Ozurgeti, Georgia’s Stunning Wine, Waterfalls & Rustic Charm (2026)
While crowds flock to the vineyards of Kakheti, Ozurgeti, the unassuming capital of Guria, delivers an authentic, uncrowded Georgian wine experience for a fraction of the cost. Here, you can spend a full day tasting unique, naturally semi-sweet reds like Chkhaveri at family-run maranis (wine cellars) for under $20, compared to $50+ tours in the east. This is where Georgian viticulture feels like a family secret, not a commercial product.
Why Ozurgeti, Georgia Stands Out
Aerial view of houses and trees, Ozurgeti, Georgia
- Historic Architecture: The 19th-century Ozurgeti Drama Theatre, a beautifully preserved example of Neo-Gothic design, stands as a testament to the city’s cultural importance during the Russian Empire.
- Cultural Scene: The annual Guria Wine Festival in October transforms the central park into a vibrant celebration of local Chkhaveri and Jani wines, folk music, and polyphonic singing.
- Local Specialties: You must try Gurian khachapuri, a boat-shaped pie filled with cheese and a hard-boiled egg, symbolizing a full moon over the region’s hills.
Pro Tip: Visit in late September or early October. You’ll catch the grape harvest, the weather is perfect for hiking to nearby waterfalls, and you can experience the wine festival without the peak summer tourists. Weekdays are always quieter in the city center.
Map of Ozurgeti, Georgia
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Planning Your Trip: Practical Essentials
Getting There and Around
- By Air: The nearest international airport is in Kutaisi (KUT), 55km away. Wizz Air and Ryanair fly here from Europe. From Kutaisi, take a marshrutka (minibus) directly to Ozurgeti (2 hours, ~10 GEL). Book flights at Skyscanner for best deals.
- By Train: There is a slow overnight train from Tbilisi to Ozurgeti, but the schedule is infrequent. Your best bet is the train to nearby Samtredia, then a marshrutka. Reserve tickets at Trainline or the national railway website.
- By Car: Driving from Tbilisi takes about 4 hours via the E60 highway. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Guria’s hidden villages and natural sites. Compare car rentals at RentalCars.com.
- Local Transport: Marshrutkas are the lifeline, connecting Ozurgeti to nearby attractions like the Nokalakevi archaeological site and Bakhmaro resort. A ride within the city costs 1 GEL. Taxis are plentiful and affordable for short trips (3-5 GEL).
Best Time to Visit
Ozurgeti enjoys a humid subtropical climate. The shoulder seasons offer the ideal balance of pleasant weather, cultural events, and manageable tourist numbers.
| Season | Weather | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (JunâAug) | Warm, 22-30°C (72-86°F), humid with occasional rain. | Lush green landscapes, perfect for trips to the Black Sea coast in Batumi (1.5 hours away). Can be quiet locally. |
| Winter (DecâFeb) | Mild but wet, 3-8°C (37-46°F), frequent rainfall. | Atmospheric, foggy hills. Lower prices and empty guesthouses. Ideal for cozy tavern evenings. Some mountain roads close. |
| Shoulder (AprâMay/SepâOct) | Mild and pleasant, 15-25°C (59-77°F), less rain. | Best overall conditions. September/October for harvest & wine festivals. April/May for wildflowers and hiking without summer humidity. |
Budgeting for Ozurgeti, Georgia
Black and white portrait of woman in an abandoned building entrance in Ozurgeti, Ozurgeti, Georgia
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Guesthouse: 60-100 GEL/night | Local hotel/B&B: 120-200 GEL/night | Vineyard estate stay: 300+ GEL/night |
| Meals | Street food/ bakery: 10-15 GEL | Local restaurant: 25-40 GEL | Full supra (feast) with wine: 70+ GEL |
| Transport | Marshrutkas: 1-10 GEL per ride | Local taxis/day rental: 50-80 GEL | Private driver for day trips: 150+ GEL |
| Activities | Park walks, church visits: Free | Wine tasting at a marani: 20-30 GEL | Private guided tour of Guria: 200+ GEL |
| Daily Total | 80-120 GEL ($30-$45) | 200-350 GEL ($75-$130) | 500+ GEL ($185+) |
Top Attractions and Must-See Sights
| Attraction | Description | Hours | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shemokmedi Monastery Complex | A stunning 10th-14th century complex with three churches, offering panoramic views and profound serenity. | Sunrise to sunset | Free (donation appreciated) |
| Ozurgeti History Museum | Houses fascinating artifacts from ancient Colchis and showcases unique Gurian folk costumes and winemaking tools. | 10:00-18:00 (Closed Mon) | 5 GEL |
| Nokalakevi Archaeological Site | The ruins of the ancient city of Archaeopolis, a key fortress of the Egrisi (Lazica) Kingdom. | 10:00-17:00 | 7 GEL |
| Bakhmaro Mountain Resort | A unique “cloud resort” at 2,000m altitude, famous for its therapeutic climate and stunning vistas. | Accessible all day | Free (transport cost) |
3-Day Itinerary: Ozurgeti, Georgia’s Highlights & Hidden Gems
Day 1: Historic Heart & Gurian Flavors
- Morning (9:00 AM): Start at the central David the Builder Square. Visit the Ozurgeti History Museum (5 GEL) to understand the region’s Colchian roots. Stroll through the adjacent city park.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at Restaurant Guria on Kostava Street. Order the Gurian khachapuri and gebzhalia (cheese rolls in mint sauce). Afterwards, admire the facade of the Ozurgeti Drama Theatre.
