Top 5 Mestia Wine Tours: Taste Svaneti’s Best
Svaneti, that wild, almost fairytale-like mountain region of Georgia, it’s probably known way more for its towering peaks and ancient watchtowers than, say, fine wine, yet that definitely doesn’t mean you can’t find some seriously wonderful wine experiences there! Tucked away in this remote area, Mestia acts a bit like a base camp for explorers and, yes, wine fans, too. So, if you’re thinking of heading there and doing a little – or a lot – of wine tasting, this is your guide. It’s designed to show you the cream of the crop. Get ready to discover my choices for the top 5 Mestia wine tours. This review should definitely help you to get the most from your visit. And remember to read our full review: Mestia Wine Tours Full Review and Details.
1. Svaneti Wine House: A Taste of Tradition
If you’re trying to soak in the full Svaneti vibe, The Svaneti Wine House tends to be a solid starting point. It really puts you smack-dab in the middle of regional winemaking practices. Expect pretty personal tours that often feel as if they are run by the family themselves. Plus, that adds such a cozy touch, you know? The wines here really shine a light on what Svaneti grapes have to offer, typically showcasing some seriously unique flavors you won’t easily find anywhere else. You might get to sample wines made from grapes you’ve possibly never heard of before, too. This can come along with some seriously delicious local snacks, which, really, is what wine tasting is all about! The setting is gorgeous. It usually involves some kind of rustic, traditional building with breathtaking views that stretch across the mountains. So, remember to See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Svaneti Wine House).
2. Dadi Wine Bar: Modern Tastes, Classic Views
Want something a little more contemporary? Then Dadi Wine Bar might just fit the bill! It balances things quite well. You have that wonderful backdrop of the Svanetian landscape and get to experience more modern vibes. They typically stock quite a range of Georgian wines here. I mean, they really know how to highlight different regions and vineyards across the country. So, you might sample something local to Svaneti, yet discover some wonderful wines from Kakheti too. This makes it a nice spot to almost compare and contrast and gain a bit of appreciation for the sheer variety Georgia can offer. Dadi’s usually a super nice place to chill. It can come complete with sleek decor and a fairly trendy atmosphere. That said, it tends to be very inviting to just about anyone who loves wine. Plus, the staff, I found, are very informed, actually, and can suggest a choice based on your preferences. Also, do that See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Dadi Wine Bar).
3. Ethnographic Museum Wine Cellar: History in a Glass
Okay, if you love a little dose of history together with your wine, the Ethnographic Museum Wine Cellar is an awesome pick. This place often provides a very special experience that you’d be hard-pushed to find anywhere else. Can you imagine wine tasting among artifacts? It usually gives you that extra little connection to Svaneti’s background and its history, too. They feature locally-produced wines here that tend to be made by some very traditional methods. This can highlight why the area’s winemaking has stuck around, almost untouched, for so long. Tastings may very well get presented with a historical spin, probably teaching you about how wine was consumed in Svaneti through the ages. Now, isn’t that something! The museum setting actually adds a really cool layer to your wine experience. This will very likely make it more than just drinking wine and feeling merry, you know? You are getting a culture boost, too! Anyway, See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ethnographic Museum Wine Cellar).
4. Old House Mestia: Rustic Charm and Regional Flavors
Old House Mestia usually captures what you’d picture a cozy, inviting Svanetian family home would be like. The owners often offer very warm hospitality. This comes coupled with a brilliant chance to taste home-brewed wines and regional dishes, usually adding up to an authentically charming experience. The wine is often locally sourced or made right there on the property, I mean, which really brings that personal, handcrafted feel to the forefront. Paired with dishes prepared using local recipes, probably passed down through generations, this usually delivers an outstanding glimpse into Svanetian culture. The ambiance here usually screams “laid-back”. With traditional décor and comfortable settings, they encourage you to relax and enjoy that food, the wine, and most importantly, the company. I mean, See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Old House Mestia)!
5. Private Vineyard Tours: A Personalized Experience
Okay, for those that definitely want to explore far, far beyond what most tourists see, it might be a pretty good idea to look into booking a private vineyard tour. Loads of local operators can give you that opportunity to tour the hidden gems spread around Svaneti. Tours often include transportation to secluded vineyards, which usually lets you see a much wider picture of that wine-making side. It also comes complete with the people who live and breathe it. Expect tastings. I mean, that really goes without saying, and they often will get personally led by the vineyard owners themselves! That way, you get amazing insights. Plus, you get the chance to ask any and all those burning questions you’ve probably been wanting to know. These tours typically customize themselves around what you’re hoping to experience. This probably means you can tailor it to specific grapes you really want to taste. This also stretches to finding out about specific wine-making processes that may have piqued your curiosity! Very likely an exceptional pick for those wishing to move away from the crowded tourist spots. I mean See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Private Vineyard Tours)!