What to Do in Kakheti, Georgia (for First-Timers)

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Hidden Gems | Sites & Attractions | Food & Drink | Seasonal

I’m a travel expert who’s visited this region of Georgia several times and in this guide, I share some of my favorite things to do in Kakheti.

Kakheti features premier wine country and exploring various tasting rooms is one of the best things to do in Georgia. There are also many cozy towns, medieval monasteries, and fantastic landscapes awaiting visitors here.

Continue reading to learn about these attractions and several hidden gems throughout Kakheti!

19 Best Things to Do in Kakheti

Drink Kakhetian Wine

Sample the best vintages of a nation famous for its wines.

Glasses and Pet-nat wines from Kakheti on a table — *Tasting my friend’s 100% organic pet-nat wines from Kakheti*

👉 Browse Eat This! Food and Wine Tours

Wine is a foundational element of Georgian culture. Grapes grow everywhere in Georgia, except the highest mountain regions. Kakheti has the best growing conditions, so it produces the most. Wine tours in Kakheti take you to the local wineries and give you a taste of their top vintages.

There are a wide variety of places to sample Georgian wine in Kakheti. These include historical wine chateaus like Tsinandali Estate (where you can even book an overnight stay).

Tsinandali is famous for being the first place in Georgia to adopt the “European method” of aging wine in oak barrels. The estate’s wine cellar preserves several fine wines and is one of the most popular places for a wine-tasting tour.

There are also small specialty wineries like Pheasant’s Tears and many family-run establishments throughout the region.

🍇 Local Tip: Fermentation in qvevri is Georgia’s traditional method for making wine. These large, underground clay vessels affect the flavor less than oak. It allows for the wine’s own unique flavors to develop, according to Georgian winemakers.

Telavi

Telavi is a tiny town with a ton of character and a great place to indulge in Georgian wine, history, and architecture.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Telavi Tour on Viator

Telavi is the administrative capital of the Kakheti region. It’s one of the best day trips from Tbilisi and a great hub for exploring the area. The town is small but has some must-see sites worth including on your Georgia itinerary.

Batonis Tsikhe was formerly the home of the Kakhetian kings. Now, it houses a historical museum and the remnants of royal residence buildings. There is also the Giant Plane Tree, estimated to be over 900 years old!

The Telavi Bazaar is the best place for local produce and assorted goods. Kakheti’s fertile soil is good for growing much more than grapes! Nadikvari Park is the perfect place for a walk while visiting Telavi.

Alaverdi Monastery

Alaverdi Monastery is famous for its towering medieval cathedral, as well as its award-winning wines.

View of the Alaverdi Cathedral near a river with mountain views in the background — *Standing at 180’ tall, Alaverdi Cathedral is the second-tallest religious building in Georgia, surpassed only by Tbilisi’s* ***Holy Trinity Cathedral***

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily | 👉 Tour Alaverdi Monastery & More

It’s easy to see why the Alaverdi Monastery is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gigantic Alaverdi Cathedral seems even more massive on the inside. Faded frescoes on the walls add to the atmosphere of hushed reverence created by the lofty architecture. Only a few monks live here now, continuing the traditions of their ancestors.

Wine-making is one of those traditions. The monastery’s abbot (also the local bishop) revived the tradition in 2006 and the monastery’s wine has gone on to win international awards.

There is a dress code here for visitors. Men are required to wear long sleeves and full-length pants. Women are asked to wear long skirts and have their arms and heads covered.

Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi sits snugly perched above the Alazani Valley, serving as a perfect place to begin exploring Kakheti.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Suggested Sighnaghi Tour on Viator

Sighnaghi is the crown jewel of Kakheti. This tiny town features cobbled streets and pastel-colored houses as well as stunning views of the surrounding Alazani Valley. There are several wineries (such as Pheasant’s Tears) here, offering the best of the best from Georgia’s premier wine region.

There are other noteworthy attractions, too. The city walls are a perfect place for a walk. There’s also the tranquil Bodbe Convent just outside town. Sighnaghi is an easy day trip from Tbilisi but, if you ask me, it’s best enjoyed on a longer Kakheti itinerary. There are several awesome and affordable places to stay in this cozy corner of Georgia.

