Adventure in Kakheti: Bodbe, Sighnaghi, and Wine Tasting - Private Tour

Did you know that wine is an integral part of our lives as Georgians? This tour offers an invaluable opportunity for those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of how Georgia has come to be regarded as the cradle of wine.

We will pick you up from your hotel or apartment at 9am which is when your journey begins. Our first stop is KTW factory. At this stop, we have a tour with wine tasting where we get to try different types of Georgian wines. After that, we stop at the local village where you have a unique opportunity to visit the local bakery to taste traditional Georgian cheese and bread also known as shoti. After that, we explore highlights of Kakheti like Sighnaghi - the City of Love and Bodbe nunnery with its fascinating views.

Of course, we finish this tour with more wine by visiting two of the most famous wineries in Georgia – Khareba and Kindzmarauli where you not only taste Georgian wines but you have a tour inside the wineries where you get to hear more about Georgian wine and its traditions.

Bodbe Nunnery

Bodbe Nunnery, dedicated to Saint Nino is located at Bodbe, 2 km from the town of Sighnaghi, Kakheti. St. Nino is a very important saint for Georgians, since she was the one who spread Christianity in the country in the 5th century. The last years of her life, she spent in Bodbe, that’s why Georgians buried St. Nino in this monastic complex. Nowadays, a lot of people come to see her tomb, as this place is very miraculous. You will see many people coming out from there with tears and hear many stories explaining how their wishes came true. This place keeps many secrets and stories. You will feel it when you enter the beautiful garden which overlooks to the Alazani Valley. The nuns who live there, are taking care of it and they try to keep it as beautiful and green as it was during the life of St. Nino.

Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi is a small town in the east of Georgia situated on the mountainside in the historical region of Kakheti. It was founded in the 17th century during the reign of King Erekle II of Georgia, and as locals say, it is the only city in Georgia to have a fully preserved with fortification wall, which is one of the largest in the world. The great wall is crowned with 27 watchtowers and 6 gates where travelers can climb to get the magnificent view of the Alazani valley. New life of Sighnaghi started in 2007 when it changed into a European town. Its architecture with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful balconies will not leave you indifferent. The town has two central squares with a wedding house, where couples can marry at anytime of the day. Thus, Sighnaghi is called the city of love. You will find many cosy places, hotels and hostels to your taste, street cafes and restaurants, where you can try the home-made Kakhetian wines: Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, Rkaciteli, Mtsvane… The list goes on.

Khareba Winery

Of course we continue our tour with more wine. We visit The unique wine cellar Khareba Winery built on the edge of Alazani Valley. The wine cellar is carved into the Caucasus rock massif and the total length of the Wine Tunnel is 7.7 km, which consists of two main and 13 connecting tunnels. In one of the main two tunnels we can see the bottled wine cellar, where "Winery Khareba" holds up to 26,000 bottles of the best quality wine. The oldest collectible wine is 17 years old. In this winery you have an opportunity to try some local wines as well.

Corporation Kindzmarauli

The history of Corporation Kindzmarauli dates back to 1533. According to the degree of King Levan Didi of Kakheti, the wine marani (cellar) was erected in conjunction with other royal buildings. This wine cellar produced wine and molasses (badagi) exclusively for the royal families for much of its history. Since the 70s, the vineyards have been passed through several owners, and changed into Joint Stock Company status. Corporation Kindzmarauli provides 600,000 bottles of wine per year. They export to 10 countries and have cognac spirits from 3 to 23 years of aging. You will be invited to try the white and red wine, and will be told detailed information from a professional local wine expert about wine and the history of the winery. Corporation Kindzmarauli feels strongly that when tasting their wine, the consumer should be able to feel, taste, and smell the unique features of the place in which the vines were cultivated, to get acquainted with traditions and history that are connected with the vineyards.