Nightlife
9 Best Wine Bars in Tbilisi, Georgia (Local's Guide to Tbilisi Wine)
Discover Tbilisi's best wine bars, from the legendary 8000 Vintages to hidden natural wine cellars. A local's guide to wine bars in Tbilisi.
Georgia claims 8,000 years of winemaking history - and nowhere feels that heritage more than its capital.
Tbilisi's wine bar scene has exploded in recent years, with everything from polished tasting rooms to candlelit cellars pouring rare qvevri wines you won't find anywhere else.
I've spent countless evenings working my way through the city's best spots, and these nine bars consistently deliver on wine quality, atmosphere, and that warm Georgian hospitality that keeps you lingering far longer than planned.
9 Best Wine Bars in Tbilisi
1. 8000 Vintages
If you only visit one wine bar in Tbilisi, make it 8000 Vintages. Named for Georgia's 8,000-year winemaking tradition, this bar and shop carries the largest selection of Georgian wines in the country - we're talking well over 1,000 labels at any given time, all hand-picked by sommelier staff through rigorous blind tastings.
What sets this place apart is their commitment to discovery. An independent committee tastes around 100 new wines monthly, cherry-picking the best from vineyards large and small across all Georgian regions. The result is a collection that showcases everything from major producers to tiny family operations you'd never stumble upon otherwise.
For something more structured, book a sit-down degustation. Starting from 45 GEL per person, you'll taste four wines alongside a beautifully curated cheese and charcuterie board, with a sommelier walking you through the history and nuances of each pour. These sessions run weekdays between 1pm and 7pm - reservations are essential.
They've expanded to four Tbilisi locations plus one in Batumi and even Berlin, but the original Saburtalo branch remains my favorite for its spacious, industrial-chic setting.
Address: 26 Sulkhan Tsintsadze St (Saburtalo) | Also at Revaz Tabukashvili 27, Irakli Abashidze 60, and Tskneti Highway 15
Hours: Daily until 1:00 AM
Website: 8000vintages.ge
2. Vino Underground
This brick-vaulted cellar near Freedom Square holds a special place in Tbilisi's wine history - it was the city's first bar dedicated exclusively to natural wines when it opened back in 2012. Co-founded by John Wurdeman of Pheasant's Tears fame along with several other prominent Georgian winemakers, it remains the beating heart of the country's natural wine movement.
The atmosphere varies wildly depending on when you visit. Drop by on a quiet afternoon and you'll find a cozy spot to read and sip. Return on a busy evening and you might find yourself pulled into a spontaneous supra with winemakers, sommeliers, and fellow enthusiasts from around the world. Live music - often local rock and punk bands - is a regular occurrence.
The wine list here is unmatched for serious qvevri offerings. You'll find completist selections from now-famous producers like John Okro and DoReMi alongside newer names and experimental vintages you simply won't see elsewhere. Some bottles arrive without labels, straight from winemakers who don't sell commercially. The staff have deep connections to the scene and can offer genuine insight into what's happening in Georgian natural wine right now.
Four-wine tastings are available, or just order by the glass with simple accompaniments - think bread with sunflower oil, local cheeses, and cured meats. Come hungry for conversation, not dinner.
Address: 15 Galaktion Tabidze St (Sololaki)
Hours: Daily 12:00 - 23:00
3. g.Vino
Tucked into Old Tbilisi just steps from Peace Bridge, g.Vino has been a local favorite since 2015 for its thoughtful approach to natural wine and food pairing. The concept draws from Spanish tapas bars - small plates designed to complement whatever you're drinking - but the execution is distinctly Georgian.
The interior is bohemian and intimate, with whitewashed brick, wood details, and seats covered in traditional Georgian weaving patterns. It feels like drinking in someone's beautifully curated living room. In summer, grab a table on the outdoor terrace for prime people-watching.
The wine selection focuses on organic and natural bottles from small producers, including some rare offerings you won't find in shops. Tell your server what you like and they'll bring something perfect - this isn't a place for poring over lengthy menus. The food matches beautifully: Georgian tapas like spinach khachapuri, house-made croquettes, and seasonal plates featuring fresh local ingredients.
Wine tastings of three or five wines are available if you want a more guided experience. Just know that g.Vino gets busy, especially on weekends - book ahead in summer.
Address: 6 Erekle II St (Old Tbilisi)
Hours: Mon-Thu 6:00 PM - midnight, Fri-Sat 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Sun 6:00 PM - midnight
4. DADI Wine Bar & Shop
Since 2017, this cozy spot just off Freedom Square has become a pilgrimage site for natural wine enthusiasts. The owners moved from Moscow specifically to open a natural wine bar in Tbilisi, and their passion shows in every detail - from the thoughtfully lit wall map showing where each bottle originates to the genuinely knowledgeable staff.
DADI stocks over 500 wines from small artisan wineries across Georgia, all practicing organic or biodynamic methods. The by-the-glass selection is impressive, with roughly 30 offerings rotating daily. Their chacha (Georgian grape brandy) selection deserves attention too, especially bottles made from grape skins used to age qvevri wine.