Getting here isn’t too hard. Minibuses (marshrutkas) depart from Navtlugi Station near the Samgori metro station in Tbilisi. You can also travel via a shared taxi that departs from near the Isani metro station.

Kakheti Hidden Gems

Visit a Family Marani

Wander off the beaten path a little and find yourself in the best of company!

A dog near the entrance arch in a family marani — *Come in! Come in! What are you waiting for?*

A smaller marani (the Georgian word for “wine cellar”) is the place to go if, like me, you know nothing of wine criticism. Forget giving detailed analyses of flavor profiles. Sit back, get to know people, and enjoy a good homemade glass of wine (or several — this is Georgia, after all).

Every family makes their own wine, even if they don’t sell it commercially. Sometimes, that’s the best stuff! You can also find home-cooked meals in some smaller venues. Be sure to come hungry, though.

Some wine tours stop by these places. You may also find yourself invited to one or two as you start making local friends.

Kvareli

Relax by the lakeside at the birthplace of the “Uncrowned King of Georgia.”

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Full-Day Kakheti Tour, with Kvareli Wine Tasting

The small village of Kvareli is the birthplace of one of the greatest figures in recent Georgian history: Ilia Chavchavadze. He’s known as the “Uncrowned King of Georgia” and was a major leader of the Georgian cultural renaissance in the late 1800s. You’ll see him depicted on the 20 lari bill.

Kvareli isn’t on most foreign tourists’ radar, and that’s one of the best things about it! This is the perfect place to unwind for a while and avoid the crowds. You may find a little more foot traffic around the famous Khareba Winery. This winery produces excellent wines and is known for its underground wine cave (also sometimes called the “wine tunnel”).

Vashlovani Nature Reserve

Rugged rock formations and shrublands make Georgia’s southeastern corner feel a little like the American Southwest.

Georgia’s nature is remarkably diverse. Few places show that quite so well as Vashlovani Nature Reserve. The semi-desert environment is quite distinct from the lush landscapes elsewhere in Georgia. Along with Lagodekhi National Park, this is a great place for day hikes or even overnight expeditions.

The closest settlement to Vashlovani is the village of Dedoplistskaro. This hamlet is a worthwhile stop in its own right. It has some interesting Soviet-era statues and cozy, affordable guesthouses to stay the night in.

Kakheti Sites & Attractions

Bodbe Monastery

This picturesque convent outside Sighnaghi serves as the final resting place of one of Georgia’s most revered saints.

View of the newly constructed church at Bodbe — *The new church at Bodbe*

View of the blooming flowers at the garden of Bodbe Monastery — *The monastery gardens have beautiful flowers and breathtaking views*

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm daily | Entrance: free | 👉 Tour Bodbe & Sighnaghi

There are many monasteries in the Kakheti region, but Bodbe Monastery is one of the most sacred places for the Georgian Orthodox Church. St. Nino, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia in the early 4th century is buried in the older church.

A newer church now stands on the grounds, offering a fine example of Georgia’s unique ecclesiastical architecture. The monastery also has a beautiful garden overlooking the Alazani Valley. A small shop on the monastery grounds sells products made by the nuns, including religious items.

Lagodekhi National Park

Forested hills and scenic alpine lakes make this an ideal place for hiking and camping.

Picturesque panoramic view of a woman admiring the Black Rock Lake at sunrise — *Black Rock Lake lies deep within the Lagodekhi National Park, accessible via a 3-day hike*

There is more to do in Kakheti than drink wine and visit monasteries! Lagodekhi National Park sits in the northeastern corner of the Kakheti region and is famous for its lush forests and abundant wildlife. Lagodekhi is considered by many to be one of the best places in Georgia for hiking and camping.

There are several waterfalls winding their way down from the hills here. Black Rock Lake is one of the most photographed locations in the park. It takes about three days of hiking to get there, but the views and the serenity are worth it!

There is a portion of the park, though, that is off-limits to visitors, being a protected nature reserve. You won’t have a problem with accidentally crossing over into it as long as you stay on the designated paths.

