Discover the charm of Georgia’s wine country, stunning cathedrals, and rich cultural heritage

Alex Butler, editor at Dinogo Planet, recently explored Georgia and offers valuable tips and insights for travelers considering a similar journey.

My fascination with Georgia began when I first tasted khachapuri—a delightful blend of cheese and bread—at a restaurant in Dublin. With flavors that enticing, I added it to my travel bucket list. What awaited me was a captivating and often overlooked destination, brimming with beauty and excitement, well worth your next adventure.

Where did you stay? What was the atmosphere like?

My primary destination was the wine region of Khaketi, where I lodged at the Tsinandali Estate, a Radisson Collection Hotel, an integral part of the country's wine heritage. The significance of winemaking in Georgian culture is immense, with grape cultivation tracing back approximately 8000 years, making it the cradle of winemaking. This hotel stands on the former estate of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze (1786–1846), a Georgian noble closely associated with the nation’s wine traditions.

The traditional method of winemaking in Georgia involves using a qvevri, a clay vessel buried underground—this technique is recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. At Tsinandali, the well-traveled Prince brought the European approach to wine production and bottling to Georgia, marking it as the first place in the nation to bottle wine. Today, it operates as a winery producing both traditional Georgian and European-style vintages.

With sprawling grounds and stunning views of the Caucasus, this hotel is designed for savoring the natural beauty. Just a short stroll from the hotel lies the Prince’s former home, now a museum, Chavchavadze Estate, where visitors can discover the life of this fascinating figure. The hotel also embraces Georgian culinary traditions, featuring several dining options: the Prince Alexander all-day restaurant, the Library Bar, the Gaurmarjos wine bar, Natella, a Georgian restaurant, and more.

After a few days at Tsinandali, I made my way to the Radisson Blu in central Tbilisi to discover the capital city.

What was the most touristy experience you had?

If you’ve come across an image of Georgia, it’s likely of a breathtaking monastery set against verdant mountains. To capture that iconic view, I visited the magnificent 11th-century Alaverdi Cathedral, which stands majestically among vineyards with the Caucasus as its backdrop.

This active monastery is steeped in history and, naturally, features a winery. The exterior of the cathedral is quite imposing, yet the interior is unexpectedly ⁠— yet beautifully ⁠— minimal. While some walls are adorned with faded frescoes, soft light filters through the high, narrow windows, gently illuminating the stone and dark wood that fill the space. As I strolled through, the sound of Georgian polyphonic singing echoed, creating an ancient and enchanting atmosphere—truly remarkable.

What was the best thing you enjoyed eating or drinking?

The highlight of my meals was a delightful lobiani (meat-filled bread), shkmeruli (chicken simmered in garlic and cream), and a fresh tomato salad—all paired with a lovely, peach-hued kisi wine at Salobie Bia in Tbilisi. The kisi grape, native to Kakheti, is used to produce skin contact wine—a white wine that takes on an amber hue from contact with the grape skins. In recent years, these wines have gained popularity in trendy wine bars throughout Europe, but in Georgia, they are a cherished aspect of the country’s winemaking heritage. The ambiance at Salobie Bia enhanced the experience, decorated like the cozy parlor of a bohemian art enthusiast.

What was the most off-the-beaten-path activity you experienced?

I was utterly captivated by my visit to the Mirror Halls of Tbilisi State Academy of Arts. Behind the modest facade of this art school lies the former residence of 19th-century Armenian merchant Vardan Arshakuni. The dazzling, mirrored interior was crafted by Iranian artists invited by Arshakuni, resulting in a breathtaking display of Qajar-style artistry.

It’s no wonder that contemporary art students find inspiration among the kaleidoscopic designs that adorn this space. It’s also intriguing to witness the various cultural influences that have shaped Georgia over the centuries. Today, the area showcases some student artworks, but you can mainly stroll through and absorb the astonishing details.

What was your favorite activity during the trip?

Hunting for a snack, I stumbled into a charming wine bar in Tbilisi—playfully named Wine Not?—that boasted charcuterie. Upon my arrival, I learned there would be live Georgian music that evening, and my curiosity piqued, I decided to stay and listen.

With a hip crowd eagerly awaiting the performance, I was delighted when the evening featured a show of Georgian urban folk music with a wonderfully retro flair. It was evident these songs were cherished, as the audience enthusiastically sang along. It felt like joining a joyful sing-along among friends, and even though I couldn’t grasp the lyrics, the experience was uplifting. During a break, a couple of men captivated the crowd with their polyphonic singing, igniting my curiosity about Georgian music.

Alex Butler visited Georgia at the invitation of Silk Hospitality. Dinogo Planet does not accept complimentary services in exchange for positive reviews.