About Wine Trails · Georgia

More Than a Journey.
A Georgian Story.

We believe the most memorable journeys are not measured in kilometres, but in people met, stories shared and friendships made along the way.

Our beginnings

A Lifetime of Exploring Georgia

Wine Trails grew from a lifelong fascination with Georgia — its history, landscapes, ancient traditions and extraordinary people.

Our founder, Zaza Makharadze, began his professional journey as a guide in 1987 at the David Gareji Museum and later spent more than a decade at the State Art Museum in Tbilisi. History, archaeology and the art of storytelling became the foundation of his approach to travel.

In 2001, Zaza established his own travel company to share a more personal vision of Georgia: journeys that reach beyond the familiar landmarks and bring guests closer to the living culture of the country.

Today, Wine Trails combines deep local knowledge with thoughtfully planned, tailor-made experiences across Georgia.

Zaza guiding guests through Georgian cultural heritage
1987

The beginning of a professional guiding journey.

2001

The founding of our independent travel company.

Today

Personal journeys, local connections and a welcoming home in Kakheti.

The friendship behind the winery

Two Friends. One Lifelong Story.

Some stories begin with a business plan. Ours began in a classroom in 1969.

Zaza Makharadze and Misha Memanishvili, lifelong friends and winery co-founders

Zaza & Misha

Zaza Makharadze and Misha Memanishvili first met as schoolchildren in 1969. What began as a childhood friendship grew into a lifelong bond, shaped by decades of shared memories, conversations and dreams.

Years later, that friendship inspired a new chapter: creating a traditional winery in the village of Ikalto, in the heart of Kakheti.

Wine Trails Winery is more than a place to taste wine. It is a home built around friendship, Georgian hospitality and the ancient craft of qvevri winemaking.

Made by friends, for friends.

When you visit us, we hope you feel less like a customer and more like a guest welcomed to our own table.

Visit Our Winery

The people behind every journey

Our Team, Our Greatest Strength

Great travel experiences depend on people. We work with knowledgeable guides, reliable drivers, skilled hosts and trusted local partners who share our respect for Georgia and its guests.

01

Cultural & Heritage Guides

Bringing history, architecture, archaeology and Georgian traditions to life.

02

Adventure & Mountain Guides

Helping travellers explore the landscapes, trails and remote mountain communities of Georgia.

03

Drivers & Transport Partners

Supporting smooth, comfortable journeys with practical local route knowledge.

04

Wine & Culinary Hosts

Sharing the traditions of qvevri wine, Georgian cooking and the family table.

Individual team profiles and photographs will be introduced here over time.

Our philosophy

Travel as a Guest.
Leave as a Friend.

A journey should offer more than a checklist of sights. It should create a genuine connection with the place and its people.

Personal by Nature

We listen to your interests and shape each journey around your pace, curiosity and priorities.

Rooted in Heritage

We value the stories, crafts, architecture and customs that connect Georgia's past with its present.

Built on Relationships

We believe local encounters and genuine hospitality are what make a journey unforgettable.

Our home in Kakheti

Where the Journey Meets the Vineyard

In Ikalto, our story continues among vineyards, qvevri and the welcoming traditions of the Georgian table.

At Wine Trails Winery, guests can discover traditional winemaking, walk through the vineyard, taste our wines and experience the warmth of a Kakhetian gathering.

The winery is a special part of our story, but our journeys reach far beyond Kakheti — across the diverse regions, landscapes and cultures of Georgia.

Traditional qvevri winemaking at Wine Trails Winery in Ikalto

Explore with us

Georgia, Your Way

From ancient monasteries and lively cities to mountain trails and family wineries, we create journeys that reflect your interests.

Culture & Heritage

Discover the stories behind Georgia's ancient monuments, art and living traditions.

Wine & Culinary

Meet winemakers, taste regional specialities and experience the Georgian supra.

Nature & Adventure

Explore the Caucasus, mountain villages and Georgia's remarkable natural diversity.

Your journey begins here

Let's Create Your Georgian Story

Whether you have one afternoon or two weeks, tell us what inspires you. We will help you discover a Georgia that feels personal, memorable and truly your own.