👉 Local Tip: Many of the lesser-known places in Kakheti are a bit harder to get to. Telavi and Sighnaghi are good hubs for regional marshrutkas. Alternatively, ask your guesthouse or hotel about hiring a private car and driver.

Nekresi Monastery

This medieval monastery sits atop a narrow ridge, housing frescoes and a long history.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Wed; 10 am – 6 pm Thurs; 10 am – 5 pm Fri; 3 – 5:30 pm Sat; 9 am – 4: 30 pm Sun | Entrance: free

Nekresi Monastery is one of the oldest monastic sites in Georgia, founded in the 6th century. Most of the currently standing buildings date from later periods. The “new” ones, though, are at least several centuries old in true Georgian fashion. The Church of the Dormition here preserves 16th-century frescoes of the Kakhetian royal family.

The monastery sits atop a steep hill and has great views of the surrounding area. There are also ruins of an ancient Zoroastrian temple just south of the monastery.

Ujarma Fortress

Walk amidst the remnants of a fortress that once served as the second capital of medieval Georgia.

View of the greenery from the Ujarma Fortress — *and a view from within the Citadel*

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: ₾ 10 adults, free for children 5 and under | 👉 Ujarma Fortress Tour from Tbilisi

Ujarma Fortress is now mostly ruins but once served as the second capital of one of Eastern Georgia’s early kingdoms. The site consists of the Upper Fortress or Citadel, as well as the Lower Fortress. Many of the surviving structures here date from the 4th century.

The fortress occupied an important position on trade routes, guarding the Gombori Pass between the Kartli and Kakheti regions of Georgia. Today, the pass has less strategic value but is the fastest way to get from Tbilisi to Telavi (and is quite scenic). Stop to buy honey from the roadside vendors here if you have a chance.

Ikalto Monastery

Follow in the footsteps of Georgia’s Shakespeare at this tranquil monastery with a rich academic heritage.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +995 571 30 61 20 | Hours: generally open during daytime | Entrance: free

⚠️ Closure Note: This attraction is temporarily closed for repairs and restoration work.

Ikalto Monastery once had a flourishing academy within its walls. Students studied all the known sciences of the time, along with literature, languages, and much more. It is also the place where Shota Rustaveli studied. He’s the author of the national epic The Knight in the Panther’s Skin.

The Ikalto Academy ceased operation after a brutal Persian invasion in 1616. A small brotherhood of monks now resides in Ikalto, reviving at least a little of the traditions that made the monastery famous.

Kakheti Food & Drink

Attend a Kakhetian Supra

Good food + good wine + good company = the Georgian recipe for success!

A table covered with foods and wine for a Kakhetian Supra — *You’re not supposed to be able to see the table for all the food*

A plate of Mtsvadi — *Mtsvadi (roast pork) is a local speciality!*

👉 Book a Kakhetian Supra on Viator

I wrote an entire post explaining why every traveler in Georgia should experience a supra.

The context of a celebratory meal is one of the best ways to enjoy local wines. For Georgians, the fancy wine degustation process that we know in the West (just sampling, maybe with a few gourmet hors d’oeuvres, etc) is odd. Wine is best as part of a hearty, festive meal with heartfelt toasts at every turn.

Private tours are a good way to attend your first supra. Making new friendships is easy in Georgia, though. You’ll likely find yourself invited to supras, or at least a more informal meal, which will always include great food, wine, and toasts.

Pheasant’s Tears Winery

This private winery offers the best organic wines in Sighnaghi, as well as delicious entrees.

View of the disused qvevri — *Disused qvevri serve as decorations outside the tasting room*

Two glasses of amber wines on an outdoor table — *Amber wines are a favorite among Georgian vintners*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +995 598 72 28 48 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 11 pm daily | 👉 7-Day Culinary Tour ft. Pheasant’s Tears Winery

This winery in Sighnaghi deserves a special mention. Pheasant’s Tears Winery focuses exclusively on producing qvevri wine and following traditional Georgian practices. An on-site restaurant also makes some delicious food to pair with the wines. Some gourmet tours stop by here, but you can also visit it on your own time.

The unusual name comes from a Georgian folk tale. The hero of the tale claims that a truly great wine has the power to make a pheasant weep tears of joy. There are no feathered patrons on hand to test the theory, but I was quite impressed when I visited.

Try Churchkhela

Sink your teeth into one of Georgia’s favorite traditional snacks, known colloquially as the “Georgian Snickers.”

Churchkhela on display at a mall — *Churchkhela are a local favorite and you can find them just about everywhere*

👉 Book Kakheti Food Tour (Churchkhela Masterclass Optional)

Georgian food is famous for its hearty meat and cheese-based dishes, but it also has some lighter fare. Churchkhela is a favorite snack food, made from walnuts dipped in a mix of grape must and flour. You will see these sweets dangling from many roadside vendors’ shops throughout the country. Kakheti, though, claims to have invented this classic Georgian snack.

Try Georgian Craft Beer

Sip unique local brews across the region when you need a break from wine.

A glass of Georgian craft beer at an outdoor table — *Bit by bit, craft beer is gaining popularity in Georgia*

Hours: varies by location

Wine tasting isn’t the only local libation available in Kakheti. Craft beer has been growing slowly in the country and Kakheti has a few excellent breweries. Alkhanaidze in Telavi and Lost Ridge Inn in Sighnaghi are great places to stop for a brew if you’re thirsty for something besides wine.

Alakhanaidze has also been slowly branching out to Tbilisi. You can find its beer and more at its restaurant in the Saburtalo neighborhood, one of the best places to stay in Tbilisi.

Seasonal Things to Do

Tusheti

Ascend to a remote mountain region that feels more like a fairy tale than the waking world.

Panoramic view of the village of Omalo on the lush hills — *The village of Omalo feels like something out of legend!*

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Tusheti Tour

Tusheti is its own region, occupying a lofty place deep within the Caucasus Mountains. Kakheti, however, is the gateway to this alpine paradise. You should, by all means, visit this place. Georgians speak of it with special admiration and one visit will show you why!

The region is only accessible during the summer months when the heavy snow has melted. I strongly recommend that you don’t take your own car there if you booked a car rental in Tbilisi. The mountain road is notoriously tricky, so it’s best to let locals who know it well do the driving. A private tour is the best way to do this.

Rtveli Wine Harvest

Georgia’s main wine region springs to life in the early autumn months as the grape harvest begins.

A man harvesting qvevri wine — *Preparing the contents of a new batch of qvevri wine for fermentation*

👉 Book a Wine Harvest Tour

What better way to deepen your wine-tasting experience than by seeing how it all starts? This wine region may seem sleepy in other parts of the year. But it comes to life in September and early October, one of the best times to visit Georgia. Some wineries may be too busy to host events. But special tours allow you to see the harvest first-hand.

You may even be able to participate in the process by picking grapes and helping in other ways. I got first-hand experience helping my friends with their start-up winery and had a blast (keep an eye out for Satrfo Wines when you’re in Tbilisi!). We worked until the wee hours but, thankfully, no tour will require you to do so.

David Gareji Monastery Complex

Medieval cave monasteries and colorful rock formations make this site one of the highlights of any trip to Kakheti.

View of the old monastic cells and natural caves at Davit Gareji — *Old monastic cells carved out of the cliff and natural caves at Davit Gareji*

📍 Google Maps | Hours: no official hours, usually open in daylight hours | Entrance: free | 👉 Book Suggested Davit Gareji Tour on Viator

No Kakheti itinerary would be complete without a tour of David Gareji. This remote locale was a veritable city in the Middle Ages, with 20 different monasteries and thousands of monks. Today, only three monasteries remain inhabited by monks.

You can visit the Rainbow Hills here, too, famous for their vivid layers of sedimentary rock. Though, I recommend visiting outside the summer months. Summer sees the highest temperatures, sometimes upwards of 100°F!

👉 Local Tip: The Caucasus has seen many conflicts and shifting borders over the centuries. The dispute with Azerbaijan, thankfully, remains one of the least heated. Georgian border guards are posted to keep visitors from accidentally straying across the border.

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Thanks for reading my list of the best things to do in Kakheti! Check out Nate’s guide to Svaneti for adventures in a very different, but equally awesome corner of the country.

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