Wine & Dine group tour from Kutaisi

Exploring Georgian Winemaking in an Intimate Setting

Our review of the Wine & Dine group tour from Kutaisi offers a chance to get a genuine taste of Georgia’s beloved wine culture. This experience takes you to the family-owned Baias Winery in Bagdati, run by the passionate sisters Baia and Gvatsa Abuladze. It’s a chance to see the traditional side of Georgian wine making, taste some pretty impressive wines, and enjoy a hearty homemade Georgian lunch.

What really stands out are two things: the warmth of the hosts and the quality of the wine. Baia’s passion for her craft is infectious, and her winery’s small size makes the experience feel personal and unpretentious. Plus, the food is straight from grandma’s kitchen — expect delicious Imereian dishes that will leave your taste buds happy.

One possible drawback is the timing — the tour lasts about four hours, which might feel a bit rushed if you’re looking for a slow, leisurely experience. Also, while the group size is usually small, some travelers might prefer even fewer people for a more private look at the winery. But overall, the experience offers a well-balanced mix of tours, tastings, and food, making it an excellent value for those interested in authentic Georgian wine and culture.

Key points / Takeaways:
– Authentic family-run winery with passionate owners
– Tastings of six different wines including Chacha and local varietals
– Traditional Georgian lunch with homemade dishes
– Short, guided vineyard tour behind the house
– Convenient group tour departing from Kutaisi with transportation included
– Suitable for travelers seeking culture and authentic food and drink

An Authentic Georgian Wine Experience Near Kutaisi

If you’re visiting Kutaisi and eager to experience Georgia’s famous wine culture firsthand, this group tour to Baia’s winery offers a delightful glimpse into small-scale, traditional winemaking. It’s not a commercial winery tour, but a chance to meet the artisans behind the wine — the sisters Baia and Gvatsa — and taste their handcrafted creations.

The tour starts at 13:00 from the central square of Kutaisi, making it easy to join without disrupting your city plans. The drive to Bagdati takes around 50 minutes, offering a chance to enjoy Georgian countryside scenery along the way. Once there, the experience kicks off with a brief guided walk in Baia’s vineyard, which sits just behind their house. This simple act of walking among the vines provides a real sense of connection, and Baia or Gvatsa often share stories about their grape varieties and traditions.

Visiting the Family Winery in Bagdati

The core of the experience is a guided tour of the winery itself, which takes about 10 minutes. Baia or Gvatsa will show you their wine cellar, where they produce several local grape varieties such as Tsolikouri, Krakhuna, Aladasturi, Ojaleshi, and Otskhanuri Sapere. These are traditional Georgian grapes that produce distinctive, flavorful wines, often with a slightly cloudy, unfiltered look that reflects their natural origins.

You’ll then move on to the wine tasting session, which lasts around 30 minutes. Here, the hosts showcase several wines, including Chacha, Georgia’s famous grape brandy, which is quite potent but flavorful. The tasting is unpretentious, with hosts eager to share their passion and answer questions. Expect to sample three types of wine along with the Chacha, making it a relaxed and informative session.

A Georgian Lunch That Feels Like Home

After tasting, the group gathers around a large table laden with homemade Georgian dishes prepared by Baia’s mother. The lunch is the highlight for many — it’s hearty, authentic, and full of flavors you won’t find in tourist spots. Think Imereian (a traditional Georgian stew), fresh bread, local cheeses, and various vegetable dishes. Several reviews mention that the food is “the most delicious Imereian food” they’ve tried, emphasizing the genuine homemade quality.

The entire meal lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy the warm hospitality. This part of the tour underscores Georgia’s reputation for generous hospitality and delicious food.

Returning to Kutaisi and Final Thoughts

After the meal, the group boards the van for the return trip, which takes approximately 50 minutes. The tour wraps up around 17:00, leaving you with a memorable afternoon of authentic wine tasting, cultural insights, and tasty food.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want more than just a quick wine tasting. If you’re curious about Georgia’s wine traditions, enjoy local, homemade food, and appreciate small-scale, family-run businesses, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially appealing if you like guided tours with personal stories and the chance to ask questions directly to producers.

It’s also suitable for those with limited time — four hours is just enough to get a taste of Georgian hospitality without disrupting your main itinerary. And if you’re traveling with a group or family, the social aspect adds to the fun.

Price and Logistics

At a reasonable price, this tour offers excellent value. The cost includes the guided winery visit, multiple tastings, and a filling Georgian lunch — all in a small-group setting that fosters a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Transportation from Kutaisi is arranged, meaning you don’t have to worry about navigating or planning logistics.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and conducted in English, which helps ensure it’s accessible for most travelers. Flexible cancellation policies (up to 24 hours in advance) add peace of mind, especially if your plans change unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts

This Wine & Dine group tour from Kutaisi provides an authentic peek into Georgia’s wine-making culture, driven by passionate local hosts. It’s a genuine experience — not commercialized or over-touristed — with the opportunity to taste traditional wines and enjoy homemade Georgian food. The warm hospitality of Baia and her family, combined with the delicious wines and hearty dishes, makes this a memorable highlight for anyone eager to connect with Georgian culture.

While it’s not a luxury experience, the value lies in the authenticity and personal touch. If you’re after a relaxed, friendly, and delicious way to explore Georgia’s wine heritage, this tour is a fine choice.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately four hours, starting at 13:00 and returning by around 17:00, including transportation, visits, tastings, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guided winery tour, tasting of three wines plus Chacha, and a homemade Georgian lunch with traditional dishes.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The tour is conducted in English, and guides are available to answer questions. The accessibility is noted as wheelchair friendly.

How do I get to the starting point?
The tour starts from the Budget Georgia office in Kutaisi, with transportation provided to and from Baia’s winery in Bagdati.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your plans.

Is the winery visit family-friendly?
Yes, the small-group and relaxed environment make it suitable for families, especially those interested in cultural and culinary experiences.

What if I want a more private experience?
This particular tour is a group experience, but you might find similar private options or custom tours with local providers if you prefer more exclusivity.

In sum, if you’re after a genuine taste of Georgian wine, friendly hosts, and a hearty traditional meal, this tour offers a charming, memorable afternoon. It’s a slice of local life, beautifully served with wine, food, and hospitality.