welcome to rooted wines

Discover emerging wine regions before they are widely known

about us

At Rooted Wines, we travel to the very beginning of wine.

Founded by two co-founders passionate about wine, history, and exploration, we create small-group and private wine journeys to Armenia and Georgia — two of the world’s oldest winemaking regions.

Our tours go beyond tasting wine. We introduce guests to local culture, traditions, and heritage: from gastronomy and historic sites to living customs and ancient winemaking techniques. Every stop tells the story of the people, the land, and the centuries-old practices that shaped it.

We personally visit every winery, vineyard, hotel, and restaurant before including it in a tour. We meet the winemakers, walk their cellars, taste the wines, and ensure every experience meets our standards for quality, authenticity, and connection. Rooted Wines is for travelers who want more than a wine tour — those who want to explore, taste, and experience Armenia and Georgia as locals do.

Learn more

Learn more

Meet the Team

Here are the people behind your wine journey.

Co-founder

Daria Ilina

I’m a wine educator and a certified wine professional with WSET Level 3, FWS and IWS certifications.

I love carefully planning and personally guiding our boutique wine tours through those historic and emerging wine regions, handpicking the best wineries and sights to create unforgettable experiences.

My favourite wine is Syrah from Hermitage, Northern Rhône.

Co-founder

Svitlana Baldina

I am the co-founder of Rooted Wines and provide legal support for the project. Law and wine have more in common than one might think — both require experience, patience, and a deep respect for detail.

Traveling through Armenia, a country with one of the world’s oldest wine traditions, constantly reminds me of the value of history, craftsmanship, and time. These principles shape both my professional work and our journeys at Rooted Wines.

My favourite wine is Areni, from Vayots Dzor, Armenia.

Marketing Manager

Daria Stepanova

My passion for wine began while studying at an Austrian university known for its focus on wine business, where I was first introduced to the world behind the bottle.

Since then, I’ve explored wine cultures in more than 20 countries. Living in Georgia and traveling to Armenia made me truly fall in love with these regions and their traditions. Today, I’m happy to help others discover them through wine, culture, and unforgettable journeys.

My favourite wine is Austrian Riesling.

Guest Experiences

“Our winery tour was beyond incredible. The attention to detail and the stunning vineyard surroundings left us speechless.”

Sophia R.

“Rooted Wines truly redefined winery tours for us. The seamless blend of culture and heritage made our experience unforgettable.”

Ethan D.

“The team's dedication to ensuring our satisfaction was evident in every aspect of our tour. We can't wait to return.”

Olivia S.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who are Rooted Wines tours designed for?

Our tours are ideal for passionate wine lovers, collectors, sommeliers, industry professionals, and curious enthusiasts who want to go beyond surface-level tasting and truly understand a region’s wines, history, and traditions. No formal wine certification is required – just curiosity and enthusiasm.

How physically

demanding are the tours?

Most tours involve moderate walking, vineyard visits, and occasional uneven terrain. While no extreme physical activity is required, participants should be comfortable walking and standing for portions of the day. If you have concerns, feel free to contact us before booking.

How large are the tour groups?

We keep our groups intentionally small (up to 12 people) to ensure a personalized experience, meaningful interaction with winemakers, and easy group dynamics.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Sure. We do our best to accommodate dietary needs and restrictions when notified in advance. Please inform us at the time of booking.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect against unexpected disruptions.

How can I contact Rooted Wines with additional questions?

You can reach us via the contact form on our website or at info@rootedwines.com. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you decide if a tour is right for you.

Are Armenia and Georgia safe for travel?

Yes! Both countries are welcoming and friendly. Just take basic precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid showing large amounts of cash, and use official taxis – especially from the airport. With these simple steps, you can travel safely and enjoy the culture, history, and wines worry-free.

* Please be aware that Armenia and Azerbaijan have an unresolved territorial dispute. If you travel to Armenia, you might be banned from entering Azerbaijan, and vice-versa.

The tour dates don’t work for me. If I have a group, can we schedule a tour on our preferred dates?

Absolutely! Just send us a message with your group details, preferred dates, and the number of days you’d like the tour to last. One of our managers will get in touch at info@rootedwines.com to design a tailor-made itinerary just for you.

Can Rooted Wines organise a tour for a corporate event or team outing?

Yes! We can create a fully customized wine tour tailored to your team’s needs. Just share the group size, preferred dates, and number of days at info@rootedwines.com, and our managers will work with you to design a memorable experience.

why rooted wines?

Learn far more

Our instructor accompanies you throughout the tour, sharing in-depth insights, answering questions, and breaking down key facts and figures so you truly grasp the nuances of each region and its distinctive wine styles.

share passion

Experience the joy of discovering new wine regions alongside like-minded travelers who are just as enthusiastic and dedicated to great wine as you are.

get exclusive access

Enjoy exceptional tastings and visits to estates that are typically inaccessible to independent travelers. Thanks to long-standing personal relationships in every region we operate, Rooted Wines offers unparalleled access at the highest levels of the industry.

skip the uncertainty

Travel with clarity on stays & dining our firsthand knowledge ensures you enjoy only the best selections throughout your journey.

enjoy seamless communication

Our instructor serves as a full-time translator, removing language barriers and ensuring smooth interactions, particularly in Armenia and Georgia where many winemakers speak limited English.

Get in Touch

For inquiries, bookings, or personalized assistance,

feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to make

your wine journey a reality. You may also reach us at info@rootedwines.com.