Nino Meris Wine Selection — Restaurant in Tbilisi

This was an amazing experience and it deserves 10 stars ⭐️ - let me break it down for you why you should visit this place as well.

It's a tiny shop selling wine, offering wine and wine tasting and more. I saw on one of the travel blogs that wine tasting here is good, the price of the tasting was great, so since I was in the area, I decided to have a look.

As soon as I entered the shop, I decided to do some wine tasting there. It was absolutely lovely, the music was playing in the background (appropriate volume so one could have a normal conversation), there were plenty of tables available, I didn't need a reservation, and the wines (based on the prices) looked decent (I wasn't looking to try a 5 EUR wine, I wanted to try good quality wine! - I'll tell you more about the wine below).

My wine knowledge is very limited, so the important part of my tasting or rather what I was looking for was a knowledgeable sommelier. And this place has it!!

Tasting: you can choose between 3 or 5 different types. I was just after lunch, so I went for 3. I got white dry, amber dry and red dry/sweet.

During the tasting I was informed that Nino not only makes her own wine, but handpicks each wine for this shop and most often the wine comes from smaller local companies. I love it when businesses are supporting other smaller businesses, it just shows that they're into quality and they're compassionate, qualities that are needed in life.

Not only did I get the info about the shop, but I was also told about each wine, about the region it was coming from, the grapes used, the Georgian process of winemaking, other processes ... so much valuable information which truly enhanced the experience.

Sommelier: I'm making this a separate section, because the lady (Mariam, I believe) was what customer service should be everywhere. She was knowledgeable, she had the experience, she happily answered my questions, she explained and she also listened. She was so kind and amazing that I honestly could say I gained a new friend. And that's what customer service should look like. I want to bring all my friends here, so they can experience it - try some tasty wine, get the knowledge, have a lovely chat and amazing time!

Seeing how I'd definitely bring my friends here, it's safe to say this place comes highly...

We saw the high ratings of this place and we hoped we'd enjoy it too, but sadly those ratings just didn't square with our experience.

We were there early on a Friday evening, and we were the only two people in the place. Other reviewers talk about a warm welcome from people who are "eager to share their expertise". In our case, some friends of the waitress arrived soon after we'd started. So she went outside and sat outside with them smoking for the entire time we were there, getting up occasionally to give us the next wine in the tasting set we'd ordered. She gave us some basic information about each wine, though nothing more than we could have got by reading the label on the back of the bottle. Then she went outside again. When we needed to get her attention, it felt embarrassing, like we were interrupting a private gathering where we weren't really welcome.

It's a small place, and when three people are smoking outside, the smell of cigarette smoke in the room becomes very, very strong. That's not really ideal when you're trying to taste wines. It's particularly annoying when it's being caused by the member of staff who's meant to be taking care of you, but isn't doing.

The wines were OK. One of them smelled corked. When we managed to get the waitress's attention, she told us it was normal for that kind of wine, but replaced it with another one without any fuss. That was kind - I'm grateful for that. You can order food to go with the wine, and again it's fine, but it's hugely overpriced. We had some bread and oil. It was nice enough, but it cost 30 GEL (about €10). For some bits of bread and about 50ml of oil, that's just way out of proportion. When it arrived, I was genuinely shocked at how little was there.

I don't like writing negative reviews, and judging from other people's experiences, I'm willing to believe we caught a good bar on a bad day. But they took our money and gave us a deeply indifferent experience, and I think it's fair to give an honest report of that. I mentioned this in person at the end of our visit, and I got a shrug and a "sorry". I'm sorry too. I get the impression we could have had a much better evening if we...

A Must-Visit Wine Tasting Experience in Old Town Tbilisi

Nestled in the heart of Tbilisi's historic Old Town, this wine tasting venue offers an authentic Georgian experience that shouldn’t be missed. The moment you walk in, you’re welcomed by a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of Georgian hospitality. The space is cozy and filled with charm, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely wine tasting.

The selection of wines available is impressive, showcasing the best that Georgia has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of robust reds, refreshing whites, or delicate rosés, there’s something here to satisfy every palate. The wines are of exceptional quality, each one offering a unique taste of Georgia’s rich winemaking tradition.

One of the highlights of the experience is the knowledgeable and friendly staff. They’re not just servers; they’re passionate wine enthusiasts who are eager to share their expertise. The owner, in particular, stands out for her deep knowledge and experience in the field. She takes the time to explain the intricacies of each wine, from the grape varieties to the production process, making the tasting both educational and enjoyable.

Adding to the ambiance, there’s often live music playing, which complements the experience beautifully. As you sip on your wine, you’ll be treated to a delightful cheese plate, complete with dates, which pairs perfectly with the wines. It’s the little touches like these that elevate the experience, making it feel special and memorable.

In terms of value, this wine tasting spot offers an unbeatable experience. The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the wines and the level of service provided. It’s a fantastic alternative to more expensive city tours, giving you more time to savor the wines in a relaxed setting without the rush.

Overall, this wine tasting venue in Old Town Tbilisi is a true gem. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to enjoy a pleasant evening out, this place is highly recommended. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Georgian culture and enjoy some of the best wines the country...