Tea Tourism in Georgia
Tourism in Georgia has long been defined by its most famous product, wine – but a new movement is steeping in the western hills: tea tourism. Georgia is one of the few places in Europe where tea is grown and processed, and its tea offers a unique profile – naturally mellow and soft flavors combined with world-standard levels of ecological cleanliness as a result of the cold winters that allow the bushes to rest and eliminate the need for pesticides. From the historic rolling hills of Guria to the rewilded forests of Imereti, Georgia’s tea country provides a lush, off-the-beaten-path alternative to the more crowded, conventional tourist routes. For those looking to connect with a living tradition that dates back to the 19th century, Georgia is a destination where the landscape is quite literally "painted with tea."
A tea tourism experience in Georgia is far more than a simple sightseeing visit; it is an immersion into the local way of life. A typical tour begins with a walk through the plantations, where visitors can learn the delicate art of hand-picking the two leaves and a bud standard. This is followed by a tour of a small-scale production facility to see the four-step black tea process in action: withering, rolling, fermenting and drying. In the case of green tea production, a fixation step prior to the rolling stage replaces the long period of fermentation; some producers have further intricate machinery and processes for the production of oolong or other styles of tea. The highlight, however, is almost always the hospitality. Many tea tourism destinations pair their tastings with a traditional Georgian supra (feast), featuring regional gastronomic specialties, homemade wine, and stories of the family’s journey in the industry.
Georgia's Top Tea Tourism Destinations
Several notable destinations have become the anchors of the Georgian Tea Route. The Guria region is the heart of it, with many first-class hosts located within a few kilometers of the central town of Ozurgeti. Here, the Anaseuli Experimental Tea Factory offers a glimpse into the history of Soviet-era research as well as modern experimental directions, while Komli acts as a hands-on tea museum, where guests can learn about host Lika Megreladze’s family history with tea as well as conducting the entire black tea making process by hand, the old-fashioned way. Komli also serves delicious tradition Gurian dishes – tastes impossible to find in any restaurant – and overnight stays in their unique wine barrel glamping. Just around the corner, Davit Tenieshvili’s Teni Tea provides a look at a fully organic and regenerative tea estate, and the Zhgenti sisters’ Plantacia offers year-round tastings and ceremonies in their cozy and classy space at their farmhouse on a picturesque ridge.
Tea tourism is also well developed in Imereti. The Bitsadze brothers at Anditri, perhaps the closest tea estate to Tbilisi, showcase their award-winning wild forest teas with a sumptuous feast and warm traditional hospitality. Tornike Shekiladze, in the highland village of Gezruli, offers tea and wine tastings as well as hikes and adventures in the forest where the tea bush has adapted as a part of the wild ecosystem; he also operates a comfortable guesthouse, in case you would like to spend the night. Close to Kutaisi, the Renegade Tea Estate offers tours of their scenic plantations which, in accordance with their unique business model, have had their bushes adopted and harvests pre-purchased by tea lovers around the world. For a historical perspective, the Dadiani Palace in Samegrelo and the house of Liu Junzhou (Lao Jin Jao) – the Chinese master who pioneered Georgian tea – in Adjara are essential stops for any enthusiast. Finally, for those who can’t make it western Georgia, there are a number of excellent options in Tbilisi for tasting and purchasing high-quality Georgian tea.
Tornike Shekiladze conducts a tea tasting at his plantation in Gezruli
Guided Trips
Navigating these rural regions can be a challenge, and many of the most interesting tea estates are located on winding side roads of out-of-the-way villages with minimal transport connections. While it is possible to rent a car to get around or try to navigate local minibuses and taxis, many travelers find that the logistical hurdles detract from the relaxation of the experience. To truly get off the beaten track and connect with the farmers on a personal level, hiring a specialist guide is highly recommended. For those seeking bespoke, tailored, private adventures and travel experiences, Timothy’s Tours specializes in personalized, deep-dive itineraries that go far beyond the mainstream sights, offering authentic connections with local families and business in all regions of Georgia. For individual travelers, Tea Country is a platform which helps travelers to book visits to tea producers.
Enjoy Georgian Hospitality with Tea
Georgians say that a guest is from God, and tea masters are some of the warmest and most fervent advocates of this philosophy. In contrast to mass-market tourist activities, tea tours provide an authentic window into Georgian culture and a chance to spend an unforgettable time with local families and artisans. Choosing tea tourism in Georgia gives you the opportunity to support the sustainable, grassroots revival of an ancient industry while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Whether you are a dedicated tea connoisseur or simply a traveler looking for a quiet escape, tea tourism in Georgia is sure to leave you with lasting memories and the perfect souvenir, light enough even for carry-on luggage: a package of natural, hand-crafted tea that carries the scent of the Georgian mountains back home with you.
Visiting the Shemokmedi Tea factory
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