Where.ge #17 October-November issue

du

ba

ინანდლის მამული ზად არის თქვენს რწილს უმასპინძლოს აღნიშნეთ განსაკუთრებული დღე განსაკუთრებულ ადგილას. სასტუმრო „Radisson Collection” წინანდლის მამელში თქვენ განსხვავებული სივრცეების დიდი არჩევანი გელოდებათ, იქნება ეს თანამედროვე დიზაინის მქონე ამფითეატრი, რომელშიც 1200 სტუმრის განთავსებაა შესაძლებელი, სადღესასწაულო დარბაზი თუ შენობის ისტორიულ ნაწილში მდებარე გალერეა. ჩვენი სასტუმრო საქორწილო მომსახურების სრულ სერვისს გთავაზობთ.

i

BOWLING – LEBOWSKI Bowl CluB CLUB – leBowski • • • •

● 12 lane professional bowling

2 Lane professional bowling

● Pool and Russian Billiard tables

Pool and Russian Billiard tables

● Conceptual American café-restaurant

Conceptual American café-restaurant

● Billiard Private Room “Comfort Zone”

Billiard Private Room “Comfort Zone”

WORKING HOURS:

working Hours: MONDAY-THURSDAY, SUNDAY: Monday-Thursday, sunday: 11:00-02:00 Friday-saturday: 11:00-03:00 FRIDAY-SATURDAY: 11:00-03:00

T e l: 5 9 1 5 0 1 0 1 0

11:00-02:00

| w w w . le b o w s k i. g e | f b : le b o w s k ib o w lc lu b

where

.ge

your essential guide to Georgia

#17 October-November 2018 Publisher: George Sharashidze Editor in Chief: Katie Ruth Davies Executive Editor: Maka Bibilashvili Contributors: Katie Ruth Davies Maka Bibilashvili Sofia Bochoidze Shirin Mahdavi Lika Chogladze Maka Gogaladze Shawn Wayne Anna Zhvania Tony Hanmer Samantha Guthrie Thea Morrison Photographers: Tony Hanmer Irakli Dolidze Designer: Ani Loladze Logo & Design Concept: Kevin Loftus Sales: Maia Tsereteli Sofia Bochoidze Mano Kutchukhidze Anuka Poladishvili Salome Vashalomidze Georgia Today Address:1 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 229 59 19 www.georgiatoday.ge

In partnership with the Georgian National Tourism Administration

As is natural, the Where.ge October-November issue is heavily influenced by harvest and winemaking related topics, but there are plenty of great things other than wine to explore in Georgia! That said, let’s start with wine and Kakheti, where travelers can not only enjoy wineries and a spectacular landscape but can also discover the country’s past and present; its cultural heritage, in museums throughout the region. Our Editor-in-Chief Katie Davies has prepared a special guide to some of Kakheti’s best museums.

George Sharashidze I can’t wait till The Radisson Collection Hotel, Publisher, WHERE.ge Tsinandali Estate opens! Located in the heart of Georgia’s main wine region, it will allow you to join in the winemaking tradition and centuries-old story of Georgian viniculture. See our feature about the upcoming luxury hotel on the estate of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze and start planning your next visit to Kakheti!

To learn more about the Georgian harvest (rtveli), our journalist Anna Jhvania has packed together all the main facts and traditions about the biggest celebration of nature in Georgia.

To close the wine topic, read our special Wine Guide section to find out where to buy and drink the best Georgian wines… then head West to enjoy the curative waters of the world-renowned balneological Tskaltubo Resort, used by generations since ancient times- get in on the healing!

For all the latest ideas and tips for travel and fun around Georgia, our professional staff writers and contributors can tell you WHERE to Go, Stay, Eat, Drink and Buy. And, as always, here is my personal choice for each:

Tskaltubo Resort

Legends Tskaltubo Spa Resort

Samepo Marani 1878

Menabde Cellar

Reserve

8 Giorgi Janjgava Ambassador of Georgia to Turkey

48 Ana Chachanidze Marketing and Sales Manager Astoria Tbilisi

90 Enzo Neri Chef Andropov’s Ears, Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel

106 Lika Gogolashvili PR Manager Shilda Winery

130

Rusa Janashia Head of Marketing & PR Department, MATERIEL and DOTS

to go

Where to Go for Autumn Fun . . . e c i o h C y M

Giorgi Janjgava Ambassador of Georgia to Turkey

Simon JanaShia national muSeum Georgia’s beautiful capital is a real cultural hub! Firstly, I would name the Simon Janashia National Museum, which unifies several leading museums in Georgia. The unique ancient masterpieces, such as the icons, various metal vessels (mainly gold and silver), samples of ceramic items, and jewelry pieces are exhibited there.

The museum holds a golden fund of finds that reveal the history of Georgia from the Bronze Age (3500-1200 B.C.) to 19th century. One can find there numerous of samples of the Caucasian national culture.

8

the numiSmatic Department at the national muSeum of GeorGia I’m a numismatist myself and am very interested in studying and collecting currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. Accordingly, the numismatic exhibitions are very important for me. The number of numismatics is rapidly increasing throughout the world and in Georgia as well.

Recently, the new Numismatic Department was opened at the National Museum of Georgia, where visitors can enjoy an excellent exhibition hall and various samples of currency.

the money muSeum in Kvareli The museum is located in the Georgian National Bank building in Kvareli in the Kakheti region. The museum houses materials describing the history of money from 6th c. up to 20th c. The museum itself is also very beautiful and well-arranged, and attracts many tourists.

the renovateD muSeum in aKhaltSiKhe, SamtSKhe-JavaKheti The newly opened museum is Akhaltsikhe, Samtskhe-Javakheti region, is also a very interesting place to visit. The Samtskhe–Javakheti History Museum was founded in 1923.

In its current renovated form, the museum was opened in 2012 as part of the Georgian National Museum network. It is located on the territory of the reconstructed fortress of Akhaltsikhe, known as “Rabati”.

A coin from my collection which I lent the National Museum of Georgia, is currently exhibited there. The coin was made in the 16th century in Artanudji, the oldest town of Klarjeti, after the Ottoman invasion. This is quite a rare coin.

