Telavi, Georgia 2026 | The city of 900-year-old trees, and Kakheti
Telavi in Georgia’s Kakheti region: the birthplace of wine, 900-year-old plane trees, and Batonis Tsikhe Fortress. Telavi tours and vineyard visits with MoonRise.
Telavi is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Kakheti. With its 900-year-old plane trees, wonderful mountain routes, and unique vineyards, it captivates every visitor. Telavi sits on a hill overlooking the mountains, close to the border with Russia, and is the cultural and economic centre of the Kakheti region.
Kakheti is known as the birthplace of Georgian wine, and Telavi is the best place to experience the country’s traditional winemaking culture. The town has historic fortresses, museums, and many wineries, each telling its own unique story.
In this guide we look at Telavi’s attractions, how to get there, the best time to travel, and the vineyard-touring experience. MoonRise offers Telavi and Kakheti tours with a Persian-speaking guide.
Where is Telavi, and why visit it?
Telavi is the centre of the Kakheti region and one of Georgia’s oldest towns. With its 900-year-old plane trees, mountain routes, and unrivalled vineyards, it is an ideal destination for experiencing authentic Georgian culture and traditional winemaking.
Telavi’s 900-year-old plane trees
Telavi is famous for its 900-year-old plane trees. These ancient trees stand in the town centre and are a symbol of the town’s age and endurance. Visiting these trees is one of Telavi’s main attractions.
Batonis Tsikhe Fortress and the Telavi Museum
Batonis Tsikhe Fortress is one of Telavi’s most important historic monuments, built in the 17th century. The fortress today hosts the Telavi Museum, displaying a rich collection of historical and artistic works from the Kakheti region.
Vineyards and wineries
Kakheti is known as the birthplace of Georgian wine. On the road to Telavi there are many vineyards and wineries you can visit and experience traditional Georgian wine. The KWT winery is one of the most popular destinations.
Routes to Telavi
Telavi is about 100 km from Tbilisi, and the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The road to Telavi is a mountain road with beautiful views.
The best time to travel to Telavi
The best time to travel to Telavi is spring and autumn. In these seasons the weather is mild and the vineyards are at their most beautiful. Autumn is especially ideal for experiencing the grape-harvest season and wine festivals.
Frequently asked
How far is Telavi from Tbilisi?
Telavi is about 100 km from Tbilisi, and the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
What is the best season to visit Telavi?
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Telavi. Autumn is especially ideal for experiencing the grape harvest season.
Can you visit wineries?
Yes. There are many wineries along the road to Telavi that welcome visitors. The KWT winery is one of the most popular.
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