If you’re staying in Gudauri and want to explore famous Georgian Wines as well as have a very memorable day – this Wine Tour from Gudauri is for you.
During this trip we will visit the Ananuri Fortress, Zhinvali Lake, Merebashvili Cellar & Chateau Mukhrani.
We’ll start our day trip at 10:00, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Gudauri and lead you to your car to start the trip.
First stop of the day will be the 17th century Ananuri Fortress , known for its haunting history. Attacked many times throughout the centuries, it still stands strong. We’ll take a look at the buildings from the inside to get to know the secrets of the castle. Also, we’ll look at the mysterious last-judgement fresco.
Next we’ll make a short stop at the Zhinvali Lake/Reservoir, to take some great looking photos for your Instagram feed.
Afterwards, we continue to the Merebashvili Cellar where we’re going to take a look at the family winery which produces BIO amber wines made with the Georgian (Qvevri) method. We’ll have a look at the wine production process as well as taste the best of their wines. After the wine tastings, we’ll enjoy a Georgian feast cooked especially for us with some local delicacies.
Once we’re done with the beautiful lunch, we’ll continue to Chateau Mukhrani, a 19th century castle where the finest of Georgia’s premium wines are produced. Here we’ll look around the palace, the gardens, the wine production process and also enjoy tasting 3 of their premium wines with snacks.
Finally, we’ll head back to Gudauri and around 18:50, we’ll arrive at your hotel, where you can enjoy your evening skiing or just relax and share the stories of the wine tour with your friends.
Your Hotel in Gudauri
10:00
| Number of travelers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Price per person, USD | 360 | 210 | 175 | 145 |
Â
| Number of travelers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Price per person, USD | 335 | 195 | 150 | 120 |
Â
| Number of travelers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Price per person, USD | 260 | 155 | 125 | 105 |
Â
Our driver and guide will meet you at your hotel in Gudauri and lead you to your car to begin the Wine Tour from Gudauri.
Ananuri Fortress is a 17th Century Architectural Ensemble which at the time was one of the strongest fortresses in Georgia. Fortress is located in a 70 km drive from Tbilisi, in the village with the same name – Ananuri.
Location for the complex was chosen because of its strategical importance. This fortress belonged to the local rulers called “Aragvistavi” and was the main stronghold for the family.
Zhinvali water reservoir, also known as a lake is located on the Georgian Military Highway. Soviets constructed the dam in the 1980s. As Tbilisi was growing rapidly, there was a need of a new water supply. Government decided that the Aragvi Gorge rich with glacier water was the perfect spot.
Merebashvili`s Marani is a family winery, located in the small town of Kaspi, about 45 minute drive from capital Tbilisi. In the winery, four sorts of unique natural Qvevri wines are produced, by using only the Georgian traditional methods of winemaking.
Along with the most famous wines of Shida Qartli region – Chinuri and Tavkveri, Merebashvili`s Marani also produces wines from indigenous grape varieties such as Goruli Mtsvane and Shavkaphito. The grapes are being sourced from the winery-owned organic vineyard from the famous Okami valley.
Besides wine-tasting in the charming environment, winery visitors can take a look at the collection vineyard, where one of the oldest and rarest endemic grape varieties are planted and which is managed with only organic methods. You will also have a chance to become familiar with traditional wine-making technology and methods of making vodka, see all scale honey bee-farm, participate in different culinary workshops of traditional Georgian dishes(Optional) and enjoy delicious and diverse cuisine of Shida Qartli Region.
We’ll stop here to explore how the Merebashvili family produces its wines and to take a look at their vineyards after which we’ll try the BIO Amber Wines produced in the ancient containers – Qvevri.
After the wine tastings, we will enjoy a tasty feast cooked especially for us.
Once we’re done with lunch we’ll proceed towards Chateau Mukhrani
Ivane Mukhranbatoni began the construction of the Chateau Mukhrani Castle in the year 1873. It took around 12 years to complete. The castle was designed by French architects as for the surrounding gardens, they were planned by a Versailles gardener. Both – the palace and the surrounding grounds are stunning year round.
Originally, Chateau Mukhrani used to be a gathering place for the Georgian elite, including the royalty, politicians, writers and more. Most of the important players of Georgia’s recent history have visited this place at one time or another.
Chateau Mukhrani was originally designed with underground cellars with 20 compartments. The main tunnel was the link between the castle and the winery. With the recent reconstruction, Chateau Mukhrani is restored to its original look.
Here we’ll take a look at the wine production, cellars and the surrounding gardens, as well as enjoy 3 of the many premium wines produced by Chateau Mukhrani.
At around 18:50 our team will deliver you to your hotel and you can enjoy your evening relaxing or enjoying the Gudauri night skiing.