Gonio fortreSS anD muSeum Adjara is a great tourism destination. The region is currently experiencing a tourism boom. I, as a person interested in arts and history, would first recommend visitors to the region visit the Gonio Fortress, a Roman fortification, and the museum arranged inside.

The museum in the Gonio Fortress promises quite interesting artifacts to discover.

9

Georgian National Tourism Administration

Discount Week Kicks Off in the Regions!

Don’t Miss Out! The “Discount Week” is held annually in various regions of Georgia and this fall it runs from October 23 until November 30 under the initiative of the National Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.

The campaign “Discount Week” is being held for the third time at the initiative of the National Tourism Administration.The goal of the project is to prolong the season and stimulate internal tourism.

There are 29 hotels participating in Discount Week from seven different regions: Adjara, Guria, Samegrelo, Svaneti, Imereti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kakheti. Hotels offer 30% to 52% discount to the guests.

Check out the hotels and get online to grab YOUR discount and make this autumn in Georgia extra-special! http://georgia.travel/en_US/discount/weeks

10

Georgian National Tourism Administration

11

Top 3 National Parks for Fall Travel Why? Because it’s the time for the bird migration. Check out the Flamingo walking!

There are many lakes on the Javakheti Plateau, including the biggest lake in Georgia – Paravani Lake. You can grab seven different tours here: pedestrian, car, bicycle and horse-riding. Bird-watching towers are also available as this park is best known for its bird-watching opportunities.

Autumn is the best season to visit the Protected Areas. Pleasant weather, yellow leaves, and autumn colors make Georgia’s nature something truly special to beholdso don’t get stuck in the capital this autumn- put on your warm clothes and comfy boots and head out into nature!

Check out the Where.ge team’s top choices for nature this colorful season.

laGoDeKhi protecteD areaS Lagodekhi was the first Protected Area established in Georgia and as such is distinguished with a unique natural heritage. Its beautiful and thick leaf forest is stunning, especially in autumn.

Lagodekhi Protected Areas offers a wide range of tourist activities including hiking

12

and camping. It’s where you’ll see beautiful waterfalls and ancient fortresses.

If you’re a serious hiker, then take the 3-day hiking tour to Black Rock Lake for a breath-taking panoramic view of the Caucasus Mountains.

There are 5 an trails marked on the territory: Rocho Waterfall, Ninoskhevi Waterfall, Machi Fortress, Black Rock Lake and Educational trail for kids.

An extra treat is the deer rut tour, only available in autumn.

JavaKheti national parK Javakheti is not a well-known area of the country for many people and yet it stands out. Luckily for you, we’re telling this to you in its best season- autumn!

Javakheti Plateau is the coldest place in Georgia and the lakes there become frozen in winter. So, hurry and don’t miss out of the autumn colors and birds!

BorJomKharaGauli national parK Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is distinguished for its unique animal and plant species. In autumn, the mountains are bathed in golds, firey reds and the deep greens of the evergreens.

Ideal for nature lovers, there are 12 marked trails as well as camping areas waiting for you. You can also overnight at a tourist shelter if you check in with a Ranger first.

We Create Memories

www.nationalparks.ge

PM Opens Welcome Challenge Global Forum

On October 22, the Prime Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze opened Welcome Challenge, an annual Global Forum for Hospitality and Travel Industry Innovations being held in Georgia on October 22-23 at The Biltmore hotel in Tbilisi.

Georgia Giorgi Kobulia noted that tourism is a sphere in which Georgia is developing at a great pace, but recognized that infrastructure development and improvement of the tourism service segment is important.

The PM briefly spoke of the achievements Georgia has had in the hospitality industry and his optimism that Georgia is on the right path of development. He highlighted the increased interest from international audiences in the country, as well as foreign investors.

“Nowadays, the number of tourists in Georgia is twice as much as the population. With this indicator, we are already a leader in the world…This means that today we must do our best to serve the tourists visiting us at a high-level. In this direction, we plan very serious measures, including strengthening infrastructure and direct flight development,” he said.

“Georgia is an ideal hub for tourism and economic development,” he said. “The government has many plans in this direction and a positive outlook, not least in the booming startup sector.”

At the same event, the he Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of

14

The event hosted around 25 of the world’s best startups in the hospitality industry and included the most interesting innovative initiatives in this sector. The forum is a Georgian initiative and includes a start-up competition that allows real, live feedback

on product and business ideas and offers ambitious business people the opportunity to pitch their ideas to serious investors.

Forum speakers included venture capitalists and senior industry executives from the United States, Estonia, Denmark and Japan: Richard McAniff (former Microsoft Executive Vice President), Yrjo Ojasaar (Change Ventures), Jan Rosenbom (Keystones) and Kei Hareyama (Rock Climbing Partners), Dawn Drew (former Executive VP of National Geographic).

The motto of the forum was “We Are Looking for the Disrupters of Tomorrow.” It created a space for start-up creators to interact with speakers and venture capitalists, promoting informal networking opportunities and the formation of more formal mentorship connections. Creators benefited from professional, high-level feedback on their ideas.

A GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE BUILT FOR BUSINESS A GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE We have built an unparalleled network of office, co-working A GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE and meeting spaces for companies to use in every city in the world.

BUILT FOR BUSINESS BUILT toFOR It’s an infrastructure supportBUSINESS every business opportunity.

A GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE BUILT FOR BUSINESS

Our network of enables businesses to operate anywhere, without the need Weworkspaces have built an unparalleled network of office, co-working for set-up costsand or capital investment.

It provides customers immediate meeting spaces for companies to our use in every citywith in the world. cost benefits We We have have built built an an unparalleled unparalleled network network of of offi office, ce, co-working co-working and opportunity totofully outsource their offi ce portfolio.

It’s the an infrastructure support everyinbusiness opportunity. and and meeting meeting spaces spaces for for companies companies to to use use in every every city city in in the the world. world. an infrastructure to support every business opportunity.

It’s network designed to enhance productivity and connect 2.5 million OuraIt’s network of workspaces enables businesses to operate anywhere, without the need It’s an infrastructure to support every business opportunity. for set-up costs or capital investment.

It provides our customers with immediate cost ts like-minded professionals: an instant global community, and a place tobenefi belong.

