Georgia’s Wine Paradise: 10 Best Things to Do in Kakheti

Top 10 things to do in Kakheti for first-time travelers

1. Discover Sighnaghi, also known as the City of Love

Sighnaghi is one of the most beautiful places in Kakheti and is often referred to as the City of Love. Sitting on a hill overlooking the Alazani Valley, this charming town is surrounded by defensive walls, cobbled streets, and colorful balconies.

If you’re planning a Sighnaghi Kakheti travel itinerary, this small town deserves at least half a day. One of the top things to do in Sighnaghi is to wander around and soak in the atmosphere. 

Don’t miss the panoramic viewpoints along the city wall, where you can see all the way to the Caucasus Mountains on a clear day. You can also visit the Sighnaghi Museum, which showcases traditional Georgian art and local history.

In case you are planning to do some souvenir shopping, you will find a lot of stands. Most of the things are locally sourced or handmade by the residents of Kakheti. During cold months, you will want to get some of the hand-knit goodies! 

When you’re ready to relax, head to Amo Signagi for lunch. The food is delicious, and the terrace offers stunning views over the rooftops and valleys below.

For anyone traveling through the Georgia Caucasus, Sighnaghi is a town you won’t want to miss. After all, it is one of the best villages in Kakheti.

🏨 Looking for a place to stay? These are top-rated hotels in Sighnaghi:

• Kabadoni Boutique Hotel
• Hotel History
• Three Gracia

2. Explore Telavi – Kakheti’s Wine Capital

Telavi is the heart of Kakheti and one of the most authentic Kakheti towns to visit. Telavi is surrounded by vineyards and framed by the Caucasus Mountains in the distance. It feels relaxed and real, less polished than Sighnaghi, but that’s part of the charm.

One of the top things to do in Telavi, Georgia, is to visit the local market. It’s lively, full of fresh produce, churchkhela, homemade spices, and people who love to chat. It gives a true taste of everyday life in this part of the country. 

Just a short walk away is the 900-year-old Giant Plane Tree, a local landmark that towers over the city center. History lovers can visit Batonis Tsikhe, a fortress that once served as the royal palace for the kings of Kakheti.

Telavi is also the perfect base for visiting nearby wineries. Many offer tastings, tours, and traditional Georgian meals in family-run cellars. If you are interested in Georgian wine tourism, Telavi is hard to beat. 

If you’re mapping out the best things to do in Kakheti, Telavi should definitely be high on your list. I have to confess that Telavi was my least favorite destination in Kakheti, but I am still glad we planned a quick stop.

3. Visit the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe

Just a short drive from Sighnaghi, the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe is one of the must-visit monasteries in Kakheti, Georgia. Peaceful, surrounded by tall cypress trees and overlooking the Alazani Valley, this monastery is deeply important in Georgian history.

St. Nino is credited with bringing Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century, and this site is believed to be where she spent her final years. As far as religious sites in Kakheti, Georgia go, Bodbe is easily one of the most meaningful.

Among the top attractions in Kakheti, it stands out not for being dramatic, but for how calm and grounded it feels. Also, there’s a forest path leading down to a small spring that locals believe has healing powers.

4. Tour the Ancient Alaverdi Monastery and Taste Its Monastic Wine

Alaverdi Monastery is one of the oldest and most impressive places to visit in Kakheti. Built in the 6th century and expanded in the 11th, it has stood through centuries of change. The main cathedral is massive, featuring thick stone walls and minimal decorative elements.

What makes Alaverdi even more special is that it’s also a working winery. The monks here have been making wine for over a thousand years, using traditional qvevri (clay vessel) methods. 

Tasting wine in a centuries-old monastery courtyard surrounded by vines? That’s one of the most unique experiences in Kakheti, Georgia, you won’t forget. If you’re wondering what to do in Kakheti, Georgia, beyond the usual wine tastings, this is a great stop.

Among all the places to visit in Kakheti, Alaverdi brings something a little different. It’s quiet, meaningful, and rooted in centuries of tradition.

5. Discover the Peaceful Ruins of Dzveli Shuamta Monastery

If you’re looking to escape the usual tourist route, Dzveli Shuamta Monastery is one of the best hidden monasteries in Kakheti. Tucked away in a quiet forest just outside Telavi, this site feels far from everything. No crowds, no noise, just history and nature.

The complex dates back to the 5th and 7th centuries. It includes three churches, with the oldest built from simple stone blocks. Unlike many restored sites in Georgia, Dzveli Shuamta has been left in its original, crumbling state.

