Tbilisi tastes better when someone plans it. This private guided day turns Georgian food and wine into a simple route, with hotel pickup and a comfortable private vehicle that keeps you focused on eating, not figuring things out. You get a guide, multiple tastings, and a good feel for Tbilisi from Old Town through Mtatsminda and back to Liberty Square.

I like how the stops are spaced out and paced like a conversation, not a sprint. The tour also includes alcoholic beverages, so it feels like you’re actually doing the wine part of Georgia, not just grazing. One consideration is that it is a 7-hour food-and-wine day, so if you prefer light bites or zero alcohol, you’ll want to plan around that and flag dietary needs early.

Key Highlights Worth Getting Excited About

• Hotel pickup and drop-off so you start and end with less hassle
• Chikhirtma tasting in Old Town Tbilisi, a Georgian chicken soup known as a hangover helper
• Funicular ride to Mtatsminda Park, paired with Acharuli Khachapuri
• Natural wine stop at Liberty Square, centered on small tastings in a wine-focused bar
• Khinkali dumplings at the end, a satisfying finale when the day is already delicious

Midday Start: Old Town to Mtatsminda and Back Again

This tour is built for a midday start, with pickup beginning around 12:00 pm. That timing helps because you avoid the full morning rush, but you still get enough day left to enjoy multiple tastings without feeling like you’re eating dinner at midnight.

The route makes sense on paper and in real life. You begin in Old Town, then go up to Mtatsminda Park by funicular, and finally loop back to Liberty Square for wine and dumplings. That loop matters because it gives you variety: old streets, a higher vantage point, then a central neighborhood feel again.

I also like that the day is framed as food and wine learning, not just eating. You’re with a guide who can explain what you’re tasting and why it fits Georgian culture and daily life.

Private Pickup and a Comfortable Ride Through Tbilisi

Your day starts with pickup from any Tbilisi hotel or apartment, and the tour ends with a drop-off back where you started. This matters more than it sounds, because Tbilisi can involve steep streets, uneven sidewalks, and weather swings. Having a private driver keeps your energy for the tastings.

You’re not dealing with public transit transfers, or trying to match your schedule to a bus timetable. Even better, the tour is private, so it’s just your group, not a mixed crowd with everyone’s different pace.

One review mentioned a Nissan Pathfinder used by the guide. That’s a nice detail, because it hints at the “comfortable and practical” style you’re paying for. You can spend the ride looking out the window, not planning the next turn.

Stop 1: Old Town Tbilisi Chikhirtma, Plus a Local Kick

Your first stop is in Old Town Tbilisi at an upscale restaurant for a tasting of Chikhirtma, a Georgian chicken soup. The tour description even calls it the best hangover medicine, which lines up with the vibe from one group who arrived late the night before and said it was the right fresh start.

In practical terms, this is a smart opening dish. Soup is warming, it’s easy to pace, and it helps you feel settled before moving on to cheese-forward or dumpling-heavy food later.

What you might love here:

• The soup tasting gives you an immediate taste of Georgian comfort food.
• Being in Old Town adds atmosphere right away, so you’re not only eating, you’re also orienting yourself in the city.

A possible drawback: if you’re expecting a totally casual street-food crawl, the upscale restaurant style may feel more polished than rustic. It’s still tasty and traditional in what you’re eating, but it’s not “grab it and walk” dining.

Also, since alcoholic beverages are included, you may be offered local spirits during this first stop. One review specifically mentioned chacha alongside the soup. If you want to go easy, just say so, and you can keep it to a sip or skip it entirely.

Stop 2: Funicular to Mtatsminda Park for Acharuli Khachapuri

After Old Town, you take the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park, described as the highest location of Tbilisi. The ride itself is part of the experience, and it’s included, along with a tasting of Acharuli Khachapuri.

This stop works for two reasons. First, the food is a major Georgian favorite, and second, the change in altitude makes the day feel like more than a restaurant-to-restaurant loop. Even if you do not care about views in a big way, the park setting breaks up the timeline and gives your group a chance to reset.

What you’re likely to enjoy:

• A signature Georgian dish as the tasting focus.
• A fun transit moment that helps the tour feel like a “city experience,” not only a meal plan.

Possible consideration: because it is a park area and a ride up, the stop can feel a bit more active than the restaurant stops. If you have limited mobility, you’ll want to take it slower and ask your guide about the best way to move around once you arrive.

And since timing varies by group interest, plan for the possibility that the funicular and photo stops can stretch the stop a little, especially if your guide is sharing city context along the way.

Stop 3: Liberty Square Natural Wine Bar and Local Flavor Balance

Back at Liberty Square, the tour turns to natural wines at a wine bar. Admission is included, and this is where the day earns its “food and wine” title.

If you’re curious about wine but do not want a stuffy lecture, this kind of stop is usually ideal. A natural wine bar tends to focus on taste first, so you can learn by doing, then ask your guide what you’re noticing in the flavors.

One review described the wine stop as including Georgian white wine and some snack items, including smashed walnut appetizers and eggplant. Even if your exact menu varies, the overall shape of the stop is the same: small tastings that keep you moving forward in the day.

