Top Wineries in Kakheti, Georgia: Where to enjoy the best wine tastings, tours, and lunches

Kakheti, Georgia’s premier wine region, is a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Known for its ancient winemaking traditions, stunning vineyard landscapes, and warm hospitality, Kakheti offers an incredible selection of wineries perfect for tastings, tours, and alfresco lunches. Whether you’re seeking historic estates, underground wine cellars, or intimate family-run experiences, this guide highlights the top wineries in Kakheti that you shouldn’t miss.

I have also included the nearest town to each winery to help you plan your route (read my article Everything you need to know to visit Kakheti: Georgia's premier wine region for an introduction to the region and its main towns).

Shumi Winery (Telavi)

Shumi Winery is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious alfresco lunch paired with exquisite Georgian wines. Nestled among vineyards, the winery offers tastings of its award-winning selections, including traditional qvevri wines. The serene atmosphere and top-notch hospitality make it an unforgettable stop on your Kakheti wine tour.

Lado’s Wine (Signaghi)

For a truly local experience, visit Lado’s Wine, where the sweetest winemaker produces natural Georgian wine in his basement. I know how shady this sounds - but it was legit. He hailed us as we were walking around in Signaghi and we promised to come see him that evening. This hidden gem offers a warm and personal touch - his granddaughter did most of the talking in English and even his wife came to play with baby M. Expect to taste unique, small-batch wines and chacha.

Pheasant’s Tears (Signaghi)

Pheasant’s Tears is renowned for its organic, natural wines and exceptional farm-to-table dining experience. Located in the picturesque town of Sighnaghi, this winery is a favorite among wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. The combination of rustic charm, high-quality amber wines, and delectable Georgian dishes makes it a must-visit - and although we kicked off our wine tour here, it wasn't our favorite by the end. Not only because the wine tastings were a mere sip - I can't stand stingy pours!

Tsinandali Estate (Telavi)

Tsinandali Estate is a historic winery featuring lush gardens, a fascinating wine museum, and tastings of its signature white wine. Once the home of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, this estate combines cultural heritage with outstanding winemaking. A visit here is perfect for those who appreciate both history and fine wine - its definitely an elevated experience. The restaurant was average though - maybe its just what we ordered? - and I felt like I'd eaten better food elsewhere.

Winery Khareba (Telavi)

One of the most unique experiences in Kakheti, Winery Khareba is famous for its massive underground cave cellar, which stretches over 7 kilometers. The cool, dimly lit tunnels create the perfect conditions for aging wines.

PRO TIP: If you’re in Tbilisi and can’t make it to Kakheti, Khareba also has several wine shops in the capital where you can sample and purchase their wines.

Brothers Khutsishvili Wine Cellar (Telavi)

This intimate, family-run winery offers a warm and welcoming experience, with the owners themselves (two brothers, as the name suggests) hosting wine tastings. It’s an excellent spot to learn about traditional Georgian winemaking techniques and sample handcrafted wines made with passion and love. It is also where I tried my hand at the traditional harvest - more about this in a separate post!

Temi Community (Gremi)

The Temi Community in Georgia is a unique and heartwarming initiative in the Kakheti region, located near the village of Gremi. It’s a social project built around the principles of equality, sustainability, and care for vulnerable people, and when I came across it during my research of wineries in the region, I knew I HAD to visit. The community works to empower residents, helping them contribute to their shared livelihood through farming, winemaking, and crafts. Temi operates a biodynamic farm and winery, producing organic wines and fresh produce that support the community’s needs and generate income.

Here, you can enjoy incredible wines, delicious home-cooked meals, and learn about the meaningful work this community does.

Chateau Mosmieri

For those looking for a luxurious wine retreat, Chateau Mosmieri is the perfect place to stay. This stunning chateau offers wine tastings paired with breathtaking vineyard sunsets. The combination of refined ambiance, excellent wines, and picturesque surroundings makes it an ideal destination for wine lovers seeking a truly special experience. We stayed here for two nights and absolutely loved it. The food is delicious, the sommelier is knowledgeable and friendly, and you get a private tasting at your table of some excellent wines.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Kakheti is a paradise for wine enthusiasts, offering a diverse selection of wineries ranging from historic estates to small, family-run cellars. Whether you’re looking for organic wines, historic vineyards, or immersive tasting experiences, Kakheti has something for everyone. Be sure to add these top wineries to your itinerary for an unforgettable journey through Georgia’s wine country.

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