This is the kind of place that rarely makes it into quick itineraries, but it should. For anyone following an off-the-beaten-path Kakheti route, it’s one of those highlights.

6. Stay at a Vineyard and Experience Traditional Georgian Winemaking

One of Georgia’s greatest treasures is its wine. With over 8,000 years of winemaking tradition, Georgia is considered the oldest wine-producing country in the world. No Kakheti travel guide would be complete without Traditional Georgian wine experiences.

What makes wine experiences in Kakheti stand out is the traditional qvevri method. Wine is fermented and stored in large clay vessels buried underground. A technique so unique that it’s been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Kakheti is home to some of the best wineries in Georgia. While there are endless wine tasting experiences, I recommend you spend a night at one of these wineries for a traditional food and wine experience in Kakheti.

I chose to stay at the Mestvireni Winery, a small family-run guest house. Surrounded by vineyards, Mestvireni offers on-site tastings, home-cooked meals, and a full wine getaway.

On top of that, you can stay at your private villa so you don’t need to worry about driving home after the tasting.

7. Stroll Through Tsinandali Palace and Its 19th-Century Gardens

Tsinandali Palace is one of the most elegant historical sites in Kakheti, and it offers a completely different vibe from the region’s monasteries and vineyards. This 19th-century estate once belonged to Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, a poet and an aristocrat.

The house itself has been beautifully preserved and turned into a museum. Inside, you’ll find antique furniture, paintings, a grand piano, and even Chavchavadze’s personal library.

The real highlight, though, might be the gardens. Laid out in the 1800s, they’re shaded, romantic, and full of quiet walking paths. It’s easy to lose track of time as you wander under tall trees and through rose-covered archways.

For anyone wondering what things to see in Kakheti beyond wine and churches, Tsinandali is a great pick. It’s also one of the top places to visit in Kakheti for first-time travelers.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. It is closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is 10 GEL, and you can get a glass of wine for only an extra 2 GEL. 

8. Take a Day Trip to David Gareja Monastery Complex in the Semi-Desert

David Gareja Monastery Complex is an ancient monastery complex carved into the rocks of a semi-desert landscape that feels like nowhere else in the country. Or this world.

David Gareja was founded in the 6th century by one of the thirteen Assyrian monks, and over time, it grew into a large spiritual center. The caves are simple but powerful. Some still hold centuries-old art, while others were once used as living quarters and chapels.

Getting there takes some time since the road is bumpy and remote, but that’s part of the experience. It definitely deserves to be on the list of the best things to do in Kakheti, however, I would recommend doing a David Gareja day trip from Tbilisi.

If you are an adventurous soul, you will love this day trip from Tbilisi that includes David Gareja Monastery and Rainbow Mountains of Georgia, which is the next experience on my Kakheti travel guide.

9. See the Rainbow Mountains of Georgia – A Natural Wonder in Kakheti

Yes, Georgia has its own version of Rainbow Mountains! And they’re hidden away in the hills near David Gareja. This surreal landscape is one of the most unique places to visit in Kakheti, yet most travelers still don’t know it exists.

The hills are streaked with soft layers of red, orange, pink, yellow, and even green. It almost looks painted, but it naturally formed over millions of years by shifting minerals and erosion. 

Getting here is a bit of a journey, often combined with a David Gareja day trip, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. The drive takes you deep into the Kakheti countryside, with wide-open views, dusty roads, and not much around.

If you’re looking for the top things to do in Kakheti beyond wine tasting and monasteries, this is it. The Rainbow Mountains offer an otherworldly side of Georgia that’s perfect for slow travel.

10. Drive the Scenic Gombori Pass – One of Georgia’s Most Beautiful Roads

If you’re heading into Kakheti from Tbilisi, make sure to take the Gombori Pass instead of the main highway. This mountain road is a must if you are exploring highlights of Georgia. 

It takes you through dense forests and rolling hills, with wide views of the Alazani Valley and even the snow-capped Caucasus on clear days. This route is perfect for anyone who loves scenic drives and viewpoints in Kakheti wine country.

The road isn’t too busy, and there are plenty of places to stop for photos or just take in the view. The highest point reaches around 1,600 meters, and if you’re traveling in autumn, the landscape lights up with golden colors.

Adding Gombori Pass to your Kakheti road trip itinerary is a must. It connects you directly to Telavi, so you can pair the drive with visits to vineyards, monasteries, and local markets in the region. This is also one of the best experiences in Kakheti.

Trying to put together your Kakheti itinerary?

If you are planning a Kakheti road trip from Tbilisi, here is a comprehensive Kakheti itinerary that covers the best attractions and top local experiences in Kakheti. I recommend renting a car and spending 3 – 4 days in the region.

