Kakheti wine day: Sighnaghi & Bodbe
A day in Kakheti, Georgia's wine region: the walled hill town of Sighnaghi above the Alazani valley, Bodbe monastery, and two family wineries where wine is still made in qvevri — clay jars buried in the ground, a method on UNESCO's intangible heritage list since 2013. About 260 km and 10 hours; nobody in your group has to drive after the tasting.
- Distance260 km
- Drive time10 h
- Pricefrom $120
Kakheti wine day: Sighnaghi & Bodbe: price per car
| Car | Per car return trip, driver waits | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Toyota Camry / Prius or similar | $120 ≈ 312 GEL | $60 | $40 | — | — |
| Minivan up to 6 Mercedes Vito / Hyundai Starex | $145 ≈ 377 GEL | $73 | $48 | $36 | $24 |
| SUV 4x4 up to 4 Toyota Prado / Mitsubishi Delica, winter tyres | $155 ≈ 403 GEL | $78 | $52 | $39 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter, up to 16 seats | $220 ≈ 572 GEL | $110 | $73 | $55 | $37 |
paid parking and entry fees not included. Prices updated 20 October 2026.
The road
Tbilisi → Sighnaghi is about 110 km (under 2 hours) on the southern road via Sagarejo; the return can loop through Tsinandali or Telavi.
Worth stopping
- Bodbe monastery (St Nino's grave).
- Sighnaghi old town and walls — views of the Caucasus on clear days.
- Family qvevri wineries (tastings paid on site, usually 20–60 GEL per person).
- Optional: Tsinandali estate or Kindzmarauli cellars; Telavi market.
Good to know
- Tasting fees and lunch are not included; we suggest wineries we know, but you are free to choose.
- September–October is rtveli (harvest) season — the busiest and the best time.
- Want two days? Stay overnight in Sighnaghi or Telavi and book a 2-day car with driver.
Included
- Private car and driver, fuel, parking
- Driver speaks English or Russian (tell us which)
- Meet & greet with a name sign at airports, 60 min free waiting after landing
- Free stops on the way for photos, coffee or a monastery (up to 1 h in total)
- Child seat free on request
- Free cancellation up to 24 h; pay the driver — no prepayment for transfers
Kakheti wine day: Sighnaghi & Bodbe: questions
How much is a private Kakheti wine tour by car?
$120 (≈ 312 GEL) for a sedan, $145 for a minivan — per car for the day, the driver waits. GoTrip lists a one-way Tbilisi → Sighnaghi transfer from 164 GEL.
Is the driver a sommelier?
No — he is your driver (English or Russian). The winemakers explain their own wine; a licensed guide can be added.
Can we bring wine back?
Yes, as much as fits in the boot. Airline and customs limits on alcohol apply when you fly home.