Our network of workspaces enables businesses to operate anywhere, without the need Our network of workspaces enables to operate anywhere, without the need and the opportunity tobusinesses fully outsource their offi ce portfolio.

We have builtinvestment. an unparalleled of offi ce,immediate co-working for set-up set-up costs or capital capital investment.

It provides providesnetwork our customers customers with immediate cost benefi benefits ts for costs or It our with cost a network designed to to enhance productivity andoffi connect 2.5 million the opportunity fully outsource their ce portfolio.

To meeting findIt’sand out more, call us on +995 322 900 039, visit regus.ge and spaces for companies to use in every city in the world. and the opportunity to fully outsource their office portfolio. like-minded professionals: an instant global community, and a place to belong.

It’s It’s anaainfrastructure toenhance support every business or to download our app. network productivity and 2.5 It’s network designed designed to enhance productivity and connect connectopportunity.

2.5 million million like-minded professionals: an instant global community, and a place To findprofessionals: out more, call on +995 322 900 039,and visita regus.ge like-minded an us instant global community, place to to belong. belong.

Our network of workspaces enables businesses to operate anywhere, without the need

or download our app. for set-up costsTo or ficapital investment.

It provides our customers with immediate cost benefits nd out more, call To find out more, call us us on on +995 +995 322 322 900 900 039, 039, visit visit regus.ge regus.ge and the opportunity to fully outsource their office portfolio.

or or download download our our app. app.

It’s a network designed to enhance productivity and connect 2.5 million WE ARE EXPANDING OUR NETWORK IF YOU ARE A BROKER e space in your property, visit regus.com/landlords Call +995 577 222 744 to receive 10%community, commission and a place to belong. like-minded professionals: IFanYOU instant global WE ARE EXPANDING OUR NETWORK ARE A BROKER If you have space in your property, visit regus.com/landlords

Call +995 577 222 744 to receive 10% commission

To find out more, call usARE onAA+995 322 900 039, visit regus.ge IF BROKER IF YOU YOU ARE BROKER Call +995 577 222 744 to receive 10% commission Call +995 577 222 to receive 10% commission or 744 download our app.

WE WE ARE ARE EXPANDING EXPANDING OUR OUR NETWORK NETWORK If If you you have have space space in in your your property, property, visit visit regus.com/landlords regus.com/landlords

The Germans in Georgia

By Katie ruth Davies

“In 1815, while participating in the Congress of Vienna, Russian emperor Alexander I visited Stuttgart, a city in his mother’s native Kingdom of Württemberg. Upon witnessing the oppression of local peasants due to their non-Lutheran faith or as a result of their participation in separatist movements, the Emperor arranged for their settlement in the suburbs of Tiflis, the historical capital of Georgia, with the aim of forming agricultural colonies. On September 21, 1818, the first German settlement of Marienfeld, now Tbilisi, was established by a group of Swabian Germans. Two months later another group of colonists founded a settlement on the bank of the Asureti River and named it Elisabethtal, after the Emperor’s wife Elisabeth Alexeievna. Within the next year, five more colonies were established: New Tiflis and Alexandersdorf (both part of modern Tbilisi), Petersdorf (now part of Sartichala), and Katharinenfeld (present-day Bolnisi). Three more colonies were founded in Abkhazia: Neudorf, Gnadenberg and Lindau.

From 1906 to 1922, Kurt von Kutschenbach published the German-language newspaper Kaukasische Post, that called itself the “only German newspaper in the Caucasus”. Editor-in-chief was the writer and journalist Arthur Leist.” (Wikipedia)

The St. Peter and Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church was built in 1894, it was located at the corner of Michael and Kirche streets (the contemporary Agmashenebeli Avenue and Marjanishvili Street). The church closed and was destroyed by Bolsheviks.

2017 saw the celebration in both Georgian and Germany of the 200th year since the creation of German colonies in Georgia, as well as the 100th year since the restoration of Georgian statehood (Germany having been the first country to recognize Georgian independence in 1992) and the 25th year since the restoration of bilateral relations between the two states.

16

German Protestant-Lutheran Church, Tbilisi

The Georgia-Germany Society, which was founded on February 4, 1992, has carried out numerous important projects in Georgia, with the support of the GoetheInstitut, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassies of Switzerland and Austria in Georgia, the Swiss fund Pro Helvetia, the Deutshe Bank, the Georgian National Museum, the Ministry of Corrections and Probations of Georgia,

the Europe House, Kutaisi City Hall, and the T.G. Nili Art Space.

This year, 2018, has seen the Frankfurt Book Fair with Georgia as its Guest of Honor, which over several months allows Georgia to showcase everything that makes it unique but at the same time a natural and historical part of the European family.

THE COLONIES Many German colonies created here worked in the agricultural field, being given land to farm on, particularly in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, where they shared their agricultural know-how and helped boost the local economy.

One such community you can explore today, though the German colonists left long ago, is Bolnisi (then Katharinenfeld), which is the result of Swabian emigrants having been forced to leave their homes in 1817 due to economic hardships and religious oppression, and coming to the Caucasus to establish new settlements.

There were also colonies in the surrounds of Tbilisi, most notably in the current Marjanishvili/Aghmashenebeli Avenue area and in the location which is now Rike Park, where numerous tradesmen set up successful businesses making beer, carriages and other in-demand items.

European architects made a tremendous contribution to the urban and architectural transformation of Tbilisi in the late 19th century. Among them were Italian, German and Polish designers who were followed by Armenian architects at the turn of the 20th century.

Katharinenfeld was named after Queen Catherine of Württemberg, a sister of Tsar Alexander I. After early years of epidemics, thievery and economic challenges, Katharinenfeld in the mid-19th century, transformed into a flourishing community with five football teams, a German newspaper, an elementary school, a Lutheran church, a hunting club and a theater group. In 1941, Stalin deported all Germans who were not married to Georgians to Siberia and Kazakhstan, a total of 6,000 people. The city was renamed Bolnisi in 1944, and only a few residents of German origin remain today.

The legacy of the German founders is maintained in a small museum, various buildings, and in the small Lutheran congregation which was reinstated after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, 85% of the approximately 17,000 inhabitants are ethnic Georgians; the rest are mostly of Azerbaijani descent. A bilingual commemorative plaque remembers the fate of the German population in the town center.