🚗 Day 1: Sighnaghi & Bodbe

• Drive from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi (about 2 hours)
• Explore the charming streets of Sighnaghi, known as the City of Love
• Enjoy lunch at the Amo Sighnaghi
• Visit the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe
• Optional: Short walk along the town walls or a small local wine tasting at the Okro’s Wine Restaurant & Cellar

Overnight: Stay in Sighnaghi (Kabadoni Boutique Hotel, Hotel History, Three Gracia) or head directly to your wine hotel for the next 2 nights. I personally would prefer to spend 2 nights at the wine hotel to avoid packing up and traveling with luggage.

Best wineries to stay in Kakheti: Mestvireni Winery, Hotel Qvevrebi, Babaneuris Marani, Vineyard Hotel & Winery, Château Mosmieri Hotel & Winery, Hotel & Wine Cellar ARGE, Chateau Artwine.

🍷 Day 2: Telavi, Tsinandali & Dzveli Shuamta

• Morning drive to Telavi
• Visit the local market or take a walk around Telavi’s quiet center
• Explore the Tsinandali Palace and gardens, home of Georgian poet Chavchavadze
• Later, head to the peaceful ruins of Dzveli Shuamta Monastery, hidden in the forest
• Settle into a vineyard stay for a home-cooked dinner and wine tasting

Overnight: Stay at a winery.

🏛 Day 3: Alaverdi Monastery & Gombori Pass with optional Return to Tbilisi

• Visit the impressive Alaverdi Monastery, one of the oldest in Georgia
• Learn about their monastic winemaking tradition
• Spend the afternoon relaxing at your vineyard
• Late afternoon: Drive over the Gombori Pass, a scenic mountain road with great views

Overnight: Stay in or near Udabno or continue to a simple guesthouse nearby. Keep in mind that the last day is optional and recommended only for the most adventurous travelers. If you only have 3 days in Kakheti, head back to Tbilisi instead.

⛰ Day 4 (optional): David Gareja & Rainbow Mountains – Return to Tbilisi

• Early start for a visit to the David Gareja Monastery Complex
• Hike up to see the hilltop chapels and caves if open, and enjoy the semi-desert views
• On the way back, stop at the Rainbow Mountains of Georgia
• Continue your drive back to Tbilisi (around 2.5 hours total from Gareja)

💡 Overall, I recommend visiting David Gareja & Rainbow Mountains with a professional guide, so a David Gareja day trip from Tbilisi would be the best. I am pretty sure you don’t want to drive your rental to this part of Kakheti unless you are an experienced driver.

FAQ: Planning Your Trip to Kakheti, Georgia

Where to go wine tasting in Kakheti, Georgia?

Popular options include Kvareli Wine Cave, Marani, Shumi Winery, and smaller boutique producers like Mestvireni Winery. Many offer tastings, cellar tours, and traditional meals.

What to see and do in the Kakheti wine region?

While Kakheti is famours for it’s wine, there is more to see in this part of Georgia. Visit ancient monasteries like Alaverdi and Bodbe, explore charming towns like Sighnaghi and Telavi, and take in the views from the Gombori Pass or the Rainbow Mountains.

What are some unique experiences in Kakheti, Georgia?

Spend a night at a working vineyard, take part in a traditional qvevri wine-making workshop, hike through the semi-desert near David Gareja Monastery, or explore off-the-beaten-path ruins like Dzveli Shuamta. 

How to plan a day trip to Kakheti from Tbilisi?

You can drive, hire a private car, or join a small-group tour. Start early to visit Sighnaghi, enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard, and see the Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe. If you want to visit David Gareja or the Rainbow Mountains, plan for a full day.

What are the most beautiful villages in Kakheti, Georgia?

Sighnaghi is the most well-known, often called the “City of Love.” Other charming spots include Tsinandali, known for its palace and gardens, and Napareuli, which is less touristy but surrounded by vineyards and mountain views.

What are the best wineries to visit in the Kakheti wine region?

Top choices include Kvareli Wine Cave, Marani, Shumi Winery, and Tsinandali Estate for well-established producers. For a more intimate experience, look for smaller wineries like Okro’s Wines or the family-owned Mestvireni Winery.

What are the best things to do in Sighnaghi and the Kakheti region?

Walk the old town walls, visit the Bodbe Monastery, and enjoy panoramic views of the Alazani Valley. Pair that with wine tastings and a sunset stroll through the cobbled streets, and you’ve got the perfect day in Sighnaghi.