Wine and stories in an old cellar.

This private tasting turns Tbilisi Old Town into something you can taste. I love the personalized attention that keeps the hour from feeling like a factory visit, and I also love the 200-year-old cellar setting, which makes every pour feel rooted in place. One consideration: timing can be fuzzy if you assume the booking platform picked a specific start time for you—confirm your slot with the operator so you’re not left waiting.

You’ll spend about an hour with an English-speaking host in a centuries-old wine cellar at 19 Vertskhli St. Expect five Georgian premium wines, Georgian national vodka chacha, and a Georgian cheese board, plus explanations about how Georgian winemaking works and what traditions shaped it.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Owner-led storytelling that links each wine to Georgian culture and winemaking history
• Five premium Georgian wines plus chacha, so you’re tasting beyond just one style
• A 200-year-old cellar in Tbilisi’s Old Town, with real period atmosphere
• Cheese board pairing designed for the tasting, not an afterthought
• Private group experience, so you can ask questions without a crowd interrupting

Why a Private Tasting Works in Tbilisi

Tbilisi has plenty of places that pour wine. The difference here is the setup: you’re not crammed into a big group while someone rushes through explanations. This is a private tasting, so you get a real back-and-forth with the person hosting you.

For me, the sweet spot is that the tasting is short—about one hour—but not shallow. You’re tasting multiple Georgian options, then getting the “why” behind them: what you’re drinking, how it’s made, and how Georgian tradition ties into the glass.

There’s also a practical bonus. If you’re traveling solo, this kind of private hour is usually easier than joining a group tour where you might feel awkward asking basic questions.

The 200-Year-Old Prince Karalashvili Wine Cellar

The tasting takes place in Prince Karalashvili’s wine cellar in Tbilisi Old Town. The setting is part of the experience: it’s about 200 years old, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a different pace of life.

The best part of a place like this isn’t just the age. It’s the “feel” of the room—the older furniture and period atmosphere that makes the explanations land better. When someone tells you how Georgian wine culture developed over time, you don’t have to imagine the past. The cellar helps you understand it faster.

Also, you’re starting and ending at the same spot: 19 Vertskhli St. That’s one less headache in a city where you’ll probably want to wander after the tasting.

What You’ll Taste: 5 Wines, Chacha, and Cheese

Your tasting menu is built around variety. You’ll try:

• Starter: Georgian cheese board
• Five different types of Georgian premium wine
• Georgian national vodka: chacha

That lineup matters. Georgian wine isn’t a one-note story, and tasting multiple wines back-to-back is the quickest way to start spotting differences in style. A cheese board also helps you keep your palate steady during the hour, and it gives you a local pairing that feels like part of the culture rather than a Western-style add-on.

The chacha component is a big deal for first-timers. It’s not just a random extra shot. In feedback, people often call out the chacha selection as a highlight—one reason this tasting can feel more like a curated Georgian experience than a generic tasting session.

One small consideration: you’re tasting alcohol (wine plus chacha). If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers to keep it light, tell the host your comfort level early. The session is short, so your pacing decisions matter.

How the Owner-Style Storytelling Changes the Pour

What makes this tasting feel special is the way it’s taught. The host (described as an owner) shares how the wine is made, where it comes from, and the story behind the wine cellar itself. You also get context about Georgia—history, traditions, and culture—because wine is treated as part of a bigger national narrative.

This isn’t “here’s a grape, move on.” The explanations connect the glass to the country. That’s why people consistently call the experience informative and charming, and why names like Mari and Anna show up in reviews as standout guides. The common thread is clear: they focus on techniques and stories in a way that works even if you’re not a wine connoisseur.

If you want value from this hour, plan to ask questions. Things like:

• What makes this wine Georgian specifically?
• How is Georgian winemaking different from what I’m used to?
• What should I notice when I taste?

Because it’s private, those questions don’t get brushed aside.

Timing, Pace, and Getting There on Foot

The tour runs for about 1 hour. You’ll meet at 19 Vertskhli St, Tbilisi and then return there when it ends. That makes it easy to slot into an afternoon in Old Town.

One practical tip: the activity listing shows very broad opening hours (daily, from 12:00 AM to 11:00 PM). But the exact start time for your private session is the part to watch. Reviews include issues caused by unclear timing details from the booking platform, with the operator asking guests to contact them directly using the phone number provided in the booking information so the host can schedule your preferred time.

So do this simple step:

• Confirm your start time directly with the operator before you head out.

It takes a minute and prevents the most common kind of travel frustration: arriving early, waiting, and wondering if your host is on a different schedule.

Also, the location is described as near public transportation, which helps if you’re coming from further up the hill or you don’t want to walk in the heat.

Is the Price Fair for a Private Wine Cellar Hour?

At $36.20 per person, this isn’t an ultra-budget stop. But for what you’re getting—private access, five wines plus chacha, a cheese board, and an owner-led explanation—it can feel like solid value.

Here’s the math that matters more than the total price:

• You’re not just buying drinks. You’re buying time with someone who explains Georgian wine history and winemaking.
• You’re not tasting one wine you’ll forget. You’re tasting several styles in one sitting.
• You’re doing it in a 200-year-old cellar setting, which adds genuine atmosphere without extra effort on your end.

If you’re comparing it to group tastings, the price can feel higher. But you’re also getting more attention, and an hour is enough time to learn without dragging the day out.

If you’re traveling as a solo person, the value improves in a different way: you get a private experience even without a built-in group.

Who This Tasting Is Best For (and Who Might Want Something Different)

This tasting fits best if you want three things: local culture, guided tasting, and time-efficient learning.

It’s especially good for:

• Wine-curious travelers who don’t want to guess what to order
• Solo travelers who prefer quiet, focused attention
• Couples and small groups who want to talk, not just sip
• People who want Georgian wine history explained in plain terms

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a long sit-down meal (this is around 1 hour)
• You dislike structured tastings and prefer casual, self-guided drinking
• You plan to show up without confirming your session time

Tips to Get More From Your Hour in the Cellar

Here are a few ways to make your one-hour tasting feel longer—in a good way.

• Tell the host your preferences early. Reviews mention that choices can be tailored to personal preferences, so speak up about whether you prefer white, red, or lighter styles.
• Move at your pace. You’ll sample multiple wines and chacha, so sip first, then adjust. Don’t force speed.
• Ask about the winemaking techniques. This is where the experience earns its keep. The story behind Georgian winemaking is a big part of what people praise.
• Try the chacha even if you’re unsure. If you’ve never had it, this is a safe first step because it’s presented as part of the tasting, not a random shot.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be in Old Town, and you’ll likely want to wander after the tasting.

Should You Book Prince Karalashvili’s Private Wine Tasting?

I think it’s a smart booking if you want an authentic Georgian experience without turning your day into a wine marathon. The biggest reasons to book are simple: private attention, a very old cellar setting, and a tasting that includes five wines plus chacha and cheese with explanations that connect wine to Georgian culture.

Skip it only if you’re chasing a super cheap option or you don’t want guided structure at all.

If you do book, do one key thing: confirm your start time directly with the operator using the contact info in your booking details. Then you can relax, taste, and actually learn something during that hour.

FAQ

How long is the private wine tasting in Tbilisi?

The tasting lasts about 1 hour.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 19 Vertskhli St, Tbilisi, Georgia, and it ends back at the meeting point.

What will I taste during the session?

You’ll taste five different types of Georgian premium wine, Georgian national vodka chacha, and you’ll also have a Georgian cheese board.

Is the experience private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What language is the tasting offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.