And the relations between the two countries are ongoing. Then-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikhail Janelidze, stated at the opening of the commemorative year 2017, “Following the restoration of independence, large-scale investments were realized as an aid in the process of Georgia’s becoming a democratic state and approximating the European family.

German aid towards Georgia surpasses EUR 800 million. Our cooperation in the fields of security, economy, trade and business is ongoing and German investments are increasing. We already have 350 German companies on the Georgian

Elisabethtal

Of note among the many German architects and engineers were Otto Jakob Simonson, who created the former Viceroy’s Palace which now functions as the Youth Palace at 6 Shota Rustaveli Avenue, Albert Salzmann, Edward Sesemann, Paul Stern, who designed the (now) Art Palace at 6 Kargareteli Street, and Victor Johann Gottlieb Schröter, who was behind the exotic neo-Moorish Opera House on Rustaveli Avenue.

market successfully fulfilling their business goals. More importantly, these companies employ Georgians. Together with investments, they bring know-how and technologies that are so vital for the development of our economy. Our relations are also deepening in the fields of culture and education: Goethe Institute, namely Daad, has given out 1100 scholarships for Georgian students and scholars, presenting a unique opportunity to strengthen our educational system.”

17

Doukhobors – a Fading Religious Minority in Southern Georgia

By Samantha Guthrie included most of present-day Georgia.

Approximately 5,000 Doukhobors, along with other religious dissenters, are believed to have been resettled in Georgia between 1841 and 1845, mainly around what is today Akhalkalaki in the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti. The exiles established villages: Gorelovka, Rodionovka, Yefremovka, Orlovka, Spasskoye (Dubovka), Troitskoye, and Bogdanovka. By 1886, the Doukhobor population in Transcaucasia reached 20,000.

Photos: Maka Bibilashvili

Throughout history, the land where the modern country of Georgia now sites has alternatively been a crossroads for merchants, a trophy for conquerors, and a safe haven for the persecuted. One such group seeking sanctuary were the Doukhobors.

The Doukhobors are a spiritual Christian religious sect. They originated in Russia in the early 18th century and are distinguished for their rejection of the hierarchy and structure of the Orthodox Church including the use of icons and other Church rituals. Doukhobors are pacifists and tend to live together, separate from people of other religious beliefs and the modern world. They reject personal materialism and value modesty, coopera-

18

tion, and tradition. They practice storytelling, maintaining an oral history alongside religious hymns and verses.

The group’s persecution began when Tsar of the Russian Empire Nicholas I issued a decree in 1826 that aimed to forcibly integrate the Doukhobors into mainstream society. The decree ordered military conscription, outlawed their religious meetings, and encouraged conversions to Russian Orthodoxy. A second oppressive decree followed in 1830 conscripting all able-bodied Doukhobor men for service in the Russian army in the Caucasus, while those not physically able, along with women and children, were ordered to be resettled in Transcaucasia. The recently acquired Transcaucasian provinces

In the late 1890s, thousands of Doukhobors were given permission to emigrate to Canada, pressured by international governments who did not support the harsh treatment of the minority religious group. Approximately one third of Russia’s Doukhobor population is thought to have migrated to Canada during this period.

Today, there are an estimated 45,000 people in North America of Doukhobor descent.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Doukhobor culture in Georgia is their connection to Russian writer and philosopher Leo Tolstoy. Tolstoy lived from 1828-1909, and his writings on pacifism, idealization of peasant life, and spirituality aligned with Doukhobor theology. Tolstoy himself recognized and respected the Doukhobor community, donating some of the proceeds of his work to the costs of resettlement in Canada. There is even a school, still operating in the town of

Gorelovka today, that bears the name of Tolstoy, who donated the money to build it.

In the summer of 1895, a large faction of Georgia’s Doukhobors gathered to protest the Tsarist military draft – they placed all their weapons on a pyre and lit them aflame, singing hymns while they burned.

They refused to fight for the Tsar on their principle of pacifism. The Russian Empire punished the demonstration by sending Cossack troops to beat them. Many families were forced to flee to other parts of Georgia, others died of starvation or exposure.

During Soviet times, the Doukhobors in Georgia thrived, running successful collective farms – producing, in particular, several varieties of cheese. In modern day Georgia, you can still find traces of these communities, although they have been ravaged by the effects of rural poverty, widespread post-Soviet emigration, and the lures of modern technology. In the late 1980s, as the Soviet government entered the period of glasnost (openness) and allowed more freedom of movement within the country, many Doukhobors moved to Russia – most still spoke primarily Russian and never learned the Georgian language. There was also a large migration of Doukhobors to Canada after the fall of the Soviet Union, where several communities still thrive today. After their exodus, some villages were renamed with Georgian names – Bogdanovka became Ninotsminda, Troitskoe became Sameba – and in most of these places there is little left of the Doukhobor legacy.

Today, the Doukhobor population in Georgia is barely holding on, with a community estimated to be as small as 500 people. Most young people leave their villages to find work abroad. To see a

sliver of the often persecuted, isolated, idyllic life that once was, the best place to go is Gorelovka. Gorelovka is a village between Ninotsminda and the Armenian border. In a 2013 article, Slate reported that “In Gorelovka today, Doukhobors are outnumbered at least 15-to-1 by the majority Armenians; in the broader Javakheti region of Georgia, the ratio is 200-to-1.” There are many empty, abandoned Doukhobor homes that the Georgian government have periodically commandeered for ecological migrants from western Georgian – many Adjaran Muslim families.

day trip, perhaps spending the night in Ninotsminda. There is very little tourism infrastructure. Visitors can see the beautiful houses, buy some locally made cheese, and, perhaps, have a conversation with one of the few remaining Doukhobors in Georgia.

The Doukhobors’ industrial beginnings are evident in Gorelovka – colorful pastel buildings, trimmed with gingerbread-house wooden carvings, dot the landscape.

