04 Mar The Best Food & Wine Day Tour from Tbilisi, Georgia
Think about Georgia (the country)—what comes to mind? For me, it’s dumplings, ancient wine, and the culture, that admittedly, I didn’t know much about. And if you’re a fellow foodie and wine enthusiast and you’re ready to explore off the beaten path, then the Vines & Villages Signagi Tour by Eat This! is for you. It’s a journey designed to uncover the essence of Georgia, offering unforgettable food and incredible wine. (There’s a discount code at the bottom 😉 )
This tour was complimentary so that I can share my experience with you. All opinions are my own.
As a foodie and wino, my trip to Georgia for a conference was as much about indulging my taste buds as it was about professional development. Even though I was based in Tbilisi, the capital city, I was surprised at the various day tours offered throughout the country. Since I was already there, I had to take advantage!
I choose to take the Eat This! Vines & Villages Signagi Tour for a few reasons. It’s a full-day trip that doesn’t require an annoyingly early start, promising visits to three wineries alongside plenty of mouthwatering food and breathtaking scenery. What won me over was the sheer quality of experiences packed into a single day, leaving me thoroughly impressed without feeling completely shattered by the end of it all. And, simply put, it’s a great value.
Keep in mind, my Georgian adventure took place in early February, and Eat This! cleverly adapted their tour to embrace the winter charm. So while my journey might have had its own unique winter flair, I’m already planning my return, hopefully in the summer, to take this again (this time with Sean!) and maybe even venture onto some of their other tours. After all, sharing these delicious adventures with you is what it’s all about! I love finding experiences that you might not know about.
Why take a day trip from Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is a gem waiting to be explored, offering a glimpse into a part of Europe that often flies under the radar. I loved every moment spent wandering through its diverse neighborhoods and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. However, if you really want to take your experience up a notch, a day trip from Tbilisi is an absolute must.
I’ll admit, like many of us, I often find myself sticking to the city I’ve chosen when traveling. There are a few reasons for this:
1) the uncertainty of where to go next
2) the stress of navigating transportation options
3) the worry of not getting the best value for my time, especially when it comes to exploring specific wineries or attractions
4) the hesitation around driving
5) making reservations can be tricky if you have to call or email ahead of time
This is where guided day trips, especially guided ones, come in as a no-brainer. The value is clear—you eliminate the stress of planning, visit the top spots, indulge in amazing food and wine, and ditch the hassle of driving.
So, why did I choose Eat This!? Simple. Recommendations from friends who had gone before me raved about their experiences, so how could I not? Add to that the appeal of a small group and the range of experiences offered, it was a no-brainer.
And let me tell you, my love for this tour boiled down to one thing: the people and the experiences they crafted. It might not come as a shock, but our driver and guide, Giorgi, was an absolute gem. He struck the perfect balance of sharing insightful information without overwhelming us. And every person we encountered along the way left a lasting impression—I’d love nothing more than to reconnect with them, perhaps even introduce my husband to these wonderful souls.
When I say this tour was special, believe me, it truly was. It filled my heart with constant smiles and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. However, there was a moment that caught me off guard—more on that later.
Georgian Wine & Food Tour Highlights
Our day kicked off with the best kind of service—being picked up right from the corner of my hotel. It couldn’t have been more perfect. After a quick introduction with our driver and guide, we were ready to hit the road! As we ventured out of Tbilisi, Georgi treated us to an insightful history lesson about the city, pointing out landmarks along the way. But that’s not all—his expertise extended to Georgian wine history, giving us a fascinating glimpse into what awaited us at the vineyards. Now, let’s get into what the day looked like…
Established winery in Georgia with modern technology and ancient traditions
As I mentioned earlier, the specifics of your tour may vary, but let me tell you about our unforgettable stop at an incredible winery. Here, we were treated to a tour of the property, followed by a tasty lunch paired with their own exquisite wines. With 14 rooms, a serene garden, and a lovely pool, the setting was simply charming. However, it was the wine and food that stole the spotlight.
Despite spending a week in Tbilisi before this tour, I was completely shocked by the quality of the wines here. I mean, genuinely shocked. Each sip seemed to surpass the last, with their Pet Nat (sparkling wine) leaving me utterly floored! And the food was expertly paired to showcase a refined twist on traditional Georgian dishes. The ambiance inside was equally lovely—open, warm, and inviting. Suffice it to say, I left with a bottle in hand, but truth be told, I wished I could have stocked up with at least three!
As part of a group of six, I found myself being the main one engaging our host with questions, completely captivated by the experience. I was left in awe so many times that I was nearly rendered speechless. But, being me, I never truly ran out of words. And before bidding farewell, I made sure to capture a precious moment with our gracious host—a perfect memento of an unforgettable journey.
Top tip: Know how much wine you can fit in your bag before you start shopping!
