Greater Caucasus Mountains and Alazani Valley in Kakheti Region view from Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral

Hello, travel friends! We returned from the Russia border to Tbilisi yesterday. 🍇 Today, we’re taking you on a lovely day trip from Tbilisi through the Kakheti Wine Region of Georgia (not the US state of Atlanta fame, but Georgia the country on eastern Black Sea). It’s an easy drive and packed with stunning views, delicious wine and a touch of history. Here is a map. So, let’s hop in our car and get started exploring more of Sakartvelo!

Morning Drive from Tbilisi to Kakheti

Driving from Tbilisi to Kakheti region

We set off early from Tbilisi, excited to explore the famous wine region of Kakheti. The drive itself is beautiful, with vineyards stretching out on both sides of the road. Kakheti is known as the heart of Georgian winemaking, a tradition that dates back over 8,000 years. The region’s climate is perfect for growing grapes, with hot summers and mild winters.

Sheep on the road driving from Tbilisi to Kakheti region

Tip: Start your journey early in the morning. You’ll beat the traffic and have more time to enjoy each stop.

First Stop: KTW Winery in Patardzeuli

KTW Winery, Patardzeuli

Our first stop was the KTW Winery in Patardzeuli. KTW stands for "Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking". It’s one of the oldest and most respected wineries in Georgia. Here, we took a short tour of the facility and learned about the unique Georgian winemaking process called Qvevri.

KTW Winery, Patardzeuli

In Georgia, wine is made using large clay vessels called qvevris, which are buried underground. This ancient method gives the wine a distinct flavor. We tasted several varieties, including Saperavi (a full-bodied red) and Rkatsiteli (a crisp white wine). The wines were delicious and we even bought a couple of bottles to take home.

KTW Winery, Patardzeuli

Cultural Insight: Georgians believe wine is a gift from the gods. It’s an important part of their culture and hospitality. If you’re offered wine in Georgia, it’s a gesture of friendship!

KTW Winery, Patardzeuli

Tip: Wine tasting is free, but it’s polite to buy a bottle or two. They make great gifts, too!

Exploring St. Nino’s Convent in Bodbe

Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent and Cathedral

Next, we drove to Bodbe’s St. Nino’s Convent, about 20 minutes away. The convent is dedicated to St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. It’s a peaceful and spiritual place, set on a hillside with stunning views of the Alazani Valley below.

Bodbe's St. Nino's Cathedral and Convent

We visited the small St. Nino’s Cathedral, a beautiful stone building surrounded by gardens. Inside, you can see old frescoes and icons. Many Georgians come here to pray and pay their respects to St. Nino. There is also a holy spring nearby, believed to have healing powers.

Tip: Dress modestly when visiting the convent. Women should cover their heads and both men and women should wear clothing that covers their knees and shoulders.

Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral

History Fact: St. Nino was a Cappadocian woman who preached Christianity in Georgia. She is highly respected and many girls in Georgia are named "Nino" in her honor.

Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral

We are greeted by one of the numerous darling Caucasian Shepherd Dogs (Caucasian Ovcharka) at the gates of Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral. These big, fluffy dogs roam the streets of Georgia. They look strong and maybe a little scary, but they're actually very friendly and well-looked after. You'll often see them walking alongside their owners or just lounging around, enjoying the sunshine. These dogs are very important to Georgian culture and are often used to guard homes and livestock.

A friendly Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Caucasian Ovcharka) at Bodbe's St. Nino's Convent Cathedral

The nearby St. Nino's Monastery offers more fantastic views of the valley and the distant mountains. We took a moment to relax here, appreciating the beauty of nature and the calm atmosphere.

Tip: This is a great spot for photography, especially during golden hour when the light is soft.

Sighnaghi: The City of Love

Sighnaghi

After Bodbe, we continued our drive to Sighnaghi, known as the "City of Love". It’s a small town but full of charm, with cobblestone streets, colorful houses and balconies with intricate wooden carvings. The town overlooks the Kakheti Valley, with the Caucasus Mountains as a stunning backdrop.

Sighnaghi

To the east of Sighnaghi, you will find the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Specifically, the town sits on the eastern foothills of the Gombori Range, which is part of the larger Caucasus Mountain system.

Sighnaghi

From Sighnaghi, you can see the Caucasus Mountains in the distance due to its position overlooking the Alazani Valley. The immediate mountain range near Sighnaghi is the Gombori Ridge which acts as a watershed between the Iori and Alazani valleys.

Sighnaghi

The Great Wall of Georgia (Sighnaghi Wall)

We started by walking along the Sighnaghi Wall, also called the Great Wall of Georgia in remembrence of the Great Wall of China. The wall dates back to the 18th century and was built by King Erekle II to protect the town from invaders.

Sighnaghi Wall - The Great Wall of Georgia

The Sighnaghi Wall stands as a formidable defensive structure. Constructed primarily from cobblestones and, in some sections, red brick, the wall stretches for several kilometers, encircling the charming town of Sighnaghi.

Sighnaghi Wall - The Great Wall of Georgia

Its construction, dating back to the 18th century, presented significant engineering challenges, particularly in adapting to the hilly terrain. The wall's purpose was to protect the town and its inhabitants from invasions and attacks. Its strategic placement, along with its imposing height and fortified towers, made it a formidable barrier against potential threats.

Sighnaghi Wall - The Great Wall of Georgia

You can climb the towers for amazing panoramic views of the Alazani valley. The panorama is breathtaking, especially on a clear day.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The streets are steep and the cobblestones can be slippery.

Lunch with a View in Sighnaghi

Greater Caucasus Mountains view from restaurant in Sighnaghi

By now, we were hungry and ready for a feast. We chose a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Kakheti Valley. The view was spectacular and the food was even better! We ordered a mix of traditional Georgian dishes.

Restaurant in Sighnaghi

Khachapuri: Cheese-filled bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Khinkali: Juicy dumplings filled with meat or mushrooms.

Badrijani: Eggplant rolls with walnut paste, a local favorite.

Churchkhela: A sweet snack made of nuts dipped in grape juice.

Greater Caucasus Mountains and Alazani Valley in Kakheti Region view from Restaurant in Sighnaghi

We paired the meal with a glass of local Saperavi wine. It was a perfect lunch—fresh, flavorful and filling.

Cultural Note: Georgians love to toast during meals. The toastmaster, or tamada, leads with poetic toasts, often about family, love and friendship. It’s a wonderful tradition that shows the warmth of Georgian hospitality.

Tip: Try a little bit of everything. Georgian cuisine is diverse and full of unique flavors.

Heading Back to Tbilisi

As the sun began to set, we got back in our car and started the drive back to Tbilisi.

On the road from Sighnaghi to Tbilisi

The road was easy and scenic, passing through small villages and vineyards. We felt grateful for the wonderful experiences and beautiful places we had seen throughout the day.

Final Tips for Your Kakheti Day Trip:

Rent a Car: It’s the best way to explore at your own pace. The roads are good and the drive is enjoyable.

Bring Cash: Many small shops and local restaurants do not accept credit cards.

Stay Hydrated: It can get hot, especially in summer. Bring a bottle of water and wear sunscreen.

In conclusion, this day trip through Kakheti was a highlight of our time in Georgia. We tasted delicious wine, learned about ancient traditions and enjoyed stunning views of the countryside. If you’re visiting Tbilisi, we highly recommend taking a day to explore Kakheti. It’s a journey filled with culture, history and unforgettable moments.

Until next time,
The Vagabond Couple 👫💛

Note: Prose in this post received AI assistance from ChatGPT and  Gemini.