5 Unique Wine Bars in Tbilisi Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia has some incredible and unique wine bars that are scattered throughout this bustling city. In recent years, Georgia’s wine scene has started attracting worldwide attention. Wine in Georgia or Tbilisi is nothing new, in fact, there’s evidence that this country may just be the birthplace of wine. The people of Georgia have been perfecting wine production for the past 8,000 years.
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, and the culinary traditions are holding quite strong for a region that is modernizing quickly. The traditional production method of using the clay qvervi as a fermenting vessel is oftentimes used, but this traditional wine is being poured off in new and exciting venues and wine shops. Some winemakers are using alternative production means by blending the old grapes with the modern “European method.” (As in more modern than 8,000 years old…)
Sipping on wine is the perfect way to understand the city’s unusual blend of tradition and modern, a clashing taste of east meets west. There are intimate family cellars, cozy wine shops, and wine shops hiding below busy streets in underground bazaars.
Experience the buzz around Georgian wine, by visiting these five unique wine bars in Tbilisi.
Table of Contents
- Lerika Wine Cellar
- Tsangala’s Wine Shop & Bar
- Terrior Wine Bar/Shop
- Wine Gallery
- Pirosmani, Underground Wine Shop
- Want More Tbilisi?
- Don’t Miss the Kakheti Wine Region
- Unique Wine Bars in Tbilisi
Lerika Wine Cellar
Lerika Wine Cellar is a hidden and cozy little wine bar that feels like you are entering into a private home cellar. Which in fact, you kind of are. Nestled close to Tbilisi’s trendy Marjanishvili Street, this small space only has a few small tables. The decor screams traditional Georgian flair, but is simple and thoughtfully placed. Come here to be greeted by warm hosts that pour wine from generous carafes.
They do offer some food and snacks that pair nicely with the wine. This place is a hidden gem, but the perfect place to have a homey and cozy experience sipping on home produced wine. Lerika Wine Cellar sell wine to go in plastic jugs.
Find Them Here
- 4v Giorgi Mazniashvili St, Tbilisi 0102, Georgia
- Daily: 11:00 – 23:00
Tsangala’s Wine Shop & Bar
Tsangala’s Wine Shop & Bar has the most perfect outdoor garden patio to sip on some unique and excellent Georgian wines. Located on a more touristy street in Tbilisi, this wine bar still provides an intimate and personal setting.
The staff here is extremely knowledgeable about the diverse grape varietals of Georgia. They offer lots of classic Kakheti style wines, but also, some new European method blends. They love sharing their knowledge of their wines. Tell them what you prefer and they will match you with the perfect glass of wine. Many of their featured wines are from small batch family producers.
Tsangala’s is a little more expensive than some places, but with its prime location and highly professional staff, I didn’t mind spending a little more. The garden is quiet, but the nearby street is just lively enough for prime-time people watching.
In the old town of Tbilisi, this was one of my favorite wine shops to relax and enjoy the perfect glass of wine.
Find Them Here
- 12 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia
- Daily: 11:00 – 01:00
Terrior Wine Bar/Shop
Terrior Wine Bar/Shop is a small little wine bar and shop that is located on Tbilisi’s busy street of Nikoloz Baratashvili. This little wine shop features small family owned wineries that focus on wines that abstain from using chemicals and pesticides. There are organic nibbles to pair with a glass of wine.
For a small shop, there are a wide range of wines, and friendly staff that are happy to pour off small samples. Grab your favorite vintage and head outside to enjoy the wonderful chaos that is Tbilisi.
Find Them Here
- 8 Nikoloz Baratashvili St, Tbilisi 0105, Georgia
- Daily: 13:00 – 23:00
Wine Gallery
Wine Gallery is one of the most frequented wine shops in Tbilisi. Sip on Georgian wine from beautiful glassware in an ambiance that almost resembles a medieval castle. There is wine from draft and plenty of bottles lining the towering walls. The wine shop doesn’t have that cozy and traditional Georgian feeling, but a different unique vibe. The Wine Gallery is fancy, yet not too pretentious.
Find Them Here
- 39 Mikheil Tsinamdzghvrishvili St, Tbilisi 0102, Georgia
- Daily: 10:00 – 21:00
Pirosmani, Underground Wine Shop
Pirosmani can be found near the flower market at Orbeliani Sqaure, but don’t search for this wine bar on the street. Hidden in an underground shopping complex, or a bazaar, is Pirosmani. This is a unique wine shop, filled to the brim with bottles upon bottles of Georgian Wine. The friendly owner pours off generous samples of wine, and there is even a cozy and inviting little table to sample and have a glass. The underground bazaar is quite popular and common throughout Tbilisi. This one was filled with local people, yet quiet enough. Sip on and purchase wine from a truly authentic and local wine shop in Tbilisi.
Find Them Here
- Orbeliani Square, underground in the bazaar.
Bonus: One of the best assets of this awesome little wine shop is that it sells protective sleeves for transporting your favorite Georgian wines home! They are cheap insulated sleeves that helped me get 4 of my favorite wines through customs. Pirosmani was the only wine shop that had protective packing sleeves for transportation!
Want More Tbilisi?
There’s more to Tbilisi than just unique wine bars (there is!?!)! Make the most out of your time in Tbilisi with this best of Tbilisi 2 day itinerary. This guide features information about some worthwhile free walking tours, how to ride the scenic aerial tram, and how to climb the Narikala Fortress that overlooks the entire city. If looking to escape the pleasant chaos of the city, try soaking in the famed sulfur baths, or seek out solitude in a lovely “Italian Courtyard.”
Why not pair the perfect glass of wine with an yummy meal? Which BTW, Georgia’s cuisine is out of this world! There are a plethora of dinning options, but these were my favorite places to eat in Tbilisi.
Travel Deeper: 22 things you Must-Do in Tbilisi before leaving
Don’t Miss the Kakheti Wine Region
Those who want to dig deeper into the wine culture of Georgia should include a visit to the Kakheti wine region. Sighnaghi is an excellent village to explore Georgia’s most famous wine region. There are multiple maranis, Georgian for wine cellars, in the village of Sighnaghi. This village is especially appealing for those travelers without a car, because there are multiple maranis within walking distance in this little village. Sighnaghi is best explored with two days, but if short on time, it’s possible to explore Sighnaghi as a day trip from Tbilisi.
Suggested Itinerary: Spend 2 days in Sighnaghi sipping on wine
Visit little wine cellars and sip on wine that was produced using methods older than 8,000 years. In the wine cellars, look in the ground for the qvervi, or clay vessels, where the wine ferments. This wine production method is completely unique to Georgia. The white wines are referred to as amber, due to the coloring from the qvervi. The best part is, the wine is delicious and affordable.
Unique Wine Bars in Tbilisi
In conclusion, these 5 unique wine bars in Tbilisi are a great way to sample and taste Georgia’s famous and delicious wine. From cozy little family-run wine cellars to modern concept wine bars, Tbilisi has a wide range of wine venues to sip your way through this city. This metropolis is still finding its way in the tourism world, so the experience feels authentic.
The best way to discover the wines of Georgia is to explore the Kakheti wine region. This region is less than 2 hours away and there’s a possibility to visit many maranis. See wine makers using the traditional wine production methods with the clay qvevris. Those who don’t have time to make it to the wine region will not be disappointed sipping wine from the 6 unique wine bars in Tbilisi.
Have you been to Tbilisi, Georgia? Did you get a chance to sip on wine from any of these wine bars? Do you have a wine bar that you absolutely love that didn’t make my list? Let me know in the comments below!
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