Why this stop is valuable:

• It gives you variety after the soup and the khachapuri stop.
• It keeps the day educational without making it a lecture-heavy experience.

Potential drawback: if wine is not your thing, this stop may feel a bit more alcohol-forward than you’d prefer. The tour does include food tasting too, but the center of gravity is the wines. If you’re a low-alcohol person, tell the guide upfront so they can guide you to the right portions.

Stop 4: Liberty Square Khinkali Dumplings for the Big Finish

The final stop is also at Liberty Square, built around what the tour calls the best dumplings in the world. In Georgian terms, you’re looking at khinkali-style dumplings, and one review made that final dish a standout moment.

This is the correct ending choice. By the time you reach the last stop, you’ve had soup and bread, plus some wine. Dumplings bring you to a satisfying point, with a meal texture that feels complete.

Why it lands well:

• It’s a hearty closing plate, so you do not feel like you’re running on snacks.
• It gives you a local signature dish in a friendly, social dining setting.

A possible consideration is simple: you will have already eaten a lot by this point. The tour helps by breaking the day into multiple tasting portions rather than forcing one huge meal. Still, if you know you tend to overdo it, keep an eye on your portions and pacing, and let your guide help you balance the last stop.

Also remember that alcoholic beverages are included, and one review mentioned a shot of chacha near the khinkali stop. If you want the full experience, go for it. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the food and choose your pace.

Why the Timing and Portions Feel Right (Not Rushed)

One of the biggest reasons this tour gets such strong feedback is the pacing. Multiple stops are included, but you’re not being rushed between locations. The idea is that you spend about an hour at each tasting spot, with a longer final stop, so conversations and learning can happen without constant “hurry up” energy.

That said, the exact duration can stretch. One group reported their tour running closer to 9 hours because they were engaged and chatting. If your group likes to move at a steady pace, you might come in closer to the shorter end of the estimate, but the key point is that the schedule is flexible around your group, not a rigid factory line.

For value, pacing matters. A cheaper tour might “hit more stops” but cut into the time you need to actually taste and enjoy. Here, the flow is designed so you leave feeling like you did something, not just sampled.

Price and Value: What $120 Buys You in Tbilisi

At $120 per person, this is not the cheapest food tour option in Tbilisi. But the value is tied to what’s included and how the day is organized.

Here’s what you’re paying for that you’d otherwise have to piece together:

• Professional guide who can explain what you’re tasting
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Tbilisi
• Private tour for your group, not a shared bus format
• Food tastings and lunch, plus beverages
• Alcoholic beverages included
• Admission tickets included at the tasting locations and for the funicular ride

If you tried to do this on your own, you would still need transport, reservations, and a route that gets you from Old Town up to Mtatsminda and back down efficiently. This tour wraps that problem-solving into one price.

Another practical value point: it is commonly booked about 14 days in advance on average. That’s a sign it sells out around busy seasons and weekends, so booking sooner often helps you lock in your preferred time.

What to Know Before You Go: Diet, Alcohol, and Comfort

Before you book, think about three things.

First, dietary requirements. The tour asks you to advise restrictions at booking time, and that’s your best chance to get helpful accommodations. If you have allergies or you avoid certain foods, do not wait until the day of the tour to mention them.

Second, the alcohol component. Alcoholic beverages are included, and chacha is mentioned in the experience accounts. If you plan to drink lightly, your guide can usually help you pace it, but your preference matters, so say it early.

Third, comfort. This is a walking-plus-vehicle tour with a funicular ride. Most travelers can participate, but you should still expect some time moving around between places and in restaurants.

Lastly, expect an English-friendly experience. The tour is offered in English, and the guide style you’ll likely appreciate is friendly and informative, with enough patience to let you ask questions while you eat.

Should You Book This Tbilisi Food and Wine Tour?

Book it if you want a private, guided way to taste Georgian staples across several neighborhoods, without the stress of planning transport and pacing. This is especially a good fit if you like your tours structured enough to feel efficient, but still relaxed enough to enjoy the meals.

Skip it or reconsider if you strongly prefer non-alcoholic food experiences, or if you want a very casual street-food style only. The tour includes alcohol and includes sit-down tastings, including an upscale Old Town restaurant stop.

If your goal is to get your bearings in Tbilisi while learning what Georgian comfort food and wine culture taste like, this tour is a solid choice. It’s a full day that ends with a satisfying dumpling finish, which is exactly how you want a food tour to wrap up.

FAQ

How long is the Tbilisi private food and wine tour?

It runs for about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 12:00 pm.

Where do you get picked up?

Pickup is offered from any location in Tbilisi, such as your hotel or apartment.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, and only your group participates.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is included in the price?

Food tastings, lunch, beverages, professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, private tour, admission tickets, and alcoholic beverages.

Are admissions or tickets included for the stops?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for each stop listed.

Can I request dietary requirements or food restrictions?

Yes. You should advise any dietary requirements or food restrictions at the time of booking.

How far in advance should I book?

On average, it is booked about 14 days in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the payment is not refunded.