The Ultimate Western Georgia Wine Itinerary

09 Sep 2026

Kakheti may be Georgia’s most famous wine region, but Georgian wine doesn’t stop when you cross the Likhi Range. Head west and almost everything changes: the landscape gets greener, the air becomes wetter, different grape varieties take over, and local food traditions are reason enough to extend the trip.

If you have already explored eastern Georgia, or simply want to see another side of Georgian wine, here is a western itinerary worth saving.

Day 1: Start in Tbilisi

Give yourself a day in the capital before setting off. Explore the Old Town, have your first Georgian meal and start getting acquainted with the wines. If you have arrived after a long journey, this is also a good time to book a sulphur bath rather than attempting a heroic amount of sightseeing.

Keep the evening relaxed. There will be plenty of wine and driving over the next few days.

Day 2: Imereti and Kutaisi

Head west to Imereti, where varieties such as Tsolikouri, Tsitska and Krakhuna take centre stage. The region has its own winemaking traditions, and its wines can be a fascinating contrast to those of eastern Georgia.

Arrange a visit to one of Imereti’s established producers, such as Baia’s Wine, Sopromadze or Labara, before continuing to Kutaisi.

Kutaisi is Imereti’s largest city and makes a convenient base for the next two nights. Visit Bagrati Cathedral, walk through the centre and settle in for dinner at Gala or Sisters.

Day 3: See the terroir from the inside

Today is about understanding Imereti from a slightly different perspective.

Visit Okatse Canyon and Prometheus Cave. Wine people spend a remarkable amount of time talking about rocks, limestone and soils, so this is your chance to see the terroir from the inside.

Later, come back to ground level with a visit to a smaller family producer such as Mate’s Wine Cellar or Otia’s Ezo. Small cellars are an important part of western Georgia’s wine culture, and visits often combine local varieties, home cooking and a much more personal introduction to the region.

Return to Kutaisi for the night.

Day 4: Samegrelo: Martvili and Ojaleshi

Continue west into Samegrelo, a region famous for its distinctive cuisine but well worth exploring for wine too.

Start with Martvili Canyon, then continue towards Salkhino. If the historic Salkhino residence is open to visitors during your trip, add it as a cultural stop.

For wine, make an appointment at Oda Family Marani. Samegrelo is the home of Ojaleshi, one of western Georgia’s most interesting red grapes, and this is a chance to discover it where it actually grows rather than simply ordering a bottle elsewhere.

Stay overnight in Kutaisi.

Day 5: Into the mountains of Racha

From Samegrelo, head towards Racha, a small mountainous region with a wine identity quite unlike Imereti or Samegrelo.

Khvanchkara is the name most visitors recognise, and tasting it in its place of origin is certainly worthwhile. But don't let the famous semi-sweet wine become your entire impression of Racha.

Arrange visits with smaller, low-intervention producers such as Lomtadze Family Winery, Sad Meli or Didgori Winemaking and explore dry expressions of the region’s grapes too.

Lunch matters here. Try Rachuli lori, the region’s famous ham, and proper Rachan lobiani. Wine tourism is much easier when you accept that lunch is part of the research.

Afterwards, begin the journey back to Tbilisi. This is a long driving day, so an early start and a sensible number of winery appointments are essential.

Day 6: Back to Tbilisi

Use your final full day for everything you didn't manage at the beginning of the trip. Visit the Chronicle of Georgia, wander through another part of Tbilisi, book a sulphur bath if you skipped it on arrival, and finish with a good restaurant and a Georgian wine list.

After Imereti, Samegrelo and Racha, some of those previously unfamiliar grape names should suddenly make much more sense.

Day 7: Go home. Tell your friends. Come back.

Even this itinerary leaves plenty unfinished. There is more to discover in Imereti and Samegrelo, more cellars hidden in Racha, and we haven't even made it to Guria and Ajara yet!

One practical tip before you go: book winery visits in advance, especially with smaller family producers. Western Georgian wine tourism is developing quickly, but many of the best visits are still personal appointments rather than places designed for walk-in tastings — perhaps that is part of the reason to go now!

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