Sighnaghi

Pheasant's Tears is the most famous natural wine bar (prices above average). Okro's has a terrace overlooking the valley. For deeper immersion, visit a family winery (from 20 GEL with tasting and snacks). Easiest to organize through a wine tour.

Restaurant lunch runs 30–50 GEL per person with wine. Khinkali cost 1–1.5 GEL each. Homemade wine from locals in plastic bottles is 15 GEL per liter. Many restaurants add a 15% service charge – check the bill.

Guesthouses run 60–100 GEL/night with breakfast. Boutique hotels (Kabadoni, Bodbe) cost 200–400 GEL. Book ahead for weekends and the autumn grape harvest season (September–October). Find accommodation through Booking.

There's one on the main square. Cards are accepted at restaurants and hotels, but the market and small shops are cash only. Withdraw money in Tbilisi beforehand.

Bodbe Monastery is 2 km from the center, a 25-minute walk downhill. The return is uphill. A taxi costs 5–10 GEL.

Yes. Since 2026, health insurance is mandatory for all tourists in Georgia. Minimum coverage is 30,000 GEL.

Sighnaghi is more photogenic: walls, views, compact center. Telavi is more practical as a base: more restaurants, better transport, cheaper, closer to major Kakheti monasteries and wineries. Ideal: both – one night in Sighnaghi, 1–2 nights in Telavi.

April–June and September–October. September–October is Rtveli season (grape harvest): you can participate in the process at family wineries. Summer is hot (35°C+). Winter is quiet and cheap, but cold.

At hotels and restaurants – usually yes. Otherwise, much worse than in Tbilisi. Google Translate works tolerably with Georgian. Key words: გამარჯობა (gamarjoba – hello), მადლობა (madloba – thank you).