Step back in time and explore Georgia’s rich winemaking legacy in a captivating 200-year-old underground cellar in the heart of Tbilisi’s historic old town. Soak up the atmospheric ambiance of towering stone arches, flickering candlelight, and the cool, damp air as you savor a carefully curated selection of Georgian wines and the fiery yet smooth chacha spirit. With personalized attention from your guide, you’ll gain insights into the traditional production methods and unique terroir that shape these exceptional vintages. But the real question is – are you ready to embark on a truly memorable and educational tasting experience?
Key Points
- Explore a 200-year-old underground wine cellar in the heart of Tbilisi’s old town, providing a unique and immersive tasting experience.
- Sample a selection of 7 different Georgian wines, showcasing the diverse terroir and grape varietals of the country.
- Indulge in a traditional Georgian cheese board pairing and taste the fiery yet smooth chacha, a Georgian vodka-like spirit.
- Gain insights into the winemaking techniques and history of Georgia, a country with a long legacy of wine production.
- Enjoy personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide to tailor the experience to your individual interests and questions.
Location and Accessibility
The private wine tasting experience takes place in an underground, 200-year-old wine cellar located at 19 Vertskhli Street in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Guests are met at the cellar’s entrance by a guide who leads them down into the historical space.
The cellar’s location in the heart of Tbilisi’s old town makes it easily accessible for visitors.
The underground setting provides a unique and atmospheric environment for exploring the region’s renowned wines and liquors.
With personalized attention from the guide, guests can enjoy the rich winemaking traditions of Georgia while surrounded by the ancient walls of the carefully preserved cellar.
Exploring the 200-Year-Old Cellar
Visitors step down into the 200-year-old cellar, its ancient stone walls and vaulted ceilings instantly transporting them back in time. The cool, damp air and the soft lighting create an intimate, atmospheric ambiance as the guide begins to share the history and traditions of Georgian winemaking within this meticulously preserved historic space.
| Sights | Sounds |
|---|---|
| Towering stone arches | Creaking wooden beams |
| Dusty wine barrels | Hushed whispers |
| Flickering candlelight | Clinking glassware |
The cellar’s timeless allure sparks the imagination, allowing guests to truly enjoy Georgia’s remarkable winemaking legacy as they sip on the carefully curated selection of vintages.
Georgian Wines and Liquor Tasting
During the private wine tasting, guests explore an array of Georgian wines and the distinctive Georgian liquor, chacha, each sip unveiling the depth and complexity of the country’s acclaimed winemaking traditions.
The tasting includes:
- A selection of 7 different Georgian wines, ranging from light and crisp to bold and full-bodied, showcasing the diverse terroir and grape varietals that thrive in the region.
- A sampling of the fiery yet smooth Georgian vodka-like spirit, chacha, distilled from grape pomace and offering a unique flavor profile that complements the wines.
- A traditional Georgian cheese board, featuring locally sourced artisanal cheeses that perfectly pair with the wines and chacha, creating a harmonious gastronomic experience.
Personalized Attention and Learning
With personalized attention, guests delve deeper into the winemaking traditions and history of Georgia. The knowledgeable guides share insights, answering questions and tailoring the experience to individual interests. Visitors learn about the unique terroir, grape varietals, and production methods that imbue Georgian wines with their distinctive character.
| Winemaking Insights | Grape Varietals | Production Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Fermentation techniques | Saperavi | Qvevri clay vessels |
| Aging in Qvevri vessels | Rkatsiteli | Traditional pressing |
| Importance of terroir | Mtsvane | Extended maceration |
| Winemaking history | Khikhvi | Natural fermentation |
| Preservation of tradition | Kisi | Minimal intervention |
Cheese Board and Culinary Delights
A delectable Georgian cheese board accompanies the wine tasting, showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage. Curated selections of creamy, tangy, and aged cheeses pair exquisitely with the robust flavors of the wines, providing a harmonious gustatory experience.
Guests can look forward to:
- Savoring the tantalizing combination of a tangy, semi-soft Sulguni cheese and the velvety, full-bodied red wine.
- Indulging in the creamy, earthy notes of a Guda cheese, perfectly complemented by the crisp, aromatic white wine.
- Exploring the depth and complexity of an aged, hard cheese that brings out the nuanced flavors of the smooth, oaky chacha.
This artisanal cheese board elevates the wine tasting into a true gastronomic delight.
Availability and Scheduling
Visitors can experience the private wine tasting in the historical Tbilisi wine cellar on a daily basis, with the tour available from 12:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Guests are advised to confirm the start time with the local provider in advance to ensure availability. The wine cellar is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy the tasting experience at their convenience.
| Availability | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thursday | 12:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Guests are encouraged to book their tour in advance to avoid disappointment, as the wine tasting experience is in high demand.
Inclusions and Experience Details
Nestled beneath the streets of Tbilisi, this 200-year-old wine cellar offers a captivating private tasting experience. The personalized attention from knowledgeable guides provides visitors with insights into the unique winemaking techniques and rich history of Georgia’s acclaimed viniculture.
Guests can savor a curated selection of seven Georgian wines, along with the fiery local spirit chacha and a delectable Georgian cheese board.
The tasting includes:
- Seven distinct Georgian wine varietals
- Authentic Georgian chacha (vodka)
- A sampling of artisanal Georgian cheeses
This immersive experience allows guests to explore the heart of Georgia’s winemaking tradition, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the country’s vibrant culinary heritage.
Cancellation Policy
The wine tasting experience offers a flexible cancellation policy – guests can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, though no refund is provided for last-minute cancellations less than a day in advance.
This policy gives travelers the freedom to adjust their plans as needed without penalty, as long as they provide ample notice. It’s a fair and reasonable approach that prioritizes the provider’s ability to accommodate other guests, while also respecting the schedules of those who’ve booked the tasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
The wine tasting experience is a curated offering, so guests can’t bring their own food and drinks. The provider supplies the wines, spirits, and cheese board as part of the intimate tasting event in the historic cellar.
Is the Cellar Wheelchair Accessible?
The wine cellar’s underground location makes it inaccessible for wheelchair users. There’s no elevator or ramp, so guests would need to navigate stairs to enter the cellar. However, the provider may be able to accommodate special needs with prior notice.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?
Yes, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance for the wine tasting. The cellar is popular, so booking ahead ensures you can secure a spot during your preferred time slot. The provider recommends confirming the start time when making your reservation.
Can I Purchase Any Wines or Liquors On-Site?
Yes, you can purchase wines and liquors on-site. The cellar offers a variety of Georgian wines and the traditional Georgian spirit, chacha, that you can buy and enjoy even after your tasting experience.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tasting?
There’s no strict dress code for the wine tasting. Guests can wear casual, comfortable attire. The focus is on enjoying the wines and learning about Georgian winemaking, not on formal dress.
Recap
Enjoy the rich winemaking legacy of Georgia with a private tasting in Tbilisi’s captivating 200-year-old underground cellar.
Savor a curated selection of exceptional vintages and the fiery chacha spirit, while your guide shares insights into the traditional production methods and unique terroir.
This memorable experience offers a chance to explore the heart of Georgia’s vibrant wine culture.
