Feast your way from the riverine capital Tbilisi to the miracles of southern Georgia, where cave monasteries and an ancient wine culture collide. Hosted and inspired by the adventure, curiosity, and connections of Georgia’s most celebrated chefs and winemakers.
Godmother of New Georgian Cuisine Tekuna Gachechiladze
Local Guide
Activist, Bon Vivant Natia Svanidze
Overview
Tbilisi and the Georgian Winelands 2027
There are few countries on earth with as fierce a hospitality culture as Georgia. Come experience the most well-connected week of insider access you can have to this incredible cuisine, shaped by the Silk Road and thousands of years of pride and innovation. Feast your way from the riverine capital Tbilisi to the miracles of southern Georgia, where cave monasteries and an ancient wine culture collide. Hosted and inspired by the adventure, curiosity, and connections of Georgia’s most celebrated chefs and winemakers. Moderate activity level. Vegetarian-friendly.
Transfer to Kakheti wine region, check into the elegant Vazisubani Resort
Wine tasting with Vincent Julliens at Lapati Wines, showcasing the art of making Qvevriwine
A relaxing dinner at Pheasant’s Tears in Sighnaghi with chef Gio Rokashvili and iconic winemaker John Wurdeman accompanied by one of Georgia’s best revival polyphonic choirs, Zedashe
Stop in the village of Ateni for lunch and a tasting at the winery of Nika Vacheishvili, former Minister of Culture and a world-class host and storyteller
Arrive in Tbilisi for a pre-dinner siesta
Dinner at the restaurant OtsY hosted by chef Giorgi Ninua
Free morning of shopping or coffee in Tbilisi’s ancient center
A visit to Tbilisi’s historic baths and their pools of hot, sulphur-rich water
Lunch at Keto & Kote for a modern twist on Georgia’s unrivaled cuisine
Farewell dinner at the historic mansion that houses Café Littera
Day
9
Farewell
September 27 · Monday
Last breakfast at Stamba Hotel
Private transfer to Tbilisi Airport
What’s Included
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as snacks and beverages between meals
All accommodations and transportation during the trip (except when taking a taxi or ride app independently during unscheduled time)
Expertise and services of our experienced trip leaders: at least one guide and one host per trip
Additional guides and experts from the region
Transfers to and from the airport or wherever you are on the day the trip starts and ends
Daily Roads & Kingdoms gifts, notes, and playlists related to the themes, activities and narratives of each trip
All gratuities for accommodations, meals, guiding or transport
What’s Not Included
International airfare to and from the journey (note: some trips begin and end at different airports)
Transfers on days that fall outside of the trip dates
Personal bar tabs (when not with the group)
Personal laundry or spa services
Personal travel insurance
FAQ Questions
What makes the Western Cape a unique destination for food, wine, and culture?
The Western Cape is a region of incredible diversity, offering a mix of cultures and landscapes that range from vibrant cities like Cape Town to the tranquil vineyards of Stellenbosch and Bot River. Known for its world-class wine regions, rich history, and unique fusion of culinary influences (Malay, Indian, and European), this region presents a gastronomic paradise. From exploring the local food markets to tasting award-winning wines, the Western Cape is a destination that celebrates both its cultural heritage and natural beauty.
What destinations are included in the itinerary?
The journey begins in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, and extends to the Kakheti wine region and the Vardzia cave monastery complex, offering a rich blend of urban and rural experiences.
Who are the guides for this trip?
Participants will be guided by Tekuna Gachechiladze, renowned as the godmother of New Georgian Cuisine; Katy Cole, a chef and raconteur; and Natia Svanidze, an activist and bon vivant.
What culinary experiences are included?
Travelers will enjoy a variety of culinary delights, including:
A walk through Dezerter Bazaar Market with writer Paul Rimple, followed by a market lunch.
Dinners at esteemed restaurants like Shavi Lomi and Salobie Bia.
A supra feast in wine country with Chef Tekuna Gachechiladze and winemaker Irakli Bluishvili.
