the locals do. That’s another reason to consider visiting Kakheti with a tour group!
6. Go on a Winery Tour at JSC Corporation Kindzmarauli
Of course, in order to fully understand how important wine is to Kakheti, you gotta visit JSC Corporation Kindzmarauli, one of the largest wine producers in Georgia. Founded in 1533, this winery offers tours where you can learn about their centuries-old winemaking process and how they've perfected it over the years.
The winery tour runs every 30 minutes daily and takes you through both the old and new cellar tunnels, as well as the factory and its conveyor system. During the tour, you'll learn about the history of winemaking in Georgia and how the process has adapted to an industrial scale, while also maintaining its heritage and tradition.
At the end of the tour, you'll be sampling a selection of their finest wines while learning about the differences between each one. I don't drink wine often, but some of the ones we tasted were surprisingly tasty. You can even try wine with ice cream at the café here, which is something I had never encountered before!
The tour was very informative, and I found it surprisingly interesting, especially since I wasn't particularly keen on wine before. If you want to dive deep into the origin of Georgian wine and the winemaking processes, you are going to love the tour at JSC Corporation Kindzmarauli. The winery is open from 9 AM to 6:30 PM every day.
7. Go Wine-tasting at Local's family-run winery
Now that you're acquainted with how big corporations make wine in Georgia, it is time to see how the locals are making them in their homes. In Georgia, if you have a vineyard, it’s customary to offer your guests homemade wine instead of mass-produced varieties.
One place where you can learn more about this is Old Vine, a small family-run restaurant located in Kvareli, not far from JSC Corporation Kindzmarauli, where you can sample their homemade wine, chacha, and brandy that flows straight from a wall.
This local winery has a beautiful garden where you can relax while sampling some of their homemade offerings. They also have several sections of the house where you can see how they make wine at home. It's extremely fascinating to see, especially after touring JSC, as you can compare the differences in scale and production between the two.
You can also buy some of their homemade offerings for souvenirs back home. Their homemade brandy was surprisingly unique. It leaves a fuzzy aftertaste, which is something I have never tasted before. It's definitely a unique experience to have and I highly recommend you check out Old Vine while you are in Kakheti. The place opens from 10 AM to 9 PM every day.
Again, if you are visiting Kakheti with a day trip I recommend, you will be visiting Old Vine, so no need to worry about how to get there. If not, your best bet is to drive or get a local taxi to take you here.
8. Visit Telavi
If you are looking to explore more historic towns in Kakheti, you might want to check out Telavi, the main city of the region with a history that dates all the way back to the Bronze Age. The city was even mentioned by the Greeks in the 2nd Century AD, which goes to show how old this city is.
You can spend a night here and explore all the tourist attractions the city has to offer like King Erekle II Palace and the city's historical museum, or visit places like Alaverdi Monastery, House Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze, and more.
Unfortunately, a visit to Telavi is not part of the organized tour I recommended, so you’ll need to plan this trip separately. If you rent your own car or don’t mind taking public transport, you should have no trouble visiting Telavi for a day.
9. Witness the Wine Harvest in Fall
Last but not least, if you happen to be in Georgia in the fall, you might be lucky to witness Rtveli, a wine harvesting tradition of Georgia that dates all the way back to ancient times. It often revolves around people working in the vineyard during the day and then celebrating in the evening with a feast, folk music, and more.
The event lasts for several days and you can join them via an organized wine harvest tour that will allow you to immerse yourself with a local family during the process. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness it if you can spare a day and don't mind paying around 300 GEL.
Since the exact date of the tour depends on each family, you can find the schedule for this year here, or check out the complete Rtveli guide written by my good friend Emily from Wander-Lush. She lives in Georgia and always keeps the guide updated!
Where to Stay in Kakheti?
The best town to stay in Kakheti is Sighnaghi, the city of love. It is a beautiful historic city with a stunning old town, well-preserved stone houses, and plenty of accommodation to choose from. Here are my suggestions:
When to Visit Kakheti?
The best time to visit Kakheti is during the autumn months between September and October, when the wine harvest is in full swing. The weather in Kakheti can get pretty hot during the summer, but during this period, the temperature should go down a bit, which will help you enjoy the outdoors more.
During late September and early October, you might also get a chance to witness Rtveli, a wine harvesting tradition of Georgia that dates all the way back to ancient times. It often revolves around people working in the vineyard during the day and then celebrating in the evening with a feast, folk music, and more.
The event lasts for several days, and it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness it. For more information, you can check out the complete Rtveli guide written by my good friend Emily from Wander-Lush. She lives in Georgia and always keeps the guide updated!
How to Get to Kakheti?
To get to Kakheti, you will have to first fly into Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia. There are not many flights flying to Tbilisi directly, so you will have to rely on transit flights like Turkish Airlines via Ankara, Qatar Airlines via Doha, or Air Astana via Almaty. You can browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find the cheapest flight from your home country to here.