Older women, especially on holidays and other ceremonial occasions, still wear traditional clothing – long skirts in bright yellows, blues, and reds, loose blouses, white aprons and headscarves. The Doukhobor villages are best suited for a

19

Georgia- Guest of Honor at the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair

By Shirin mahdavi

The Frankfurt Book Fair, held from October 10 to 14, takes place annually on the Frankfurt Trade Fair grounds in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It is the largest trade fair for books in the world and is thought to be the most important for international deals and trading. Furthermore, every year, the fair features a Guest of Honor, with a specific country highlighted. This year, Georgia is that guest.

The five-day fair this year included a number of events to emphasize, educate, and spotlight Georgian literature. One of the series was called the ‘Literary Series in Pavilion’ and another the ‘Literary Series at the National Stand.’ The days were outlined by half-hour segments focusing on a certain element or facet of the Guest of Honor, Georgia. In addition, there was the ‘Georgia at the Fair Ground’ series, which highlighted Georgian developments in fields outside literature.

Pavilion of Georgia as a Guest of Honor in the Frankfurt Book Fair

20

The Pavilion series began with the Early Birds sequence, presenting the most promising new authors in Georgian literature and their debut works.

Following Early Birds was the Bittere Bonbons section which highlighted female Georgian authors. The women write about prominent social issues through poetry, literary miniature, novellas, and novels.

the GeorGian characterS The Georgian alphabet is one of the oldest in the world and one of the most interesting in terms of its artistry. The letters resemble objects, animals, people— the alphabet is a unique work of art. The Georgian Characters section celebrated the alphabet and authors that utilize it in different ways.

the taminG of literature Also the title of a book by Georgian writer Akaki Bakradze, this section focused on Georgian literature during Soviet censorship. During this time, writers who did not uphold the Soviet standards had their works banned or made unavailable. This segment remembered these authors and the state of Georgia at the time.

the 100 yearS One hundred years ago, 1918, marked the year Georgia became an independent republic for the first time. Its independence, however, was short-lived and in 1921 it was occupied by Russia. In 1991, upon the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia gained independence once more. Writers in this segment discussed the most significant events of this one hundred year period.

ex-liBriS Ex-libris is that which is written on books to denote ownership. The works of the authors in this segment were so individualistic that one could say that they have also pasted the ex-libris stamp on their work.

This section highlighted the most unique writers in Georgian literature at the moment.

voiceS: poetry Poetry has been a significant factor in shaping what Georgian literature is thought of in today’s world. Each day during this segment, two Georgian poets, who have been strong voices in Georgian poetry, spoke to the audience.

thinKinG GeorGia In this series, Georgian philosophers and scientists were presented, whose research and work are giving new light and discourse to the type of country Georgia is.

viSual GeorGia This section focused on Georgian visual art. The artists featured in this section were Primitivist artist Nikoloz Pirosmani, stage designer Petre Otskheli, who was executed during the repressions at the age of 30, and Ilia Zdanevich, a Futurist artist of Polish origin, who discovered and popularized Pirosmani together with his brother Kirill.

BriDGeS During the Bridges section, modern Georgian authors highlighted important

21

Georgian authors of the 19th and 20th centuries and the influence these authors have had on contemporary Georgian literature.

cinema characterS During the Soviet period, Georgian cinema was one of the most developed.

Georgian cinema at this time somehow remained free, ironic, and problem-oriented, despite the censorship put in place during the Soviet period.

Get toGether This series looked at Georgian-German literary projects.

playinG with SounDS This segment emphasized the phonetic peculiarity of the Georgian language.

Working alongside musicians, Georgian poets read their poetry in a manner that highlighted the uniqueness of the Georgian language.

22

As each day came to a close, the Happy Hours began, seeing, after the long day of literary musings, performers come to the stage with music and ballet to liven the mood of the guests.

The literary series at the National Stand were equally as entertaining and informative.

DiScover new titleS In this section, Georgian publishers and authors presented new works in Georgian literature that have yet to be translated.

DeStiny of the GeorGian BooK: toDay anD tomorrow This segment looked at the history, present, and future of Georgian literature.

contemporarieS This series was along the line of Discover New Titles as it also highlighted books that have not yet been translated and displayed them to foreign publishers.

GeorGia maDe By 33 characterS In this segment, Georgian authors and publishers presented books on the Georgian alphabet, the First Democratic Republic of Georgia, visual arts, literature, and the Georgian book.

literary BriDGeS Again, this series looked at what has come of Georgia’s literary collaborations.

puBliSherS SpeaK Perhaps self-explanatory, in this segment, publishers spoke on selected issues of interest.

BuSineSS lunch The Lunch highlighted Georgian culinary books.

Science maDe By characterS

con(text)

This program, which was developed by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, looked at Georgia’s achievements in science and culture.

Con(text) presented Georgian authors and texts, in particular social and cultural contexts that have been formed by certain elements in recent Georgian history, such as the Georgian publishing industry, Georgian writers, democracy, freedom of speech, and more.

the innovationS anD technoloGy aGency’S StanD

GeorGia in worlD context This series looked at Georgia from the perspective of a German writer and a Georgian diplomat.

turninG pointS in GeorGian literature

This stand is a simulation that displays Georgia’s innovative landscape from a sensory 360-degree view.

Georgia at the Fair Ground also included Georgia@The Arts+ and showcased Georgian visual and innovative art.

The Georgian National Tourism Administration exhibition allowed guests the opportunity to learn about the country of Georgia through VR glasses.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia sought to teach guests about Georgia’s most prized and ancient commodities, such as wine.

The “MenCare Campaign” at the Litcam Stage educated visitors about male and fatherly roles in Georgian domestic life.

The campaign is organized by UNFPA Georgia Country Office in cooperation with the local NGO We Care within the framework of the United Nations Joint Program for Gender Equality funded by the Government Sweden.

The Frankfurt Book Fair is a renowned event in the world of literature. Chock full of nearly endless activities, educational opportunities, and programs that highlight Georgian literature and achievements, the Frankfurt Book Fair is bringing well deserved attention to Georgia. To find out more about the event, look to the Georgian National Book Center Facebook page.

This segment focused on the most significant works of Georgian literature.

The National Stand series ended with Subtitles, a section shining light on Georgian screenwriters and playwrights.

Finally, the fair included Georgia at the Fair Ground. In this series, several segments were included that looked at Georgia in terms of science, technology, and the arts.

