Did you know that the oldest wine making technique originated in Georgia? For over 8,000 years, Georgians have used egg-shaped earthenware vessels (called a Qvevri) placed in the ground to make wine.
We explored the most prominent wine region in Georgia called Kakheti and fell in love with the charming town of Signagi (also called Sighnaghi). We liked it so much that we travelled there twice.
Known as "the city of love" by Georgians, Signagi has narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful historic buildings with terracotta roofs, and a stunning view of the Caucasus mountains from its hilltop perch.
We list 9 unique things to do in Signagi, from the top wineries to visit to the best restaurant with panoramic views. It's the ultimate romantic getaway.
Overview: What to do in Sighnaghi, Georgia
1. Have a wine tasting at three amazing wineries 2. Stay in a historic building with a view of the city 3. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets 5. Buy Georgian spices from the indoor market 6. Walk the 18th-century city walls 7. Eat dinner with panoramic views at The Terrace |
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9 Unique Things to Do in Signagi, Georgia
1. Have a wine tasting at three amazing wineries
There are three awesome wineries in Signagi you don't want to miss: Pheasant's Tears, Cradle of Wine, and OKRO'S.
Pheasant's Tears is one of the most well known wineries in the region. Have a tasting of their artisanal wines in the courtyard and be sure to make a reservation for dinner there. They serve delicious farm-to-table dishes with ingredients bought from the farmer's market each day.
Have your next tasting at Cradle of Wine. It's a great place to try qvevri wines in a beautiful setting. The eccentric owner is very passionate about Georgian culture and wine.
OKRO'S is a family owned boutique winery that focuses on producing natural wines free of sulphates and additives. We were lucky to meet the owner, John, who gave us a fantastic wine tasting. He also took us into the basement to see the qvevris. Grab a spot on their rooftop patio for your tasting. It has a very nice view of the city.
2. Stay in a historic building with a view of the city
3. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets
The maze-like streets of Signagi are beautiful and fun to get "lost" in. Take the small side streets to see different historic buildings and their coloured ornate porches.
4. Browse the street market
In the centre of the city on the main strip, you will see vendors lined up with products like rugs, jewelry, trinkets, colourful socks, shoes and bags. The prices are also very fair. This is the perfect spot to pick up some gifts.
Everyone is very friendly and when Ari needed a piece of fabric sewn together, one of the ladies that was selling felt ornaments did it for him for free!
5. Buy Georgian spices from the indoor market
Walk inside a building located across the park here to find stalls of Georgian spices, vegetables, fruits and churchkhela, a sausage shape candy mixed with fruit and nuts.
Georgian spices are unique, so it's worth grabbing a few bags to use in your cooking at home. We bought a spicy mix called adjika and a savoury spice called khmeli suneli. The old man we bought spices from used an abacus to calculate the cost!
6. Walk the 18th-century city walls
Signagi used to be a fortress, so you will see parts of the 5 km wall that King Erekle II built in the 1770s to defend the city. Scale the Tower of Sighnaghi Wall to see beautiful valley views.
7. Eat dinner with panoramic views at The Terrace
If you walk about 10 minutes uphill from the main strip, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views from The Terrace Restaurant. They serve Georgian dishes, fresh salads, and some Western options, like pasta. Make sure to go for sunset!
8. Organize a Kakheti wine tour
Stops on our Kahketi wine tour
Going on a wine tour around the Kakheti region was one of our favourite things we did. It was lovely driving through the countryside to see rural Georgian life. We visited three wineries and had lunch. Our favourite spot was Khareba Winery where you get to taste wines in a huge underground cave cellar.
There are two ways you could organize your Kakheti wine tour:
Option 1: ask your host in Signagi to help organize a wine tour
The first way is to ask your host at the guesthouse/hotel in Signagi you're staying at to help organize a wine tour.
Option 2: book a top-rated Kakheti wine tour with pick up in Tbilisi
There are many top-rated Kakheti wine tours offered from Tbilisi. Book your wine tour with pick up in Tbilisi and arrange for drop off in Signagi. That way you can combine your transport to Signagi with a wine tour.
🍷 Browse highly-rated wine tours offered through Viator and Tripadvisor. Just make sure the company can drop you off in Signagi rather than back in Tbilisi.9. Visit the Sighnaghi National Museum
Visit the Sighnaghi National Museum on a rainy day or when you want to escape the heat. On the first floor, there are historic and ancient Georgian artifacts. Some of them are thousands of years old.
On the second floor, there are artworks by a famous Georgian painter named Niko Pirosmani, a primitivist artist.
Start planning your trip to Georgia
- 🎨 Spend time in Tbilisi: Don't miss Georgia's capital city filled with art cafes, creative spaces, delicious restaurants and quirky boutiques.
- 🗺 Itinerary: see our 1 week Georgia itinerary including Tbilisi and Signagi .
- 🌃 Accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🍷 Book a guided tour: through Viator or Tripadvisor .
Don't miss our other Georgia travel guides
- 3 Days in Tbilisi for Food, Culture and Nightlife
- 2 Days in Tbilisi to see the highlights
- 1 Week Georgia Itinerary
- 16 Amazing things to do in Tbilisi
- Best things to do in Tbilisi at night
Love food & wine? Don't miss our list of Unique Culinary Experiences to inspire your next trip.
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