Unlike some natural wine bars that treat food as an afterthought, DADI takes eating seriously. The menu changes seasonally with dishes cooked to order from local produce. I'm partial to the bruschetta and charcuterie pairings, though the pulled pork sandwich has a devoted following. They also serve breakfast - yes, wine with breakfast is perfectly acceptable in Georgia.
The formal tasting experience includes five wines with cheese pairing for 50 GEL, or you can do a simplified three-glass flight for 30 GEL. Either way, the staff will tailor recommendations to your preferences rather than pushing expensive bottles.
Address: 4 Shalva Dadiani St (Sololaki)
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM (Monday from 2:00 PM)
Website: dadi.wine
5. Craft Wine Restaurant
Set inside a 19th-century nobleman's townhouse in the historic Plekhanovi district - reportedly once home to Alexandre Dumas during his Georgian travels - Craft might have the largest natural wine list in all of Tbilisi. The building alone is worth the visit, with its intimate garden courtyard creating a transportive atmosphere.
The team behind Craft comes from Communal Hospitality, known for high-quality restaurants and hotels across Georgia. Their approach here is biodynamic and natural wines from small producers in every Georgian region, paired with an extensive seasonal menu rooted in Georgian culinary heritage.
Food is substantial and creative: vegetarian specials, sizzling kebabs and cuts from the charcoal grill, freshly baked lavash straight from the oven, and an outstanding selection of cured meats and cheeses. The pkhali (vegetable and walnut spreads) paired with their house wine is an ideal way to start an evening.
The vibe is dynamic and slightly more upscale than some others on this list - think well-curated music, friendly service, and a crowd that skews toward wine enthusiasts who appreciate both quality and atmosphere. Book ahead, especially for the garden seating.
Address: 9 Giorgi Leonidze St (Plekhanovi)
Hours: Mon-Thu 3:00 PM - midnight, Fri 3:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Sat 1:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Sun 1:00 PM - midnight
Website: craftwinerestaurant.com
6. Sulico Wine Bar
Sulico feels like a secret garden that only locals know about - though word is spreading. Nestled in a sunken courtyard in the historic Vera district, the space shimmers with fairy lights strung through a big tree, murals adorning the walls, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you lose track of time entirely.
Owner Baia returned to Tbilisi after 18 years in the United States specifically to create this space, and her understanding of hospitality shines through. The wine selection spans natural and conventional bottles from all Georgian regions, with a focus on smaller producers. Skip the menu - tell your server what you like and trust their recommendations.
The food walks the line between Georgian tradition and modern refinement: stuffed zucchini flowers, bean pate, tomato and burrata galette, baked trout in vine leaves, risotto with Svanetian cheese. Portions lean toward refined rather than massive Georgian feast-style, which works perfectly for an evening of wine tasting.
In summer, the courtyard is magical. In winter, they heat it so you can still enjoy that outdoor atmosphere. Live jazz sessions pop up regularly, adding another layer to an already charming evening. Reservations are recommended - this place fills up fast, even on weeknights.
Address: 27 Mikheil Zandukeli St (Vera)
Hours: Daily 12:00 PM - midnight
7. Wine Tower
Location, location, location. This three-story wine bar and shop sits in Old Tbilisi's heart, right next to the famous Tamada (Toastmaster) statue and within easy walking distance of Narikala Fortress, the cable car, and most major Old Town attractions. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views that justify an afternoon of wine tasting all by themselves.
The space works as both shop and bar - browse the extensive selection, then settle in for a tasting with the incredibly knowledgeable owner, Zura, who seems to know the story behind every bottle in the place. Unlike some tourist-heavy spots, the staff here genuinely try to understand your preferences rather than pushing expensive options.
Wine aside, they also stock Georgian chacha, cognac, and other local spirits. The tasting experience is relaxed and conversational, more like visiting a friend's private collection than a formal degustation. You can climb between floors, finding different nooks and seating areas, ending up on that terrace with views stretching across the old city.
Hours are generous - they're open daily until midnight, sometimes later - making this an ideal spot for a nightcap after exploring the Old Town.
Address: 1 Shardeni St (Old Tbilisi)
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - midnight (or later)
8. Saamuri
Hidden in a green corner of Fabrika - Tbilisi's famous creative complex in a former Soviet sewing factory - Saamuri takes a different approach to wine bar culture. The name comes from a traditional Georgian wine ladle, and the space channels that serving spirit with a laid-back, youthful energy.
What makes Saamuri special is their tap wine system. Yes, wine on tap. It sounds gimmicky but actually preserves freshness while keeping prices accessible. The selection spans Georgian natural wines plus interesting bottles from elsewhere in the world, appealing to the millennial and Gen Z crowd that frequents Fabrika without alienating serious wine enthusiasts.
The bar hosts regular cultural events, wine salons (especially a popular annual natural wine fair each May), and music sessions that spill out into Fabrika's bustling courtyard. The atmosphere is casual and inviting - come as you are, stay as long as you like.
Saamuri works beautifully as part of a bigger Fabrika evening. Grab dinner at one of the complex's many restaurants, then migrate here for wine before checking out whatever music or art event is happening that night.