Once you arrive in Tbilisi, there are several ways you can get to Kakheti depending on your budget, comfort, and what you want to see along the way:
Day Trips: As a solo traveler, this is by far my favorite way to experience Kakheti. It's a fantastic way to visit many of the places I've mentioned while meeting new people along the way. Since Kakheti is all about wine, the more company you have, the more fun it gets, and I had an amazing time sharing drinks with my tour mates!
There are many day trips from Tbilisi to Kakheti each day, but I highly recommend this Kakheti Tour organized by Gamarjoba Georgia Tour. Our guide, Elena, was fantastic, she made sure everyone in the group felt comfortable with one another, which made the experience even more fun.
By Shared Taxi: If you are planning to spend a few nights in Kakheti, you might have to choose where you want to stay first. I highly recommend you stay at Sighnaghi, which is pretty easy to get to by using a shared taxi. The taxis often leave near Isani Metro Station when it is full and it should take about 1.5 - 2 hours and cost 20 - 30 GEL per person.
By Marshrutka Vans: For the budget-conscious traveler, Marshrutka Vans offers the cheapest option to get to Sighnaghi. These local minibusses are affordable, though not the most comfortable, as none of them have AC, and Georgian summer can be pretty brutal. They depart daily near Samgori Metro Station between 9 AM and 6 PM, with the journey taking around 2 to 3 hours and costing 10 GEL.
By Private Taxi: For the most convenient option, you can also book a private transfer straight from Tbilisi Airport to Sighnaghi. It should take about 1.5 hours, costs 225 GEL per car, and you can book in advance here.
By Car: You can also rent a car from Tbilisi airport and drive to Kakheti. The road is in great condition the whole way, so you should have no trouble driving yourself.
How to Get Around Kakheti?
Since Kakheti is a pretty big region and most tourist attractions are scattered around, getting around can be a bit challenging. You can walk to most attractions within Sighnaghi, but for places further away, you are going to need to do a bit of planning.
By Day Trip: As I mentioned earlier, one of the best ways to get around Kakheti is with an organized day trip from Tbilisi. The tour will allow you to visit all the attractions I listed here except Telavi without having to worry about the logistics of it all. You will also be traveling with other people which is perfect for solo travelers. I had a great time going with this tour, so I highly recommend you book it in advance!
By Private Taxi: If you are staying overnight in Sighnaghi and want to go around Kakheti without renting a car, you should be able to organize a car with a driver via your accommodation. It should cost about 150 - 180 GEL per car for a full-day trip around Kakheti.
By Car: If you want flexibility, you can rent a car from Tbilisi and drive around Kakheti. The road is in great condition most of the way, so you should be fine.
How Many Days to Spend in Kakheti?
In my opinion, taking a day trip from Tbilisi is enough for most people. However, if you have extra time and your own vehicle, consider spending 2 nights in Sighnaghi and 1 night in Telavi to better explore the region more thoroughly. Here's a suggested multi-day itinerary for Kakheti:
- Day 1: Drive to Sighnaghi, visit Badiauri, and explore along the way.
- Day 2: Explore Sighnaghi and relax.
- Day 3: Drive to Kvareli, explore along the way, and spend the night in Telvai.
What to Pack for Kakheti?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Kakheti, Georgia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Kakheti, Georgia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Georgia
I hope you found this Georgia travel guide useful. If you are looking for something to read to help with your Georgia trip planning even further, be sure to check out the articles below:
- For a complete itinerary to Georgia, check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Georgia Itinerary.
- Tbilisi is definitely one of my favorite cities in the Caucasus with its vibrancy and liveliness that rival no one. If you are planning a trip here, be sure to check out our guide: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Tbilisi.
- Nestled between the rolling mountains of the Greater Caucasus Range, Kazbegi is hands down one of the best places to visit in Georgia. From the photogenic Gergeti Trinity Church to all the awesome hikes you can do, here is A Complete Travel Guide to Kazbegi.
- One of the best day trips you can make in Kazbegi is to visit Juta Valley and go hiking around one of the many hiking trails here. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Juta Valley.
- An alternative day trip you can make in Kazbegi is to spend a day hiking in Truso Valley, where stunning nature meets incredible history. To help you plan the ultimate trip, here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Truso Valley.
- As one of the oldest cities in Georgia, with a history spanning 3,000 years, Kutaisi has a ton of things for you to see and do. If you're planning a visit, be sure to check out our 10 best things to do in Kutaisi.
- Svaneti is one of the most beautiful regions in Georgia. It is home to not just beautiful mountains, but also the Svans with their rich history, and unique culture. If you want to visit Svaneti, this is the travel guide for you: A Complete Travel Guide to Svaneti
- One of the best hikes you can do in Svaneti is the Koruldi Lakse hike. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Koruldi Lakes
- For a complete list of things to do in Mestia, check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Mestia
- Ushguli is one of the highest inhabited settlements in Europe, and it is a must-visit if you are exploring Svaneti. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Ushguli
- Batumi is more than just the Dubai of the Black Sea; it has a rich history, delicious cuisine, and plenty of things to do. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Batumi.
- Wondering where to go after Georgia? Why not drop by Armenia or Azerbaijan afterward?
- For all articles about Georgia, visit our Georgia Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to the Caucasus Region? Check out all my articles about the region here: The Caucasus Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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