Pavilion of Georgia as a Guest of Honor in the Frankfurt Book Fair

23

By Any Other Name By tony hanmer

ა რ ფ უ ს

ზ ე თავქუდმო გ გლეჯილი ი ლ გ ა ნ თა

ი თ ე ლ ე მ თ ელე

მად ა

It may be that every language has words which cannot be translated easily into any other tongue; perhaps this is part of what makes each language rich and unique, involving so much of the parent culture of each. Georgian is certainly no exception.

Especially with the possibility in this language of a single word encompassing a whole sentence of article, subject, verb, tense, and object, Georgian can offer some real stumpers as far as accurate translation goes.

Some of the following words may indeed offer single-word English translations in

24

გენაცვალე

გ ე ზ ა მ

Google Translate. Others may not translate at all, perhaps because they either have been or are being borrowed in to English already, as have myriad other words from around the world over centuries. Georgian is doing this borrowing from English too, so why not? Others demand a much more lengthy explanation in attempts to sum them up.

თავქუდმოგლეჯილი (tavkudmoglejili): When you’re running so fast that you can’t look back and because of it, you are this.

You might be kicked in the butt by your own feet.

I asked my wife, who is Georgian and teaches English, for help with some of these, to see what she would come up with. The results were most interesting.

ყანწი (qants’i): The drinking vessel, typically offered in pairs, made from the horns of any horned animal, usually the best such examples (from mountain sheep

ელეთმელეთი (eletmeleti): the state of being beside oneself, in either a good or a bad way.

or goats) being reserved for this honor.

They may be carved, the open end finished with silver, or otherwise worked on to enhance their appearance, or even made of wood or clay. (I have a pair of meter-long kudu horns, perhaps the only ones in Georgia, which I brought back from southern Africa. They hold about a liter of liquid each, and are much admired but little used in my house because I don’t like heavy drinking!) თამადა (tamada): This one was left untranslated by Google, but almost every visitor to Georgia will learn it sooner or later. It’s the title of the toastmaster at the Georgian feast (see სუფრა below). Usually a man, chosen from the group present, although there is nothing preventing a woman from being in the role, especially at a gathering without men! The tamada’s best qualities will include much knowledge of the language, philosophy, history, humor, music and more of Georgia, as well as of the expected order of the toasting ceremony, which includes individual speeches on many different subjects over many hours.

He should be able to hold his drink, and his food too, and to maintain authority and order at the event over which he is presiding with honor. The best tamadas are in high demand for large gatherings such as wedding and funeral feasts.

Earliest supporting archeological evidence seems to be quite a few thousand years old, in the form of a small statuette from the former west Georgian kingdom of Colchis. ნაგლი (nagli): This seems to be one of the so-called “barbarisms” about which my village school’s Georgian teachers are so vigilant.

Barbarism here simply meaning any word which Georgian has borrowed untranslated from Russian (but apparently not from any other language), demonstrating laziness instead of using the proper Georgian word for the thing, which does exist, so why not use it? Anyway, наглый in Russian means “brazen” in English, the quality of being over-bold and uncaring who knows it. Why is Russian singled out for barbarisms, when Persian, Turkish and Arabic have all lent many words to Georgian, to say nothing of the aforementioned current and ongoing influence of English? Maybe simply because the Russians were the last to rule here. A touchy subject at best. სუფრა (supra): another one left untouched by Google Translate. Although its literal meaning is simply “tablecloth”, it really refers to the feast being spread on and enjoyed at the table, which is more, so much more, than just an occasion of eating and drinking. A supra is much more formal, long-lasting, serious (although quite acceptably shot through with jokes), and always presided over by a tamada, see above. It can last, in my own experience, for anything from a few to eight or more hours, with the liquid, preferably wine, and the food never-ending. The best place to learn the most about Georgian culture in one sitting, as long as you stay sober enough to recollect it. It may seat as few as two people up to as many as the room or dining space will hold, literally without limit. If the food ever ran out, more would be procured and would never be exhausted past the departure of the last person; same with the drink.

ზეგ (zeg): the day after tomorrow. Can also mean “in the unspecified general future,” as in the Spanish “mañana”. მაზეგ (mazeg): the day after zeg (the day after the day after tomorrow). გენაცვალე (genatsvale): a cornucopia of everything best towards the recipient. Perhaps the most profound, untranslatable word into English (or any other language?) in this list. Best for last.

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with over 1900 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

25

An Ideal Place to Visit in Autumn – Sightseeing in Sighnaghi By lika chogladze

Sighnaghi, a romantic little town located in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region, is attracting more and more visitors by the year.

Some people are charmed by its fairy-tale appearance, red-roofed houses and cobblestone streets, others by the enchanting wine tasting opportunities the region has to offer. The town is around a 1.5 hour drive from Tbilisi, so one can even organize a spontaneous trip there. The city was nicknamed the City of Love for its romantic environment and coziness, so you may come across many foreign and native couples walking around holding hands and enjoying the sightseeing.

The town is also notable for its wedding chapel that operates around the clock, hosting dozens of wedding ceremonies, be it planned or “drive-thru” marriages.

Alazani Valley, notable for its vast vine-yards and breathtaking backdrop of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The wall has around 23 towers, each of which was named after a particular village during the times it was constructed, and six gates.

the ethnoGraphic anD archaeoloGical muSeum

the Great wall of SiGhnaGhi Although the town is quite small, there are many things to see there. When you get there, take a stroll around the streets to soak up the charming architecture.

Sighnaghi is endowed with significant

26

historic and cultural heritage sites and is surrounded by an old city wall that once served as a defensive fortification protecting townsfolk and dwellers of nearby villages from enemies who frequently attacked the area. Sighnaghi’s wall dates to the 18th century and can be climbed at various access points to allow you to enjoy the amazing view over the

When walking through the cobblestone streets, you’ll come across a statue of famous Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani, who was born near this town and whose paintings are internationally renowned.