Do I need a visa to travel to Georgia?
U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 365 days in Georgia. A valid passport with at least three months’ validity is necessary.
What health and safety measures should I consider before traveling?
Travelers are advised to ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date and to consult with a healthcare provider for any additional recommended vaccinations or health precautions specific to Georgia.
What kind of accommodations will be provided?
Guests will stay at:
Stamba Hotel in Tbilisi, known for its ultra-stylish ambiance.
Vazisubani Estate in the Kakheti region, offering elegant accommodations.
Vardzia Resort, providing proximity to the historic Vardzia cave monastery complex.
How can I sign up or get more details about the trip?
To book your spot or request more information, visit the official trip page and click “Inquire Now” to contact the organizing team.
What cultural activities are included?
The itinerary includes:
A visit to the Nekresi Monastery for a private tour.
A hike to Chachkari village, known for its ancient wine-supplying history.
Participation in tenili cheese-making and Meskhetian dumpling preparation in Chobareti village.
Meet Our Hosts
Culinary Guide
Tekuna Gachechiladze
Chef, Restaurateur, Pioneer
Often called the “godmother of Georgia’s culinary revolution,” Tekuna Gachechiladze has spent the past two decades reinventing her country’s traditional cuisine, recuperating lost food traditions with an inventive, contemporary approach. Our culinary guide and spirit animal of this trip, she is the chef-owner of Café Littera in Tbilisi, the restaurant where New Georgian cuisine took shape. She won’t be joining us for the whole journey but will be hosting us for several dinners and played a crucial role in helping us put together this epic journey through her homeland.
Local Guide
Natia Svanidze
Bon Vivant, Activist
Natia Svanidze is one of the most remarkable guides in the League family: a perfect multitool of hosting, toasting, fixing, arranging, celebrating, and advocating. With many years in her country’s political arena, she remains a passionate evangelist for Georgian independence and the country’s European future. This week is a perfect encapsulation of her take on life in Georgia: fierce, fun, fascinating.
Where You’ll Stay
Stamba Hotel
The new spirit of Tbilisi
Set within the former printing press of a Soviet-era publishing house in the historic Vera neighborhood of Tbilisi, Stamba is one of the world’s most stylish boutique hotels. Its daring “wild urbanist” construction includes large warehouse windows and internal steel balconies that line the hotel’s upper levels. The former print-drying beam is used to support the foliage that dominates the five-story-high atrium of the hotel’s “jungle lobby.” Supremely alluring, inventive, and rich with history, Stamba embodies the new spirit of Tbilisi.
Vazisubani Estate
OLD WORLD ELEGANCE
In Kakheti, our group is taking over the stately Vazisubani Estate, one of the finest rural properties in Georgia, with a neoclassical elegance and of course an infinity pool looking out toward the towering Caucasus Mountains. Built by a renowned Georgian nobleman and winemaking pioneer, the 19th-century estate was repurposed into a boutique hotel replete with gardens and an extensive wine cellar. The estate is set within a dendrological garden surrounded by vineyards stretching over 35 hectares and a parkland that’s home to some of the oldest and rarest trees in the region.
Communal Hotel Kutaisi
Imereti Enclave
Kutaisi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth—former capital of ancient Colchis, home to a UNESCO-listed cathedral, and gateway to the winelands of Imereti. Communal Hotel brings the sensibility of a great boutique property to a city that deserves one: thoughtfully designed, socially spirited, and rooted in the character of its neighborhood. A perfect base for our days in western Georgia.
Georgia is an extraordinary place—the indomitable spirit of the people, the amazing food and wine culture, the jaw-dropping scenery.
Traveler
Tbilisi and the Western Winelands 2024
The traditional Supra feast at the country estate of Georgia’s most famous chef was an evening I will remember for the rest of my life.
Kevin V.
Tbilisi and the Western Winelands 2024
It was better than I could have hoped. Every day was even better than the last.
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