Qvevri vs Classical Wine Tasting on Griboedov Street

The Qvevri vs Classical Wine Tasting on Griboedov Street is a 90-minute tasting in a courtyard restaurant on Griboedov Street in Old Tbilisi, Georgia. The listing appears on Expedia and Travelocity, and the exact venue is confirmed at booking. The tasting compares two winemaking approaches: the traditional qvevri method, in which grapes are fermented and aged in buried clay vessels, and the classical European method using steel or oak. This distinction is central to Georgian wine, and qvevri winemaking is recognised by UNESCO as part of the country's intangible heritage. The main package includes four Georgian wines, a plate of cheese, nuts and fruit snacks, and water. The food is light and savoury-leaning, with fruit as the sweet element, so the experience is a wine tasting with accompaniments rather than a meal. The price is USD 25 per adult (approx 66 GEL), and a cheaper version featuring two white and two red wines costs USD 16 (approx 42 GEL). Gratuities, extra glasses and bottles purchased afterwards are not included. Griboedov Street is a lively lane lined with restaurants, bars and wine cellars just off the main Rustaveli area, and the tasting takes place at a seated table rather than on a walk, so the pace is relaxed and suitable for visitors who prefer to sit. The session is delivered in English and is led by a host who explains the differences in colour, aroma and tannin between the two styles, particularly the amber or orange wines that qvevri fermentation on the grape skins can produce. Group size is not stated, but wine tastings of this type are usually small to medium sized. Vegetarians are generally catered for since the snacks are cheese, nuts and fruit, though anyone with allergies should mention them at booking. The tasting is a good primer for travellers planning to buy Georgian wine or to visit vineyards in Kakheti later in the trip.