Many of his artworks are kept at the National Museum of Georgia, and Sighnaghi hosts a sizeable collection of his works in the Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum. The museum is located in the center of Sighnaghi, up the steps from the main square, and also preserves relics from archaeological excavations and from time to time hosts the visiting exhibitions of world-famous painters.

the BoDBe nunnery & the SiGhnaGhi churcheS On the way to or from Sighnaghi, the historic Bodbe Nunnery is well worth a stop. Just 2 kilometers outside the town, it was constructed in the 9th century to entomb St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. The place has recently been renovated and boasts beautiful gardens around two churches and a bell tower. It is frequented by numerous pilgrims and tourists, many of whom also hike down to the St Nino Spring, where believers bathe in cold water believed to have healing powers.

Sighnaghi itself houses two churches, one built in the name of St. George and another dedicated to St. Stephen.

tioned, this part of Georgia, Kakheti, is notable for its rich and ancient winemaking culture. Every autumn, on October 15, Sighnaghi hosts a wine festival, a feast for the wine enthusiasts and gourmands alike.

Within the frames of the festival, Georgian wine tasting is offered, and various kinds

of local wines, original wines and regional varieties are exposed and sold. Visitors can also enjoy traditional barbeque “mtsvadi” and delicious Georgian shoti bread, baked in front of you on the streets.

Guests are more than welcome to take part in preparing Georgian churchkhela, made with grape juice and threaded walnuts, and Georgian sweet grape pudding tatara. This warm, silky grape pudding is the best dessert you can treat yourself to during the autumn, so don’t miss this opportunity when attending the festival. You’ll also get the chance to try and to buy a wide selection of Georgian cheeses paired with soft and chewy churchkhela to round off an unforgettable wine tasting experience. If you don’t manage to attend the wine festival, don’t feel disappointed, since the town has many wineries and small restaurants that offer guests a wine tasting service, one of the Where.ge team’s favorites being Pheasant’s Tears, known for its friendly environment and great food and service.

the SiGhnaGhi wine feStival Sighnaghi welcomes guests year-round.

Autumn in particular is the perfect time for planning a trip there. As already men-

27

A Guide to Museums in Kakheti Where should one start when trying to discover a country? Perhaps the best way is to travel around, meet local people, and learn about their culture and traditions directly. If you decide to follow this path, you cannot pass up a visit to the museums as it is in such places that one can learn about a country’s past and present, history, and cultural heritage.

SiGhnaGhi muSeum 8 Rustaveli Alley TEL +995 223 24 48 OPEN: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-17:30 Tickets: Adult –3 Gel, Student –1 Gel, School children –0.5 Gel, Children under 6 – free.

systems were installed. The renewed collections of the museum currently number 60,000 exhibits.

In 2009, the Sighnaghi Museum hosted works by Pablo Picasso followed by an exhibition of paintings by western European artists in 2010. The Sighnaghi Museum is currently hosting several permanent exhibitions.

The museum’s key attraction and pride is a rich collection of Niko Pirosmani’s works, the self-educated artist of the 19th-20th century. The museum also features works by another famous Georgian artist, Lado Gudiashvili, and ethnographic materials and archeological works from the Middle Ages (city life in the 4th- 18th cc. Eastern Iberia).

ETHNOGRAPHY Numerous ethnographic materials including musical instruments, tools, garments, and everyday items are presented as part of the permanent exhibition at the Sighnaghi Museum.

The Sighnaghi Museum was founded in 1947 as the Museum of Local Lore of Kiziki and in 2007 it was merged with the Georgian National Museum. The building was fully repaired and new security

28

MEDIEVAL ARCHEOLOGY Details of daily life as experienced in a medieval (4th-18th century) Eastern Iberian settlement can be found at the Sighnaghi museum’s medieval archaeology exhibition.

NIKO PIROSMANASHVILI The rich collections of the 19th-20th century self-educated artist Niko Pirosmanashvili’s are one of the main features at the Sighnaghi musuem.

Pirosmani was born in the village of Mirzaani, in Kakheti. His early works represent the culture of this region, known for its beautiful landscapes and winemaking. His distinctive works are of paramount importance not only for Georgian culture, but for global art.

LADO GUDIASHVILI’S ARTWORK THE EXHIBITION PRESENTS THE SECOND PHASE OF THE ARTIST’S CREATIONS, IDENTIFIED BY AN EMPHASIS ON PICTORIAL AND PLASTIC VALUES.

aleKSanDre chavchavaDze houSe-muSeum at tSinanDali Tsinandali, Telavi TEL 570 70 34 89, 570 70 12 12 OPEN: Every day from 10:00 to 19:00.

During the winter months the museum closes one hour earlier.

Qvevri & Qvevri wine muSeum Napareuli, Telavi TEL +995 242 40 42, 599 33 38 84

The price of the ticket includes fees for visiting the garden, museum, vineyard and a guide for museum exhibits. Price for schoolchildren - 3 GEL; University/college students - 4 GEL; Standard adult - 5 GEL; Standard + tasting of one sort of Georgian wine 7 GEL; Standard + tasting of various of Georgian wines 20 GEL; Visiting only park 2 GEL. The museum is located in the palace of the well-known Georgian poet, where one can see objects representing both the poet’s life and creative work, and his époque.

Alexsander Chavchavadze in 1830 laid out a decorative park which at the moment occupies 18 hectares of land. One of the first wine cellars in Georgia wine cellar was built there in 1835, where unique collection of wine from many countries (16,500 bottles) are kept. Since renovation works in 2008, the museum has hosted exhibitions of works by various prominent Georgian and foreign artists: Salvador Dali, Elene Akhvlediani, Levan Mekhuzla, Dimitri and Sandro Eristavi, Sergo Kobuladze and Karlo Kacharava.

New exhibits each season make the museum even more attractive and have turned it into an important cultural site.

The Qvevri and Qvevri Wine Museum showcases all phases of Qvevri winemaking. Here you can discover the full process, clay preparation and Qvevri creating. You can also observe the washing of different size Qvevris.

Illustrated boards show how the process of fermentation happens inside a Qvevri and other vessels, the regions where Qvevri was produced and is currently being prepared, in which regions of Georgia which grapes were and are now growing.

Enjoy a wine tasting and, during the harvest season, you can press wine in a Satsnakheli - traditional Georgian winepress.