- Evening (6:30 PM): Take a short taxi (5 GEL) to a family marani in a nearby village like Aketi. Pre-arrange a tasting (approx. 25 GEL) of Chkhaveri and Aladasturi wines. For dinner, head to Kimerioni for superb home-style cooking.
Day 2: Monasteries & Mountain Air
- Morning (8:30 AM): Hire a taxi for the day (approx. 80 GEL). Drive to Shemokmedi Monastery (30 mins). Explore the complex and soak in the views. Continue to the stunning Jumat Church in the hills.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM): Have a picnic lunch with supplies from the Ozurgeti market or stop at a village house offering mejuke (local cheese). Drive towards the mountains.
- Evening (5:00 PM): Return to Ozurgeti. Relax at a local chaikhana (tea house). For your final dinner, try Restaurant Kolkheti for a wider menu of Georgian classics in a garden setting.
Day 3: Ancient Ruins & Waterfall Wonders
- Morning (9:00 AM): Take a marshrutka from the station to Nokalakevi (1 hour, 7 GEL). Explore the sprawling archaeological site (7 GEL) and the small but excellent on-site museum.
- Afternoon (12:30 PM): From Nokalakevi, arrange a local taxi (15 GEL) to the trailhead for Kinchkha Waterfall, one of Georgia’s tallest. The hike is moderate and takes about 45 minutes round-trip.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Return to Ozurgeti. Enjoy a farewell drink at a local bar like Lounge Bar Medea, reflecting on the rustic charm of Guria.
Cultural Insights & Etiquette
- Language: Georgian is the official language. Learn “Gamarjoba” (Hello), “Madloba” (Thank you), and “Gaumarjos!” (Cheers!). Basic English is understood in hotels and some restaurants, but a few Georgian phrases go a long way.
- Customs: If invited to a supra (feast), the tamada (toastmaster) leads the ceremony. Listen respectfully to each toast (always for peace, family, friends, etc.) and drink when the group drinks. Never toast with beer.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is becoming common. For taxi drivers, round up to the nearest lari.
- Dress Code: Modest dress is required for visiting churches (covered shoulders, knees for all). Casual wear is fine elsewhere. Pack good walking shoes and a rain jacket.
- Business Hours: Shops typically open 10:00-18:00. Many close for a long lunch (14:00-15:00). Restaurants serve from 12:00-23:00. Sunday is quieter, with some businesses closed.
Where to Eat: Ozurgeti, Georgia’s Best Bites
Dining in Ozurgeti is about hearty, home-cooked style food. Don’t expect flashy interiors; the focus is on family recipes, fresh local ingredients like Gurian cheese and walnuts, and, of course, wine. Most places are casual and incredibly affordable.
Must-Try Local Specialties
- Gurian Khachapuri: Unlike the Adjarian boat, this is a closed pie shaped like a crescent moon, filled with cheese and a hard-boiled egg. Try it at any local bakery or Restaurant Guria.
- Gebzhalia: A unique Gurian dish of cheese rolls served cold in a minty, creamy sauce. Refreshing and a perfect starter.
- Chkhaveri Wine: A light-bodied, naturally semi-sweet red wine with rose and strawberry notes, produced almost exclusively in Guria. Ask for it at any marani.
Restaurant Recommendations by Budget
| Type | Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Dzveli Sakhli Bakery (near the market) | Fresh-from-the-oven Gurian khachapuri and lobiani (bean bread) | 5-10 GEL |
| Mid-range | Restaurant Kimerioni (Chavchavadze St.) | Authentic home-style Gurian feasts and a cozy atmosphere | 25-40 GEL per person |
| Fine dining | Marani Satsnakheli (in nearby village Likhauri) | Elegant traditional meals paired with estate wines in a beautiful cellar setting | 70+ GEL per person |
Where to Stay
Accommodation is mostly in family-run guesthouses or small local hotels, offering genuine hospitality. Staying just outside the center in a village gives a more immersive experience. Compare prices and book at Booking.com or Airbnb for apartments.
Best Neighborhoods for Accommodation
- City Center (Near David the Builder Square): Best for first-time visitors, easy access to restaurants, museums, and transport hubs. Can be a bit noisier. Suits those who want to walk everywhere.
- Quiet Residential Streets (e.g., near the park): Offers a more local feel, often with charming guesthouses in older homes. You’ll be a 10-15 minute walk from the action but enjoy more peace.
- Surrounding Villages (e.g., Aketi, Likhauri): The ultimate immersive experience. Stay on a vineyard or farm, enjoy stunning rural views, and experience true Gurian hospitality. Requires your own transport or reliance on taxis.
A serene landscape featuring a historic church against the backdrop of the …, Ozurgeti, Georgia
FAQs: Your Ozurgeti, Georgia Questions Answered
1. Is Ozurgeti, Georgia safe at night?
Yes, Ozurgeti is generally very safe. Violent crime is rare. As in any town, practice common sense: avoid poorly lit, deserted areas late at night, and keep valuables secure. Locals are friendly and helpful if you need directions.
2. What currency is used and are credit cards accepted?
The Georgian Lari (GEL) is the currency. As of late 2023, 1 USD â 2.65 GEL. Credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants, but always carry cash. Smaller guesthouses, family maranis, marshrutkas, and village shops operate on cash only.
3. How do I get from the airport to the city center?
From Kutaisi Airport (KUT), your best option is the direct marshrutka to Ozurgeti (2 hours, ~10 GEL). They often wait outside arrivals. A private taxi will cost 80-100 GEL. From Batumi Airport (BUS), take a taxi to Batumi bus station, then a marshrutka to Ozurgeti (1.5 hours total). Book airport transfers at GetYourGuide for convenience.
