Telavi: Your Overnight Base
Stay for one night in Telavi on our Georgia itineraries. This is your overnight base for the Kakheti part of the journey.
1 night in Telavi
Kakheti · Eastern Georgia
Kakheti: Georgia's Wine Region, From Telavi to Sighnaghi
About two hours east of Tbilisi, discover Georgia's wine country—a region with around 8,000 years of winemaking history and a qvevri tradition recognised by UNESCO.
Included on our 7-day and 10-day Georgia itineraries, with one night in Telavi, a walk through Sighnaghi's Old Town, a local winery visit and an included wine tasting.
Tell us about your trip—get a callback within 1 hour.
roaminglegs2025@gmail.com- 1 night in Telavi
- Sighnaghi Old Town
- Wine tasting included
Sighnaghi, Kakheti
Hilltop streets. Valley views. Georgian wine.
Film: Evgenij Mikhailov / Pexels ↗Before You Go
Kakheti Quick Facts
Your overnight base, approximate drive times and signature wines—all in one place.
| Travel detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Region | Kakheti, eastern Georgia. |
| Known for | Georgia's main wine region, traditional qvevri winemaking and Alazani Valley views. |
| Tbilisi to Telavi | Approximately 95–100+ km; allow around 2–2.5 hours by road, typically via the scenic Gombori Pass. |
| Tbilisi to Sighnaghi | Approximately 110–120 km; allow around 2 hours by road via the Kakheti Highway. |
| Telavi to Sighnaghi | Approximately 60 km; around 1 hour by road. |
| Overnight base | Telavi on our Georgia itineraries. |
| Typical stay | 1 night, included on both our 7-day and 10-day Georgia routes. |
| Signature grape varieties |
Rkatsiteli · White
Saperavi · Red
|
Distances and drive times are approximate. Your starting point, chosen route, traffic, weather and sightseeing stops can affect the journey.
Your Kakheti Experience
One Wine Region, Three Highlights
An overnight stay in Telavi, a walk through Sighnaghi and a local wine tasting bring your Kakheti stop together.
Sighnaghi: Old Town & Valley Views
Walk through Sighnaghi's Old Town and enjoy its hilltop setting above the Alazani Valley. Streets and valley views are the focus of this stop.
Sighnaghi Old Town walk
A Local Winery & Wine Tasting
Visit a local winery and enjoy the wine tasting included in your itinerary. This stop introduces you to the wines of Georgia's main wine region.
Local winery visit & included tasting
Included on both routes: Our 7-day and 10-day Georgia itineraries include one night in Telavi, Sighnaghi's Old Town, a local winery visit and wine tasting.
Behind The Wine
What Makes Qvevri Winemaking Special?
In Georgia, a wine story often begins with a qvevri: an egg-shaped clay vessel used to ferment, store and age wine. Understanding this tradition adds context to your Kakheti wine experience.
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A Vessel Made From Clay
Qvevri are earthenware vessels made in different sizes, with a rounded body and a narrow opening.
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Buried Beneath The Ground
The vessel is buried in the earth. This helps keep temperatures steady while the wine ferments and matures.
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A Tradition Passed Through Generations
Qvevri winemaking knowledge is passed through families and communities, connecting wine with everyday Georgian culture.
UNESCO recognition since 2013: The ancient Georgian traditional qvevri winemaking method is inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
What You May Taste
Two Signature Grapes Of Kakheti
Get to know Rkatsiteli and Saperavi—the white and red grape varieties most closely associated with Kakheti's wine identity.
Rkatsiteli
A celebrated indigenous white grape and a symbol of Kakheti. Traditional qvevri production can create a richer, more structured wine with a deeper golden or amber appearance.
Typical colour
Golden to amber
General style
Fresh or rich and structured
Common tasting notes
- Apricot
- Peach
- Quince
- Citrus
- Tea
Try it with: Georgian cheese, salads, mchadi or khachapuri.
Saperavi
A deeply coloured Georgian grape closely connected with Kakheti. Its name relates to dyeing or colouring, reflecting the intense colour of the grape and wine.
Typical colour
Deep ruby red
General style
Full-bodied and tannic
Common tasting notes
- Blackberry
- Plum
- Ripe cherry
- Dark fruit
Try it with: Aged cheese, mtsvadi, steak or other meat dishes.
Your tasting selection may vary. The wines served depend on the winery, season and availability on the day of your visit.
Plan Your Visit
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kakheti?
Kakheti changes with every season. Choose your travel period according to the landscapes, weather and wine experience you want.
March–May
Spring
Vineyards begin turning green again. This period suits travellers who prefer fresh landscapes and comfortable sightseeing.
Fresh vineyard views
June–August
Summer
Expect sunny vineyard landscapes and warmer days. Plan outdoor walks earlier or later in the day and carry drinking water.
Long daylight hours
September–November
Autumn & Rtveli
Kakheti's Rkatsiteli harvest begins in September. The traditional harvest period is the most wine-focused time to visit the region.