Address: D. Aghmashenebeli Ave 132 (inside Fabrika)
Hours: Daily, late
9. Azarphesha
This is where wine, food, and Georgian culture converge in the most transporting way possible. Azarphesha - named for the ceremonial silver ladle nobles once used to drink wine at special toasts - is part restaurant, part museum, part living cultural experience.
Owner Luarsab Togonidze is a folklorist, collector, and cultural preservationist who also runs a fashion brand reviving traditional Georgian clothing. His restaurant, co-developed with John Wurdeman of Pheasant's Tears and Vino Underground fame, showcases ethnographic wine artifacts throughout - ceramic drinking vessels, decanters, traditional drinking horns displayed on glass shelves. The atmosphere feels like dining in a private collection.
The menu focuses on wild, seasonal, and strictly local ingredients. Spring might bring nettle pilaf or meatballs in sorrel sauce; fall could feature baked polenta with foraged mushrooms. The wine list spotlights small artisanal qvevri producers, including Pheasant's Tears alongside treats from Ramaz Nikoladze and other serious names.
The real magic? Spontaneous Georgian polyphonic singing. Luarsab himself is a fine singer, and guests often break into song at the tables. If you're lucky enough to be there when it happens, you'll understand why UNESCO inscribed Georgian polyphony as a masterpiece of intangible heritage. The restaurant can also arrange musicians on request.
Address: 2 Pavle Ingorokva St (near Freedom Square)
Hours: Daily 12:00 PM - midnight
Phone: +995 598 466 663
FAQ
What is qvevri wine?
Qvevri wine is made using Georgia's ancient method of fermenting wine in large clay vessels called qvevri, buried underground. The technique dates back 8,000 years and was recognized by UNESCO in 2013. Many qvevri wines ferment with skins, seeds, and stems, producing the amber wines Georgia is famous for.
What is amber wine and why is Georgia known for it?
Amber wine is white wine made by fermenting grapes with their skins for extended periods, similar to red winemaking. This skin contact produces a golden or amber color and tannic structure. Georgia pioneered this technique thousands of years ago, and the style has gained global recognition as wine enthusiasts discover these complex, food-friendly wines.
Do Tbilisi wine bars serve food?
Most Tbilisi wine bars serve at least cheese and charcuterie boards, and many offer full menus. Georgian wine culture emphasizes food pairing - drinking without eating is considered bad form. Spots like Craft Wine Restaurant, Sulico, and Azarphesha offer substantial dining alongside their wine programs.
How much do wine tastings cost in Tbilisi?
Formal tastings typically range from 30-50 GEL (roughly $10-18 USD) for flights of 3-5 wines, often including cheese pairings. Wine by the glass starts around 6-8 GEL at most bars. Compared to Western European wine destinations, Tbilisi offers exceptional value for quality.
What grape varieties should I try in Georgia?
Start with Saperavi for reds - it's Georgia's flagship dark grape. For whites and ambers, try Rkatsiteli, Kisi, and Mtsvane. Regional specialties include Chinuri from Kartli, Tsolikouri from Imereti, and Krakhuna. Georgian winemakers cultivate over 500 indigenous grape varieties, so there's always something new to discover.
Are English menus available at Tbilisi wine bars?
Yes, most wine bars in tourist areas offer English menus and staff who speak English. More importantly, sommeliers and servers are usually happy to explain wines verbally and pour samples before you commit to a glass or bottle.
What time do wine bars open in Tbilisi?
Opening times vary, but most wine bars open between noon and 5 PM and stay open until midnight or later. Some spots like DADI serve breakfast and open at 10 AM. Tbilisi's nightlife runs late, so don't be surprised to find bars lively well past midnight on weekends.
Is it necessary to book wine tastings in advance?
For formal degustation experiences, especially at 8000 Vintages, reservations are essential. For casual visits where you'll order by the glass, booking isn't usually necessary. That said, popular bars like Sulico and Kancellaria fill up quickly on weekends - a quick reservation call never hurts.
Can I buy bottles to take home from Tbilisi wine bars?
Absolutely. Most wine bars double as shops, and staff can help you select bottles for travel. Some offer discounts on bottles purchased to go. Wine makes an excellent Georgian souvenir, and many labels aren't exported, so buy what you love while you can.
What's the best area for wine bar hopping in Tbilisi?
The Old Town and Sololaki neighborhoods offer the highest concentration of wine bars within walking distance. You could easily hit Vino Underground, DADI, and several others in one evening. Vera district has clusters too, including Wine Factory No. 1's multiple venues.
Do I need to tip at wine bars in Tbilisi?
Tipping isn't mandatory in Georgia but is appreciated, especially for good service. Around 10% is generous. Many wine bars include service charges for large groups or formal tastings.
Conclusion
Tbilisi's wine bars offer something for every palate and mood - from the polished professionalism of 8000 Vintages to the underground intimacy of Vino Underground. The real joy is in the exploration: ordering something unfamiliar, trusting a sommelier's recommendation, and discovering why Georgian wine has captivated drinkers for eight millennia. Don't overthink it. Find a bar that speaks to you, settle in, say "gaumarjos" (cheers), and let the glasses keep coming.
