{"id":122,"date":"2025-01-20T20:08:44","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T20:08:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/justtravellers.com\/?p=122"},"modified":"2025-04-01T11:05:39","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T11:05:39","slug":"armenien","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/20\/armenien\/","title":{"rendered":"A wine tour turned into a (crazy) party"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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A wine tour turned into a (crazy) party<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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How a seemingly dull, guided day trip became an unforgettable travel experience.<\/b><\/p>

By Jacob Vestervig<\/i><\/p>

January 10th, 2025<\/i><\/p>

After spending a few weeks in Georgia, we realized that with only a short time left, we still hadn\u2019t properly explored the country\u2019s famous wine region. Sure, we\u2019d been drinking plenty of homemade white wine in local restaurants alongside our almost-daily portions of khinkali, but we wanted more.<\/p>

We weren\u2019t sure which wineries and regions were worth visiting in the winter months, and we didn\u2019t feel like figuring it out ourselves\u2014renting a car and all that. A quick Google search led us to a tour designed specifically for the winter season: a small-group day trip in a minivan, including lunch, dinner, and visits to three wineries. We figured it was better than missing out on Georgia\u2019s wine culture entirely, even if we feared it might be a bit too touristy\u2014or, worst-case scenario, boring. (We\u2019re normally not into guided tours and similar experiences.)<\/p>

But to our surprise, the trip turned out to be absolutely fantastic\u2014hilarious, interesting, and far from ordinary!<\/p>

The Cast<\/b><\/p>

At 8 AM, right on time, our guide and driver picked us up for the day\u2019s adventure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

It took about an hour to collect the other six guests, and then we all headed east from Tbilisi\u2014a drive of about an hour and a half.<\/p>

Our driver spent the first part of the trip sharing a bit about himself and Georgia\u2019s centuries-old wine traditions. Then, one by one, we introduced ourselves:<\/p>

A newlywed couple from India on their honeymoon\u2014one worked in fashion, the other in software.<\/p>

A man from the U.S., living in Bali, teaching at an international school.<\/p>

A couple\u2014he from England, she from the Philippines\u2014living in Singapore; she teaches music, he\u2019s a consultant in the water sector.<\/p>

And then us, from the tiny island of Anholt, Denmark\u2014restaurant owners and travel bloggers among other things.<\/p>

Right from the introductions, there was an inexplicable chemistry between all of us. The conversation flowed effortlessly throughout the day, covering everything from religion, royalty, and politics to wild, funny, and sometimes disastrous travel and food experiences from around the world. It was a group full of great listeners, fascinating perspectives, and genuinely hilarious people. All fond of talking \u2014 sometimes, the guide barely got a word in!<\/p>

Winery Hopping<\/b><\/p>

Our journey took us to Kakheti<\/i>, the wine region covering almost a quarter of Georgia in the east.<\/p>

First stop was Giuaani Winery <\/i>in Manavi.<\/i>Even though it was off-season, we got a full tour of the winery\u2014from the vineyards to the bottling and packaging areas, and even their on-site restaurant. We were treated to a delicious, generous lunch paired with a tasting of six wines <\/b>(white, orange, and red). And, of course, the conversations kept rolling.<\/p>

The second stop was at Kerovani Winery<\/i> in Sighnaghi
After a short city tour of the charming village, we arrived at this cozy, family-run winery. Here, they use Georgia\u2019s ancient qvevri method\u2014fermenting wine naturally in large clay vessels buried underground. The hosts welcomed us with a full tasting and stories about their winemaking process. And by this point, let\u2019s just say not much of the wine was ending up in the spittoon\u2026<\/p>

After a 50-minute drive west, it was time for the grand finale <\/b>at <\/b>Burjanadze Wine Cellar<\/i> <\/b>in <\/b>Sagarejo
\u2014 for a mini-supra hosted by a Georgian family brewing their own wine right in their carport. They weren\u2019t just hobbyists, but professional winemakers producing wine using traditional methods.<\/p>

Thankfully, we had all taken a short power nap in the van, and we were about to need that energy!<\/p>

We Wake Up Again<\/b><\/p>

A little groggy from an afternoon of drinking and travel, we arrived at the family\u2019s home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

We were offered a Chacha<\/i>\u2014a strong spirit made from the leftover from the wine production\u2014alongside some light snacks. The chacha warmed us up and snapped us right out of our nap.<\/p>

After a quick introduction to their winemaking process, we were led inside for the real supra experience \u2013 read more about a supra here. The family\u2019s ordinary kitchen had produced an extraordinary spread of nearly every classic Georgian dish imaginable.<\/p>

And from that moment, the night exploded into something magical.<\/p>

Plates kept coming. Bottles of orange wine were opened one after another. We ate and drank with the grandmother (who spoke no English), the parents, the winemaker son (also our tamada or toastmaster), our guide, and each other.<\/p>

Our tamada? Absolutely legendary. He had us crying with laughter., he moved us with heartfelt, philosophical toasts and he played a ukulele and sang traditional folk songs.<\/p>

His father jumped on the piano, first playing American jazz, then Georgian melodies, with his son joining in. Then one of our fellow travelers took over the piano with a stunning song,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

and before we knew it, we were all dancing in the living room\u2014learning traditional Georgian moves before completely letting loose.<\/p>

It was crazy, hilarious, and completely authentic\u2014even though, yes, we technically paid for the experience.<\/p>

Eventually, our guide had to forcefully end the party\u2014it was late, it was dark, and we had a long drive home. Let\u2019s just say not everyone felt great in the van back to Tbilisi\u2026 but we\u2019ll leave that story untold.<\/p>

And the Price? An absolute steal.<\/p>

For everything\u2014a full-day guide, transport with home pick-up, fantastic lunch, an unforgettable supra, multiple wine tastings, tours, history, entertainment, and incredible new friendships\u2014we paid just 430 GEL per person (about \u20ac150 \/ $150 \/ DKK1,200).<\/p>

Worth every penny\u2014and then some.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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