Two organic winemakers, one organic day in Imereti. This private Kutaisi tour connects Qvevri winemaking know-how with real tastings, then slows down with food so you actually enjoy the day instead of rushing through stops.

I especially like the chance to meet Mr. Giorgi Mshvenieradze personally at his winery cellar. And I like that the second producer, Aidan Raftery at Igavi Wines, is there to explain the story behind his small-scale approach, with a gourmet lunch that has been praised as one of the best meals in Georgia.

One consideration: because these are limited-production wineries, the exact wine lineup can vary. You may taste 3 or 4 wines at the first stop, and 2 or 3 at the second depending on what is available that day.

Key Things Worth Knowing Before You Go

• Meet the winemakers, not just the staff, including Mr. Giorgi Mshvenieradze in his cellar
• Qvevri fermentation is the core lesson, with hands-on explanations tied to how the wines are made
• Limited bottle production shapes the tasting, so expect some variation in what you try
• Chacha enters the picture, a grape vodka tasting after the first winery visit
• Lunch is part of the winemaking day, served at organic winery Oda House in Martvili

A 7-hour private tour that feels like a guided wine lesson

This is the kind of Kutaisi day trip that works because it is built around people, not just places. You start at 10:00 am, and for about 7 hours you ride in private transportation with pickup anywhere within Kutaisi town.

You do not need to figure out timing between wineries, and you do not need to hunt for English explanations on the fly. That matters in Georgia, where the best wine talk often happens in person, right where the wine is made and stored.

Stop 1, Mshvenieradze winery and the Qvevri cellar introduction

Your first stop is Mshvenieradze winery, led by Mr. Giorgi Mshvenieradze, known for natural and organic wines. The core idea you will hear is 100 percent organic production from his own vineyards in western Georgia, using the traditional Georgian fermentation method in Qvevri (clay vessels).

What makes this stop especially valuable is that you do not just get a tasting counter. You meet Mr. Giorgi personally in his wine cellar, you listen to how his wines and sparkling are produced, and then you taste several wines from his limited production.

The tasting is built to be focused, not overwhelming. You will try 3 or 4 wines depending on availability, and you finish with a small tasting of Georgian grape vodka called Chacha.

A small practical tip: plan to slow down your palate here. When you start with Qvevri wines and then move into Chacha, the flavors can shift quickly, so go in curious, not competitive.

Stop 2 at Zeindari, Zeindari wine culture and Igavi Wines tasting

After the first winery, you drive toward the village of Zeindari for the second tasting and lunch. This stop is connected to Vintners & Vagabonds (Igavi Wines), run by Aidan Raftery, a UK-born winemaker who moved to Georgia with his wife.

Aidan’s talk centers on restoring ancient Georgian wine traditions using Qvevris (clay jars). You are not just hearing a romantic story, you are being guided through why the method matters for the final wine style.

Then you taste the wines. At this second stop, you will sample 2 or 3 western Georgian varieties from his production line, and the tour notes that the operation is very limited. The information shared during the stop says only a couple of thousand bottles are bottled, with most of the wines going to export markets in the EU and Australia.

One realistic expectation to keep: limited production means the tasting lineup can shift with availability. If you have strict preferences, you will still leave with a clear sense of his approach, but the exact bottle list might not match what you hoped for weeks ago.

Oda House lunch in Martvili, the food anchor of the day

Lunch is included and served during the wine portion, at an organic winery called Oda House in Martvili. The tour experience is described as gourmet, and the strongest review highlight tied to this day is how memorable the lunch was, even compared to other meals in Georgia.

Why this matters for your planning: a good lunch is not just a break. In a wine tour like this, food helps you reset between tastings, and it keeps the day from turning into a long alcohol-only stretch.

You can also think of lunch as part of the organic theme. Since it is hosted at an organic winery, it fits the day’s focus, rather than feeling tacked on at the end.

If you like to eat well while traveling, this is one of the best reasons to choose this specific Kutaisi tour.

