Harvest in Georgia
A small ancient settlements are scattered throughout this wild landscape with medieval watchtowers and fascinating views of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, roaring rivers and waterfalls. Still inhabited dwellings are recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Exploration of this remote part of the world and its preserved traditions will leave you with unforgettable pleasant memories!
Tour is filling up quickly. Reserve your place .
Full Board
All accommodation
All domestic transfers
Entrance Fees & Local Guides
Tour guide
All Tastings
Harvested Grape Samples
First Aid
Details:
Regions: Tbilisi – Kakheti - Kartli
Duration: 5 nights
Food: Full Board
Accommodation: Hotels/Chateaus
Best Season: September
Group Size: Not limited
Travel: Bus/Minivan
Main Activities: Georgian Grape Harvest
Overview
Harvest in Georgia generally recalls and unites locals for common work in vineyards. It’s a tradition usually accompanied by feasts, musical events and other celebrations. Normally, harvest in east Georgia, Kakheti region where major part of our program is concentrated, takes place in late September.
Worth to admit that from 2000 varieties of grapes in the world, 500 are endemic to Georgia. The tradition of harvest dates to ancient times. One of the few evidence lies in Dzalisi archaeological site depicting the 2nd century AD 12 color mosaic of Dionysus– the god of the grape harvest, winemaking.
Family wine cellars and modern wineries explored within this carefully fermented trip are narrating their unique story of tastes and technologies. Ancient traditional method of winemaking in “Qvevri” – clay jar, proudly listed in UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list is a special highlight.
Degustation of various sorts of Georgian wine, chacha and brandy distinguished by aromas of bouquets and flavors, evokes special feelings.
Harvest is a joyful time for drinking, do not miss it out!
Locations
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival 1
Arrive in Tbilisi. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 - Tbilisi City Tour
Breakfast in hotel. Sightseeing tour of Tbilisi, exploring old town with important cultural and architectural monuments, visiting wine bars & restaurants to taste organic wines cultivated in eastern and western parts of Georgia. Visit open air Ethnography Museum, housing the samples of dwellings brought from all over Georgia. Cognac tasting at D. Sarajishvili cognac factory. *Optional boat tour with wine tasting on Mtkvari river. Welcome dinner at traditional restaurant with wine and folk performance. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 - “Qvevri” Making
Breakfast in hotel. Explore Kakheti region, east Georgia famous for vineyards and wine producing villages. Visit 11th century Alaverdi cathedral, observe the monastery’s wine cellar with ancient “Qvevri” (clay jar), tasting of wines and discussion with monastery winemaker. A short break to observe the methods of “Qvevri” making. Visit 16th -17th centuries Gremi architectural complex and excursion around the winery with 120 oldest unique clay and oak barrels, observe production process and discussion with technologists, tasting of Georgian brandy. Wine tour to Soviet time tunnels cellar and tasting of different labels of wines and chacha. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Harvest & Traditional “Supra”
Breakfast in hotel. Depart to 18th century royal town Sighnaghi, stroll in a cozy and narrow streets of the town. Visit vineyards and take part in grapes harvest, picking up, gathering, pressing, etc. with barbeque, wine and “Shoti” bread baking. Return to Sighnaghi, enjoy traditional “Supra” dinner lead by “Tamada” – toast master and performance of polyphonic songs and national dances. Organic wines help to articulate the most eloquent toasts, thus “Gaumarjos” and cheers! Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 - Realm of Dionysus – The God of Harvest
Breakfast in hotel. Depart to Mtskheta, the UNESCO heritage site dated to 3rd century and enjoy panoramic view of the town from 6th century Jvari monastery, erected on a hill at the confluence of two rivers, Mtkvari and Aragvi. Visit family winery nearby Mtskheta and enjoy wine tour, chacha distillation and “Khinkali” master-class. Following the trials of artifacts, wine tour continues to 1st-4th century AD Dzalisa archaeological site, a Roman town with 2nd century AD impressive, 12 color mosaic depicting Dionysus – the god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine. Visit nearby chateau to taste premium Georgian wines made by European technology. Transfer to Tbilisi. Free evening for own arrangements. Farwell dinner at special restaurant with organic wines and folk performance. Overnight at hotel.