Smaller winery with a cozy vibe
After starting with a bang, you can’t help but wonder how anything could possibly live up to it. But, to my amazement, it just kept getting better! How Eat This! managed to not only discover each of these wineries but also organize them in a way that minimizes time spent in the car, while each experience builds upon the last, remains a mystery to me.
At our next stop, we delved deeper into the ancient art of winemaking before indulging in another round of wine tasting, accompanied by small bites. Let me assure you, hunger is the last thing on your mind during this trip! We got a closer look at the qvevri—the traditional Georgian clay vessels used for winemaking. Some were open without any wine (I know, so sad!), so we got to get a proper peek inside.
This particular winery stole my heart with their exceptional Pet Nat. Even after sampling countless varieties over the past 10+ days in Georgia, this was by far my favorite and I’m working out how much to get shipped to me! I can’t wait for you to experience this incredible wine for yourself. And to top it all off, they even had a cozy fireplace to warm up beside, a welcome treat during the chilly winter days. They also have a gorgeous patio with epic views for those warmer days.
Personal Family Home Experience
Unbelievable. That’s the only word that comes close to capturing the essence of our final experience of the day. It all began with a quaint wine-tasting session along with traditional nibbles, setting the stage for what was to come—an extraordinary and deeply emotional dinner.
We were welcomed into a supra, a traditional Georgian feast, hosted by a local family. As the evening unfolded, I found myself swept up in the emotion of the toasts. When our host shared memories of his grandfather I found myself tearing up.
I tried, but I couldn’t hold back the tears, but then they turned into laughter and it felt like we all had a special bond. Our host’s wife even came over to hug me. He said she’s a very emotional person as well and thought it was beautiful that we shared that trait. Then, in an unexpected turn of events, our host invited me to offer the next toast—a gesture that truly touched me. With a heart full of love and gratitude, I raised my glass in honor of my grandmother, sharing a heartfelt message about the importance of cherishing our loved ones and expressing our appreciation for them.
Leaving this tour, I felt like a changed woman. As much as I travel, I have never experienced a tour that touched me on such a deep level. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have had this transformative experience, and I wholeheartedly encourage you all to seek out travel experiences that touch your soul in the same way.
Mid-day visit to Signali
Between the wineries with delectable wine and food, we carved out a little time to explore Signali (Sighnaghi), a charming small town nestled in the heart of the Kakheti region—a must-visit destination for its sheer beauty and allure.
We started with a stop to admire the breathtaking view from a road winding down to the town, setting the stage for what was to come. Once we arrived, we took a stroll downhill, making our way to the 18th-century fortified wall. The view from the wall is pretty insane and you’ll want to be pretty confident walking on uneven ground to go up, but it’s very worth it!
What truly set this tour apart was the touch of luxury woven into every aspect, thanks in no small part to Giorgi’s impeccable attention to detail. He ensured we were comfortable every step of the way, even picking us up from the other side of the walk to spare us the uphill climb. With time to spare, we meandered through the town center, treated to yet another panoramic view.
Signali is a true gem, and I’m glad we were able to spend time exploring its cobblestone streets and historic walls. It’s these little extras that elevate a journey from memorable to truly extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.
Use the code “4life5” for 5% off!
What to Expect on the Eat This! Vines & Villages Signagi Tour
This was unlike any other tour I’ve experienced, and trust me, I’ve been on quite a few during my travels. You might not know this, but I used to work as an event planner, so details and timing are so important to me. Unfortunately, many tours often miss the mark, leaving you feeling overfed at one moment and neglected at another, or dragging you along with no breaks and poorly planned drives.
But let me assure you, every aspect of this tour is meticulously thought out. Here’s why it stood out:
Professional Drivers/Guides: Not only are they good and thoughtful drivers, but they’re also incredibly kind and considerate.
Informative Commentary: The right amount of explanations and conversation while driving—enough to keep you engaged without overwhelming you.
Well-Timed Stops: From the length of stops to the intervals between them, everything is perfectly timed to ensure a seamless experience.
Progressive Experiences: Each stop builds upon the last, offering a rich collection of experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Incredible People: From our fellow travelers to the hosts we met along the way, every person added to the magic of the journey.
Culinary Delights: Hands down, the best food and wine I had in Georgia were on this tour—prepare your taste buds for a treat!
A Personal Touch: Lastly, the tour offers a personal experience that simply can’t be replicated. It’s the kind of journey that leaves an imprint on your heart long after it’s over.
Are the Eat This! Food and Wine Tours in Georgia Worth It?
Are the Eat This! Food and Wine Tours in Georgia worth it? Without a doubt, yes. In fact, I’m already planning to revisit in the summer and explore more of their tours!
And for those of you who prefer to steer clear of group trips, fear not—the tour caps at just 7 people, or you can opt for a private tour. It truly felt like a close friend was guiding us to their favorite spots, and those are the kinds of tours I cherish the most.
