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Latest update: 30 January 2025
The town is called either Sighnaghi or Signagi – take your pick. But it’s also known as the City of Love. That’s because you can get married here 24/7. A Georgian Las Vegas, you ask? Not even close! The town is actually super charming and peaceful. And I haven’t spotted a single bride. But I’m here on wet, windy winter days – that probably doesn’t add to romance.
The ‘city’ of Signagi
It’s pretty obvious that I’m visiting this part of Georgia off-season. Many restaurants are closed or have limited hours. The streets and parking lots are quiet. It only gets a bit busier near the city walls. Mostly thanks to day-trippers, because by evening, Sighnaghi is practically a ghost town.
The city lies in eastern Georgia, in the wine area. I’m told fewer than 2,000 people live in Sighnaghi. So it’s definitely not a big city. Many people visit Signagi as a day trip from Tbilisi, but I prefer staying overnight.
The city wall of Signagi
The ancient city wall of Sighnaghi is still mostly standing. It’s a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) wall with 28 towers. Each tower connected a town to Sighnaghi, and that’s why each tower bears the name of its corresponding town. Just wander through the streets in this area, grab a drink, and enjoy the view.
You can climb up the city wall in several spots. I went up here and parked my rental car there too. Gorgeous views!
Wine tasting at Cradle of Wine
Signagi sits right in the heart of Georgia’s wine region. So you pretty much HAVE to do a wine tasting here. I certainly did. You have several options in downtown Sighnaghi, and I chose Cradle of Wine. A tasting with a tour costs 40 GEL (about $15 in 2024).
Cradle of Wine belongs to Paul, an American who likes doing things differently. He makes wine purely for fun and loves to experiment. Sometimes it works out great, sometimes… not so much. My dad and I are welcomed by the Hungarian couple who now run the winery.
In Georgia, they make qvevri wine: wine that’s fermented in underground clay vessels. It tastes completely different from the wine we’re used to. It takes some getting used to, but it’s super interesting. I find Cradle of Wine’s qvevri wines a bit too funky for my taste, but it’s still a fun experience. Plus, you get fantastic views of Sighnaghi and the city wall from here. Beautiful at sunset!
Tip! About an hour’s drive from Signagi is the Shumi vineyard. It’s one of Georgia’s larger winemakers. For 10 GEL (about $4), you get a tour of the museum and cellars. If you want, you can do a wine tasting afterward. Google Maps location
The Bodbe monastery
On the grounds of the Bodbe monastery, I first encounter a bell tower, but the real eye-catcher is the basilica. It’s not just the size of the basilica that’s impressive, but also the stones’ colors and intricate details.
The Bodbe monastery is dedicated to Saint Nino, who preached Christianity and is said to be buried here. Initially, a small church was built over her grave in the 4th century, but now she has a tomb in the frequently restored and renovated basilica. The basilica is closed during my visit, but I’ve seen photos of the interior online. You might get lucky and be able to take a peek inside.
Around the basilica lies a garden with neat lawns. Pretty bare in winter, but it must come alive in spring. By the way, you need to pay for parking here, but it’s just a few lari. The visit itself is free.
Pheasant’s Tears restaurant
When I step into Pheasant’s Tears restaurant, all my clothes smell like smoke. The wood fire makes it cozy and warm inside, so on a cold winter’s day, I really don’t mind. Inside, it’s dark and intimate. Since it’s off-season, the restaurant is almost empty except for one other table. The food arrives in no time. The beet salad is absolutely delicious – I never knew you could get so excited about a beet salad!
During high season, you can also do wine tastings here. Pheasant’s Tears makes its own wines. Since the staff tonight barely speaks English, we stick to a red Saperavi wine. Always a safe bet in Georgia.
Accommodation tip: Lost Ridge Inn
I’m staying two nights at Lost Ridge Inn with my dad. It’s a small-scale hotel, brewery, and horse farm all in one. It’s outside the center, and that’s exactly what I want. A bit rural, with beautiful views. Can’t beat that. I’ve written a detailed review of Lost Ridge Inn. But if you’re already sold, you can book it here.
This wraps up my guide to Sighnaghi – a charming Georgian town that combines history, wine, and romance in one picturesque package!
More Georgia travel inspiration?
Useful links for your Georgia trip
- Accommodation. Favorite remains Booking.com. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook, and Viator. ‘Free’ walking tours can be booked at Freetour.com or GuruWalk.
- Car rental. If you want to compare prices and insurance coverage, try Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com. In Georgia, a private transfer or tour with a private driver is often very affordable. Use GoTrip for this.
- Reading tip. If you like reading, I recommend buying this fantastic book: The Eighth Life (for Brilka). It is about generations of women living and suffering in Georgia. More than 1000 pages, so get cozy and comfortable!
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel by train or bus through Georgia with Busbud, 12Go, or Omio.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Start your search at Expedia or CheapOair.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Georgia.
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