Tastings and chacha, how to enjoy the flavors without rushing

This tour is designed around tasting multiple wines, but it is not built like a rapid fire festival. Stop 1 lasts about 1 hour, and stop 2 lasts about 2 hours, so you get a little time to ask questions and actually connect the stories to what is in your glass.

You will taste at 3 different locations, according to the included details, with wine tastings built into both winery stops. The first stop specifically includes Chacha at the end, which is a fun and very Georgian detail if you have never tried grape vodka before.

Here is how I suggest you pace yourself:

• Start with a curious first sip, then come back for a second tasting note after you listen to the winemaker’s explanation.
• If you are sensitive to alcohol, take your time with the Chacha portion and treat it as a small curiosity, not a challenge.
• Bring a water mindset, even though bottled water is provided.

Because this is a private tour, you can usually adjust your tempo to your group. If you want to ask extra questions about Qvevri or fermentation, this format gives you a better shot at a real conversation.

Pickup in Kutaisi and private transport, why it changes the day

The pickup setup is simple and practical: the tour picks you up from any location within Kutaisi town. You also get a mobile ticket, which cuts down on paperwork and time spent figuring out confirmations on site.

Private transportation is a big value factor here. Wine days can get tight with group schedules, traffic, and timing, especially when you are moving between rural wineries. With a private car, the day feels smoother, and it gives the winemakers the chance to lead you at the right pace instead of rushing you out.

Duration matters too. At about 7 hours, you have enough time for two winery visits, education, and lunch, without it feeling like a full day that drains you. If you are in Kutaisi for a short stay, this is a comfortable way to add wine culture without needing a multi-day plan.

Price and value, what the $180 per person really covers

At $180 per person, this is not a budget wine tasting. But you are paying for three things that are hard to price separately: private access, small scale winemakers, and a food component that is specifically called gourmet.

You get private transportation, wine tastings, and a gourmet lunch included. You also get bottled water per person, which sounds small, but it is one less thing to think about on a hot day.

Then there is the part that often makes or breaks a wine tour: you are not just tasting product, you are being shown the method and the people behind it. Meeting Mr. Giorgi Mshvenieradze in his wine cellar and hearing Aidan Raftery’s story about restoring Qvevri traditions adds real context to the glass.

If your travel style is hands-on learning plus good eating, the price begins to make sense. If you are mainly looking for the cheapest way to drink wine, you will likely feel it is high.

Who should book this private organic wine tour from Kutaisi

This tour fits best if you want a personal, education-first day. If you care about how wine is made, you will appreciate the focus on Qvevri fermentation, the emphasis on organic and natural methods, and the winemaker storytelling at both stops.

It is also a strong choice if you like smaller, limited production wines. The tour notes that bottles are few, and tasting is designed to reflect that, so you are not just drinking what is easiest to find in a shop.

I would also consider it if food is part of the experience for you. The lunch at Oda House is highlighted as exceptional, and that kind of meal can be the memory you carry home, not just the tasting notes.

Should you book this tour, or choose something else?

Book it if you want:

• A private wine day with pickup in Kutaisi town
• Direct interaction with Mr. Giorgi Mshvenieradze and Aidan Raftery
• Tastings that are tied to Qvevri winemaking, not just a generic tasting sheet
• A gourmet lunch that has been praised as top-tier

Skip it if:

• You want a big group party vibe with lots of variety guaranteed by a large production.
• You are extremely price sensitive and only want a low-cost tasting.
• You are booking last minute during uncertain weather, since the tour requires good weather.

If you are flexible about the exact bottle lineup and you enjoy learning from winemakers, this is a solid pick for a Kutaisi visit.

FAQ

What time does the private organic wine tour from Kutaisi start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

How long does the tour last?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is pickup in Kutaisi included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from any location within Kutaisi town.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes private transportation, bottled water, wine tastings, and a gourmet lunch at an organic winery in Martvili.

How many wines will I taste?

At the first stop, you taste 3 or 4 wines depending on availability. At the second stop, you taste 2 or 3 wines depending on availability.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.