Georgia On My Mind: A Slow-Travel Family Trip Through Wine, Mountains & Memorable Meals

We embarked on this trip as a family—Archit (that’s me), Natasha, her mother, and her brother—to celebrate Natasha’s mother’s 60th birthday, a few weeks early. What followed was one of the warmest, most flavourful, and scenic experiences we’ve ever had.

Getting There

Flights to Georgia aren't as straightforward as they might seem. Routes that used to take five hours on Indigo now sometimes detour via Doha due to airspace restrictions. So before you depart, call your airline and confirm your flight plan—this small step can save you a lot of last-minute hassle.

Stop 1: Tbilisi – A City of Two Halves

We spent three days exploring Tbilisi, which is distinctly divided by a river:

The old side is touristy, charming—but a bit more expensive.
The newer side is local, vibrant, and easier on the wallet.

We stayed in an Airbnb but if you prefer hotels, these are excellent across Tbilisi:

Rooms Hotel – quirky and cinematic
IOTA Hotel – sleek, minimal, and central
Stamba Hotel – artsy sibling of Rooms with a chocolate café
Communal Hotel Sololaki – elegant Georgian home vibes

Food That Left an Impression

Sofia’s Dukaan – Our very first Georgian meal, tucked beneath grape vines. It was rustic, welcoming, and absolutely delicious.
GUM Bar (Fabrika) – Cocktails, donuts, and a buzzing, creative atmosphere.
Khash Khash – One of the best Georgian meals we ate. Be sure to try the pkhali: spinach with walnuts and beetroot walnut mash—heaven in a platter.
Pipes Burger – A solid, juicy emergency meal for when nothing else was open.
Shimomechama – Skippable.
WELLER – Attractive venue but food didn’t quite measure up.
Lolita – We loved the cafe: focaccia sandwiches, cocktails, churros, and a photo booth that captured one of our most adorable family snapshots.
Ratto – Fabulous modern Italian; one of the best changes of pace we had, especially for Indian palates, with warm service to match.
Shavi Coffee – Cool vibe, average brew.
Baba Coffee – Delightful pastries and fresh-baked treats.
Ashkara Falafel – On the street, run by friendly Swiss expats who even treated us to their signature wine–lemonade slushies.
Iyakobi Bar – A continental-style café inside a hotel—clean, calm, and satisfying.
Process Craft Beer Bar – A roadside gem serving local brews like NaturAle and Megobrebi. We stood outside, shared beers with strangers, and felt right at home.
Jusai Uyghur Cuisine – Next to Baba’s, serving hearty hand-pulled lagman noodles—a delicious, unexpected find.

Bonus: Natasha’s brother Nikhil curated a Google Maps list of hidden spots—perfect for spontaneous exploration.

Shopping in Tbilisi: Finds & Flavours

Dry Bridge Market – Cold War collectibles, vinyl, socks, and jewelry—perfect for treasure hunting.
Deserter’s Bazaar – Local flavor, produce, and pantry goods in a bustling setting.
Maidan Bazaar – Underground tourist hub—on the pricey side, but we still picked up a lovely local wine bottle.
Freedom Square – Lined with familiar brands; great for walks, cafés, and soaking in city life.

🎁 Best souvenir: Georgian pantry staples—Khmeli Suneli, Ajika powder, Blue Fenugreek, and Georgian saffron (marigold petals). Timeless and flavourful.

Off to Telavi – Wine, Peace & Escargot Stories

We skipped the famous three-hour drive to Kazbegi in favor of a slower, deeper dive into Telavi, the heart of Georgian wine country.

Getting There

Use GoTrip.ge for flexible, affordable rides. Our driver Grigol chauffeured us: Tbilisi → Telavi → Signagi → back for 900 GEL total. Smooth, local, and simple.

Staying at Lokokina Guesthouse

Lokokina (‘snails’ in Georgian) is a charming family guesthouse run by a French ex-chef and a Malaysian cookbook author—and their dog, Meme. They named it because the garden was crawling with snails when they arrived, and the French co-owner even makes escargot!

Built over three floors, with top rooms offering jaw-dropping mountain views
Organic garden with artichokes, edamame, herbs, and fruit
French-Malaysian breakfasts (at extra cost), fresh and generous
Hosts help you book tastings, rides, and local advice
Highly recommend spending at least two nights here.

Wine Tasting at Sisakheli Wines

We chose Sisakheli Wines for its authentic, grounded experience. Winemaker Simoni—a returnee who studied in Russia, worked in London blue-collar jobs after losing land post-USSR, and rebuilt from scratch—welcomed us warmly.

We tasted three wines:

A dry red
A dry white
An amber/orange wine, semi-sweet and our standout favourite

He paired them with fresh-baked bread and his own sunflower-seed oil, which added a delicious twist.

Where to eat

Okay so Telavi doesnt have a lot of food options. But Badia is one of the best Georgian restuarants that we went to. Its a local mom and pop joint that offers all the classic Georgian meals. We loved it so much we went there twice! So def go there.

Signagi: The City of Love (and Photos)

A day trip to Signagi will give you all the Instagram clichés: cobbled streets, pastel houses, heart-shaped arches, and souvenir photographers charging 5 Lari for props.

It’s Dubrovnik without the sea—compact, charming, and scenic. You don’t need the full day, but definitely take the time to soak in the views and snap a few.

Where We Ate

We had lunch at Panorama: great views, average fare. Natasha really liked the dolma, but the burger didn’t stand out. Our local hosts had also recommended Pancho Villa—a tiny Mexican spot known for great tacos, quesadillas, and margaritas—but regrettably, it was closed on Sunday (God’s Day).

TL;DR – Family-Friendly Georgia Tips

Flights: Double-check your routing before booking.
Accommodations: Family trip vibes suit both Airbnb and boutique hotels across Tbilisi.
Eating: Embrace Georgian food; mix it with Uyghur noodles or craft beer nights.
Shopping: Buy spices, not souvenirs.
Travel: Use GoTrip.ge for flexibility and local connection.
Wine: Skip big estates; choose intimate tastings like Sisakheli with real stories.
Stay: Spend time in Lokokina Guesthouse for that garden-and-escargot charm.
Photo Day: Signagi is quick, scenic, and perfect for a couple of hours with your camera.