Kakheti wine country by car: Sighnaghi, Telavi, Kvareli
Easiest: a car door to door: from $120 (per car, not per person)
Kakheti, Georgia's main wine region, starts about an hour east of Tbilisi. Tbilisi airport is on the Kakheti side of the city, so you can go straight from arrivals: Sighnaghi is about 110 km (1 h 45 min), Telavi and the Tsinandali estate about 100 km over the Gombori pass (1 h 45 min – 2 h 15 min), Kvareli and Lake Lopota about 130 km. Marshrutkas from Tbilisi's Samgori station reach Sighnaghi and Telavi, but not wineries or resort hotels. Our car from the airport to Sighnaghi is $120 per sedan; a wine day from Tbilisi with the driver waiting is $180. Checked 27 October 2026. Checked by the RideGE team on .
- TBS → Sighnaghi≈110 km, ~1 h 45 min
- TBS → Telavi≈100 km, ~2 h
- TBS → Kvareli≈130 km, ~2.5 h
- Car from the airportfrom $115
Which part of Kakheti should I stay in?
| Base | Best for | Our car from TBS |
|---|---|---|
| Sighnaghi | walled hill town, views, short day trips | $120 |
| Telavi / Tsinandali | estates, Alaverdi, Gremi | $115 |
| Kvareli / Lopota | lake resort, Nekresi, wine tunnels | $140 |
Can I go to Kakheti straight from the airport at night?
Yes. Many flights land at night; the drive is on main roads. The night surcharge is $10 for pickups 23:00–06:00.
Is there public transport to wineries?
Marshrutkas reach the towns, not the estates. Between wineries you need a car; drinking and driving is not an option, which is why a car with a driver works best.
Which road goes over the Gombori pass?
The shorter road to Telavi crosses the Gombori pass; in snow we take the longer road via Sagarejo and Gurjaani. The price is the same.
Can I combine Kakheti with David Gareja?
Yes — David Gareja is a separate day from Tbilisi or a long day with Sighnaghi; ask for a quote.
Can I travel on to Azerbaijan from Kakheti?
Not by land: as of 27 October 2026 Azerbaijan's land borders, including Lagodekhi and Red Bridge, are closed to travellers. See our status page.
How much does a private car cost?
Per car. Wine tastings and entry fees are paid at the wineries.
| Route | Sedan | Minivan | SUV 4x4 | Sprinter | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi airport → Sighnaghi | $120 | $160 | $180 | $240 | $290 |
| Tbilisi airport → Telavi / Tsinandali | $115 | $155 | $170 | $230 | $275 |
| Tbilisi airport → Kvareli / Lopota | $140 | $190 | $210 | $280 | $340 |
| Private Kakheti wine tour by car: Tsinandali, Gremi, Khareba | $180 | $240 | $270 | $360 | $435 |
| Kakheti wine day: Sighnaghi & Bodbe | $170 | $230 | $260 | $340 | $420 |
| David Gareja monastery from Tbilisi | $110 | $150 | $165 | $220 | $265 |
Pay 50% online to confirm, the rest in cash to the driver — or 100% online. Trips under $100 are paid in full online. Full refund if cancelled 24 h+ before pickup (multi-day: 7+ days).
Questions
How much is a car from Tbilisi airport to Sighnaghi?
$120 for a sedan, $160 for a minivan — per car.
How much is a Kakheti wine day?
$180 per sedan, the driver waits all day.
How far is Telavi from Tbilisi airport?
About 100 km, around 2 hours.
Is the driver a wine guide?
No. A licensed guide is +$130 per day.
Can we stop at wineries on a transfer?
Yes, free stops up to 1 hour in total; longer visits — choose a day trip.
Do you have child seats?
Yes, free on request.
Sources and checks
Status and rules change. Before you travel, check the official source; we re-check these pages before each update.
You may also need
- Tusheti road and season: how to get to Omalo by 4x4
- Red Bridge and Lagodekhi: Georgia–Azerbaijan border status
- Tbilisi airport (TBS) at night: how to get to the city
Book a car
Bookings are operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong).