City of Love Sighnaghi, Kindzmarauli Corporation, Wine tasting

REVIEW · TBILISI

City of Love Sighnaghi, Kindzmarauli Corporation, Wine tasting

  • 5.04 reviews
  • 11 hours (approx.)
  • From $14.00
Book on Viator →

Operated by ushba travel · Bookable on Viator

A long day, but the stops feel like they fit together. I like how this tour mixes Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino with Sighnaghi’s famous “City of Love” streets and views, then tops it off with a real winery visit at Kindzmarauli Corporation. One thing to watch: the full day runs about 11 hours, and food plus optional wine extras aren’t fully covered.

You’ll get comfortable transport from Alani1 Vakhtang Gorgasali St, Tbilisi, Wi‑Fi in the car, and bottled water in summer months (May to October). My other favorite part is the pacing: you’re not just dropped at one place and rushed out—you get a proper block of time for walking and tasting at the key stops. If you’re hoping everything is included (especially wine and meals), budget for add-ons.

Key highlights you shouldn’t miss

City of Love Sighnaghi, Kindzmarauli Corporation, Wine tasting - Key highlights you shouldn’t miss

  • Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino and the legend tied to St. Nino’s burial place
  • Signagi city walls with plenty of time to wander and soak up the “City of Love” vibe
  • Kindzmarauli Corporation workshops connected to an old winery tradition (construction dates back to 1533)
  • Free two-time wine tasting so you get the main flavor without overspending
  • Churckhela master class at Fortress of Chailuri, with a quick, local sweet stop
  • Small group size (maximum 15) that keeps the day from feeling chaotic

Starting in Tbilisi: a small group, 9:00 a.m. pickup, and comfy ride time

City of Love Sighnaghi, Kindzmarauli Corporation, Wine tasting - Starting in Tbilisi: a small group, 9:00 a.m. pickup, and comfy ride time
This is a full-day outing that begins at 9:00 a.m. back at Alani1 Vakhtang Gorgasali St, Tbilisi and returns to the same meeting point. The “small” part matters: the maximum group size is 15, which usually means you spend more time looking at places and less time waiting for roll calls.

You travel in a comfortable ride with Wi‑Fi in the car, and in warm months you also get bottled water (May to October). That may sound like a minor detail, but on a day that’s about 11 hours, it helps you stay focused on the sights and not on logistics.

You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in Tbilisi

Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino: quiet spiritual stop with a story behind the spring

City of Love Sighnaghi, Kindzmarauli Corporation, Wine tasting - Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino: quiet spiritual stop with a story behind the spring
Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino is the kind of place where your head naturally slows down. You’ll spend about one hour here, with the admission ticket included.

What makes Bodbe worth your attention is the combination of faith, setting, and story. The monastery is where St. Nino is said to be buried, and you’ll hear the legend connected to why she rests here in Bodbe. Even if you’re not traveling as a religion-focused visitor, the way the tour frames it helps you understand why generations of believers come to this spot.

The monastery area also includes a holy spring. You can plunge into the water there (as the tour describes), and that’s a very practical clue for how seriously local people treat the site. If you want to take part, plan on changing clothes later—or at least bring something you don’t mind getting wet—because this is not just a photo stop.

A possible drawback: one hour can feel short if you’re the type who likes to linger in courtyards or read details slowly. Still, for a day trip that also includes Sighnaghi and wine tasting, it’s a sensible amount of time.

Signagi city walls and the City of Love walk: views, legends, and time to roam

Next comes Signagi—and yes, it really earns the nickname the City of Love. You’ll get about three hours here, and the stop includes the admission ticket. One of the best parts is that you’re not trapped indoors. The tour puts you on and around the city’s walls, which is where Signagi shows off.

You’ll also connect the town to a very Georgian romance story: it’s linked to Niko Pirosmani, including the idea behind the song A Million Scarlet Roses. That’s the kind of cultural detail that helps your walking make sense. Instead of just seeing pretty streets, you understand why people come here for love-themed rituals and photos.

Another practical reason to love this stop: three hours is enough time to do more than a quick circuit. If you want to take a breather, grab photos, and still eat lunch without rushing, this is the sweet spot.

One consideration: if you’re sensitive to hills and walking on old stone paths, Signagi’s wall areas can be a lot in one day. Comfortable shoes matter more here than at the monastery.

Kindzmarauli Corporation near Kvareli: what the winery visit really gives you

City of Love Sighnaghi, Kindzmarauli Corporation, Wine tasting - Kindzmarauli Corporation near Kvareli: what the winery visit really gives you
Now for the wine part. The stop at Kindzmarauli Corporation in Kvareli lasts about two hours, and the tour description notes that the admission ticket is not included for this segment.

That sounds like a downside, but the good news is in what’s included: you get free two-time wine tasting as part of the tour. So you still taste, and you still experience the winery environment, without having to pay for the tasting basics separately.

Why this winery stop feels meaningful: you’re visiting the workshops of the oldest winery in the area, with construction dating back to 1533. That time depth gives context. It’s not just a tasting room with generic pours; it’s framed as an ongoing winemaking tradition tied to the Kindzmarauli microzone.

What you should plan for here:

  • If you’re a serious wine person, you may want to add extra tastings later (the tour lists paid options).
  • If you’re just looking for a fun tasting and a taste of Georgian wine culture, the included two-time tasting is likely enough.

Fortress of Chailuri: churckhela master class and a sweet Georgian finish

City of Love Sighnaghi, Kindzmarauli Corporation, Wine tasting - Fortress of Chailuri: churckhela master class and a sweet Georgian finish
The last major stop is the Fortress of Chailuri area, with about 40 minutes on the schedule. This is where you get a Churcxela master class (spelled that way in the tour info), plus the chance to taste traditional Georgian sweets.

This is the portion I’d recommend even if you’re not obsessed with wine. It’s fast, hands-on in concept, and it turns the day from scenic walking into something you can actually remember with your taste buds. It also gives you a break before heading back to Tbilisi.

Because it’s only 40 minutes, go in with a practical mindset: watch, learn the basic process, then enjoy the tasting right away. Don’t plan on this being a full workshop you can linger in for details.

Price and value: what $14 covers, and where you’ll spend extra

At $14.00 per person, the value mainly comes from transportation + guide service + the fact that key entrances are covered. Here’s what’s clearly included:

  • Comfortable ride and guide service
  • Wi‑Fi in the car
  • Bottled water in summer months (May to October)
  • Admission tickets included for Bodbe Monastery and Signagi
  • Admission ticket included for Fortress of Chailuri
  • Free two-time wine tasting

Where you should expect costs to add up:

  • Dinner isn’t included.
  • At the wine stop, there are optional paid tastings tied to dinner-style add-ons: the tour lists 4 Kindzmarauli wine tastings for $3, and Khareba tunnel tasting for $5, with a tunnel ticket costing $3.

Even if you don’t buy the tunnel add-ons, it’s smart to keep cash/card ready for food and any extra tastings you choose. The overall design of the day seems to keep the basics covered, then gives you room to customize if you want more.

One more “value” tip: because this is a long day, I’d rather you spend on one or two meaningful add-ons than on random snacks. Use the free wine tasting as your baseline, then decide if you want to go further.

Who this day trip fits best (and who should reconsider)

City of Love Sighnaghi, Kindzmarauli Corporation, Wine tasting - Who this day trip fits best (and who should reconsider)
This tour makes sense if you want a classic Georgian day without complicated planning. It’s a good match for:

  • People spending limited time in the Tbilisi area and wanting a full outing
  • Anyone who likes combining church heritage, town walking, and wine culture
  • First-timers who appreciate a guide framing what you’re seeing

You might want to rethink if:

  • You dislike long days (it’s about 11 hours)
  • You hate walking on uneven paths and hills—Signagi’s wall area is likely to require comfortable footwear
  • You want all food and all wine extras fully included with no extra spending decisions

Should you book this Bodbe–Signagi–Kindzmarauli day trip?

City of Love Sighnaghi, Kindzmarauli Corporation, Wine tasting - Should you book this Bodbe–Signagi–Kindzmarauli day trip?
I’d book it if you want a day that feels like three chapters—spiritual Bodbe, romance-and-walls Signagi, and structured wine time at Kindzmarauli—without paying big money for every individual piece. The small group limit of 15, Wi‑Fi, and the free two-time tasting help keep it enjoyable and not stressful.

If you’re the type who treats tours like buffet plans, do the math first. Base price covers a lot, but dinner and optional wine extras can take you over budget if you let it. I like having choices—but I also like knowing where the bill could grow.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the tour start and where do I meet?

It starts at 9:00 a.m. and the meeting point is Alani1 Vakhtang Gorgasali St, Tbilisi, Georgia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 11 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

What parts of the day include tickets?

Tickets are included for Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino, Signagi City Walls, and Fortress of Chailuri. The Kindzmarauli Corporation wine house admission ticket is noted as not included.

Is wine tasting included?

Yes. The tour includes free two-time wine tasting.

What meals are included?

Dinner is not included. The info specifically lists dinner as additional cost options linked to tastings.

Do I need to buy extra wine tastings or a tunnel ticket?

Optional add-ons are listed with costs: 4 Kindzmarauli wine tastings ($3) and Khareba tunnel tasting ($5), plus the tunnel ticket costs $3.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Tbilisi we have reviewed

Explore Georgia