Harvest season
December–February
Winter
A quieter period for town visits, cellar experiences and wine tastings. Check road and weather conditions before travelling.
Quieter atmosphere
Planning for Rtveli? Harvest dates and visitor activities vary between wineries and from year to year. Confirm the experience before fixing your travel dates.
Choose Your Georgia Route
Where Kakheti Fits Into Your Trip
Kakheti is included on both our 7-day and 10-day Georgia itineraries, with one overnight stay in Telavi.
Your Kakheti Stop Includes
Add Georgia's main wine region to your journey with an overnight base in Telavi.
- 1 night in Telavi
- Sighnaghi Old Town
- Local winery visit
- Included wine tasting
Your Kakheti Stop Includes
Experience Kakheti as part of the longer Georgia itinerary, with Telavi as your overnight base.
- 1 night in Telavi
- Sighnaghi Old Town
- Local winery visit
- Included wine tasting
The Kakheti experience on both routes
Both itineraries include the same essential Kakheti highlights: Telavi, Sighnaghi, a local winery and wine tasting.
Not sure which itinerary suits your trip?
Tell us your dates, travel month and number of travellers for help choosing your route.
Getting Around
Your Kakheti Drive Route
Use these approximate distances and drive times to understand how Tbilisi, Telavi and Sighnaghi connect by road.
Starting Point
Tbilisi
Begin your road journey from Georgia's capital towards the Kakheti wine region.
Overnight Base
Telavi
Telavi is the overnight base on both our 7-day and 10-day Georgia routes.
95–100+ km from Tbilisi
Around 2–2.5 hours
Old Town Stop
Sighnaghi
Explore Sighnaghi's Old Town and its hilltop setting above the Alazani Valley.
About 60 km from Telavi
Around 1 hour
Tbilisi To Telavi
Approximately 95–100+ km. Allow around 2–2.5 hours by road, typically via the scenic Gombori Pass.
Tbilisi To Sighnaghi
Approximately 110–120 km. Allow around 2 hours by road via the Kakheti Highway.
Telavi To Sighnaghi
Approximately 60 km. Allow around 1 hour for the journey by road.
Drive times are approximate. Your starting point, route, traffic, weather and sightseeing stops can affect the journey.
See The Region
Kakheti In Pictures
Discover the towns, wine traditions and vineyard experiences that shape your Kakheti journey.
Sighnaghi Old Town
Walk through historic streets, stone arches and traditional buildings.
Image source: GetYourGuide ↗
Telavi
Batonis Tsikhe in Telavi, your overnight base for the Kakheti journey.
Photo: Andrzej Wójtowicz / Wikimedia Commons ↗
Inside A Qvevri Cellar
Traditional clay vessels buried in the cellar floor for Georgian winemaking.
Photo: Tomasz Przechlewski / Wikimedia Commons ↗
Rtveli Harvest
Ripe grapes are picked from the vineyard during Georgia's traditional harvest.
Image source: Georgia.to ↗
Saperavi Grapes
Dark grapes associated with one of Kakheti's signature red wines.
Image source: Georgian Eats ↗Your exact winery and seasonal experience may vary. Availability depends on your travel dates, itinerary and local arrangements.
Helpful Answers
Kakheti Travel Questions
Quick answers about your overnight stay, road journey, winery visit and included wine tasting.
Where do we stay overnight in Kakheti?
Telavi is the overnight base. Both our 7-day and 10-day Georgia itineraries include one night in Telavi.
Is Sighnaghi included in the itinerary?
Yes. The Kakheti experience includes a walk through Sighnaghi's Old Town and its hilltop setting above the Alazani Valley.
Is a wine tasting included?
Yes. A local winery visit and wine tasting are included in the Kakheti part of both Georgia itineraries.
How far is Kakheti from Tbilisi?
Tbilisi to Telavi is approximately 95–100+ km and takes around 2–2.5 hours by road.
Tbilisi to Sighnaghi is approximately 110–120 km and takes around 2 hours by road.
What are Kakheti's signature grape varieties?
Rkatsiteli is a signature white grape, while Saperavi is a signature red grape associated with Kakheti.
What is traditional qvevri winemaking?
Qvevri are clay vessels used to ferment, store and age wine. The vessels are buried in the ground as part of Georgia's traditional winemaking method.
When does the Kakheti grape harvest begin?
The traditional Rtveli harvest begins in Kakheti in September. Exact dates and visitor activities depend on the winery, weather and grape variety.
Distances, drive times, winery selection and seasonal experiences can vary according to your dates, route and local arrangements.
Plan Your Georgia Journey
Add Kakheti To Your Georgia Trip
Choose our 7-day or 10-day Georgia itinerary and include one night in Telavi, Sighnaghi Old Town, a local winery visit and wine tasting.
- 1 night in Telavi
- Sighnaghi Old Town
- Local winery visit
- Wine tasting included
Tell us about your trip and get a callback within 1 hour.
