What to See in the Alazani Valley: Monasteries and Wineries

The Alazani Valley is nestled at the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and is one of Georgia’s three main valleys, stretching approximately 200 km in length and 40 km in width. Named after the Alazani River, which meanders through the center towards the Azerbaijan border, this valley attracts tourists eager to take in breathtaking views of towering mountains set against lush pastures and fields, visit vineyards, and explore medieval monasteries.

The most popular tourist destination in the area is Sighnaghi. Here, you can visit monasteries, stroll along the historic wall, and enjoy stunning views of the Alazani Valley from a restaurant terrace. However, the valley has much more to offer.

The Alazani Valley lies at the heart of Kakheti, Georgia’s primary wine region, producing about 70% of the country’s wine. The local climate is ideal for viticulture, often compared to Napa Valley in California, southern France, and Tuscany in Italy. The soil is rich in nutrients and minerals, contributing to the deep flavors found in Kakhetian wines.

• Kvareli Wine Tunnel
  📍 41.982456802497836, 45.82562634631013
  This tunnel was carved into the rock in 1962 for the World Congress of Grapes and Wine. It maintains a temperature of 12-16 degrees Celsius year-round and stretches for 7.7 km. The Khareba Winery stores 26,000 bottles of white and red wine here.

• Kinzmarauli Winery
  📍 41.9442110494749, 45.81710459402799
  Located in central Kvareli, some buildings date back to the 16th century. The winery spans 300 hectares and features a hotel, restaurant, tasting rooms, and a shop for tourists.

• Granelli Winery
  📍 41.93941295573501, 45.8302545013717
  Conveniently accessible from Kvareli’s tunnel route, most wines here belong to the VIP segment and are exported; thus tourists can taste exclusive wines only on-site.

• Shumi Winery
  📍 41.90668478080364, 45.57074564594627
  Situated on the outskirts of Tsinandali, just 8 km from Telavi, this winery is near the Chavchavadze Museum-Estate, which is also worth a visit. Shumi produces wines such as Tsinandali, Saperavi, Kinzmarauli, and Mukuzani.

From personal experience:

My tour of the Khareba wine tunnel lasted about 15 minutes, during which I explored just 400 meters of the nearly 8 km tunnel that is open to visitors. After the tour, we enjoyed a tasting where we sampled two types of wine, which was included in the price of the tour. Once we finished exploring the cellar, I took some time to relax in the beautifully maintained grounds. There’s a viewing tower in the park that offers stunning views, and I even had the chance to purchase grape seed oil on-site.

In addition to wineries, the Alazani Valley is home to medieval fortresses and churches:

• Nekresi Monastery
  📍 41.97920903977949, 45.767126261188
  Founded around the 2nd-1st century BC in an ancient city; today it serves as an active monastery and an interesting tourist attraction with stunning views of the Alazani Valley.
• Gremi Castle
  📍 42.00864845570301, 45.661518573662775
  This architectural monument—comprising a citadel and church—overlooks the valley; it was built in the 16th century during King Levan’s reign when Gremi was declared the capital of Kakhetian Kingdom. The castle can be visited on your way from Telavi to Kvareli.
• Alaverdi Monastery
  📍 42.054391249517145, 45.382567647285136
  The Alaverdi Cathedral stands at a height of 55 meters and is considered Georgia’s second tallest religious structure after Tbilisi’s Holy Trinity Cathedral; it’s also known for its monks who produce their own “Monk’s Wine – Alaverdi Monastery Cellar” using traditional Georgian methods in qvevri vessels.

From personal experience:

Nekresi offers beautiful scenery with wonderful valley views but getting there on foot can be challenging (about 1.5 km uphill). You can take a monastery bus that transports tourists for just 2 lari and waits for half an hour. If you prefer not to rush, walking down is easier and more pleasant.

 

• By Minibus
  
  The Alazani Valley has two cities—Sighnaghi and Telavi—that can be reached by minibus from Tbilisi (costing about 7 lari with a travel time of around 2-2.5 hours). Minibuses drop passengers at a bus station where public transport does not reach attractions; alternative transport options must be sought. 
• By Taxi
  
  You can arrive at Sighnaghi or Telavi by minibus and then hire a taxi service. Regular taxi services do not operate in these cities; thus you should be prepared to negotiate with local drivers regarding fares that may not always be favorable for passengers. 
• By Rental Car
  
  This option offers convenience since you’re not tied to minibus schedules or taxi conditions but be ready for unique Georgian mountain road conditions and local driving styles. Budget for one day’s rental costs (starting from $40-50), fuel expenses (from $20), and a deposit. 
• On a Tour
  
  Georgian travel agencies offer day tours to Kakheti where you can visit attractions as part of a group or private excursion (starting from $100). 
• Private Transfer
  
  You can opt for private transfer services like GoTrip for an independent tour around Kakheti where travelers decide how many stops to make along the way without time limits affecting costs unlike taxis. You can visit wineries and taste wines without worrying about driving yourself.

Plan your trip to Kakheti on the website, with free return on the same day available. Various vehicle types are offered with local drivers who know how to reach attractions in Alazani Valley well.

Choose comfortable travel conditions that suit you and enjoy exploring Georgia!