OPEN: Every day 24/7 Ticket: Adult - 15 GEL, students – 5 GEL. Free of charge: Children under 6 and orphans, employees of Museums, ICOM members, people with disabilities, soldiers, and refugees.

muSeum of Gremi Eniseli, Kvareli TEL 577 27 80 28

The reserve includes the XVI c. Archangel church, XVI c. wine cellar with winepress and, districts of merchants and nobility which include baths. Inside Gremi Museum (XV c. monument – King’s Hall and a three-floor tower with a bell-tower) you’ll find objects unearthed in the reserve area. There are Bronze Age daggers, adornments, items with animal images; IV c. tile with an image of St. George’s hand on it, XII-XIII c.c. iron axes, sling, XV c. glazed tile and brick, water pipes, XVI c. cannon, bows and arrows, a church bell from the commercial district, ceramic wine jugs, and medieval cooper crockery. Also is also a series of paintings of Levan Chogoshvili “Portraits of the Kings” (1985).

OPEN: Every day, 10.00 – 19.00 Ticket: Adult - 5 GEL, students and schoolchildren – 1 GEL, Guided Tour - 15 GEL. Free of charge: Children under 6 and orphans, employees of Museums, people with disabilities, soldiers, and refugees.

29

ilia chavchavaDze Kvareli State muSeum

houSe-muSeum of Kote marJaniShvili 24 K. Marjanishvili Str., Kvareli TEL +995 252 22 10 23

2 Sh. Rustaveli Str., Kvareli TEL +995 599 94 49 16

niKo piroSmanaShvili State muSeum Address: Village Mirzaani, Dedoplistskaro TEL (+995) 295 53 90, 577 27 80 13 This complex includes family castle and house of outstanding Georgian poet and public figure Ilia Chavchavadze (18371907) and exposition hall as well. The museum houses memorial objects of the poet and his family, poet’s manuscripts, sets of established by him periodicals, family coat of arms, seal, household objects, XVIII-XIX c.c. weapons, furniture, manuscripts of Georgian and foreign public figures, paintings inspired by the poet’s works (by H. Hrinewski, L. Gudiashvili, K. Guruli, S. Meskhi, T. Mirzashvili), rich collection of photographs and archive documents, collection of poet’s works editions on various languages.

OPEN: Every day, 10.00 – 17.00 Ticket: Adults - 2 GEL. Students and Schoolchildren - 1 GEL. Guided Tour - 5 GEL. Free of charge: Children under 6 and orphans, employees of Museums, ICOM members, people with disabilities, soldiers, and refugees.

30

The Museum offers a chance to visit the house of 20th century legendary Georgian artist Niko Pirosmanishvili, where several of his original works are presented in the exhibition halls. Several pictures of the most celebrated Georgian artists are presented here, coupled with the world-famous lithograph of Pablo Picasso “Pirosmanishvili’s Portrait.” The museum also houses a unique collection of old handmade kilims and carpets, one of which was woven by the artist’s mother. The museum has a large collection of ethnographic material that clearly reflects the traditional lifestyle of the historical province of Kizikhi.

Working hours: Everyday, except Monday, 10.00-18.00 Ticket price: Adult - 5 GEL, school children’s and students - 1 GEL. Guided tour - 15 GEL. Free of charge: Children under 6 and orphans, Groups: Employees of Georgian and Foreign Museums, ICOM members, ICOMOS members (with valid identification), people with disabilities, soldiers, and refugees.

The house museum of well-known Georgian theater producer Kote Marjanishvili (1872-1933) was established in 1959. In the museum funds and on display are memorial objects (various accessories, clothes, etc.) of the producer, early 20th century antiquarian furniture, carpets, crockery (Russian and French, Chinese), paintings (L. Gudiashvili, Petre Otskheli, Elene Akhvlediani etc.), graphics, sculptures, photographs, documents, books on the subject of the producer’s performances, audio-video copies of his film (“Amoki”) and performances. The museum houses characteristic items of the everyday Kakheti life, ethnography objects and archaeological items accidentally discovered by local people.

OPEN: Every day, 10.00 – 17.00 Ticket: Adult and students - 3 GEL, schoolchildren - 1 GEL. Free of charge: Children under 6 and orphans, employees of Museums, ICOM members, people with disabilities, soldiers, and refugees.

Balneological Resort Tbilisi-Spa – A New Secret to Discover

By Katie ruth Davies

And while the building itself has a busy road running past it and suggests a time-capsule of the Soviet epoch, in fact it can well be compared to the balneological resorts in Budapest, the Czech Republic (Karlovy Vary) and Germany (Baden-Baden).

The Tbilisi Balneological Resort offers unique natural curative services, among them mineral sulfur water baths, volcanic medicinal mud applications, physiotherapy, therapeutic, health-improving massages: classic, manual, Thai, anti-cellulite; and neurological rehabilitation for children and adolescents, provided by experienced medical professionals using modern equipment.

The story of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi began with the discovery of warm sulfuric waters by King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century. Thereafter, bathing in those waters became a popular past-time, used for both socializing and curative purposes.

In the 1930s, under the guidance of physiotherapist and balneologist Mikheil Zandukeli, a unique project was created,

according to which the bathing area was to encompass a 3-4 km stretch into the Krtsanisi Gorge. The first stage of that ultimately unfulfilled project was the Tbilisi Balneological Resort, which opened in 1938 under the leadership of the elite of the medical profession of the time. In 1998, the building was granted the status of cultural heritage.

The center provides treatment and rehabilitation for cardiologic, peripheral neurological, urological, endocrinologic, dermatological, pediatric, gynecological, and bone joint system diseases, and you can have biochemical, clinical laboratory, radiological and ultrasound examinations done there.

In 2010, the resort was awarded a certificate of quality, and in 2011 it was nominated for “The Best Tourist Curative Enterprise of the Year.”

Find out more here: http://en.balneo.ge

31

Famous Georgians Abroad By anna zhvania

Ever wondered who worked on the aircraft that won World War II? Or pondered who invented the first electronic Christmas tree lights? Look no further than some very special Georgian emigres!

aleKSanDre Kartveli

ground and achieving critical military advantages with the P-47 Thunderbolt, used by the United States to win World War II. He is also responsible for several design advancements for aircrafts such as the first metal plane to cross the Atlantic, the XF-103 high speed bomber, the F-105 used extensively in Vietnam and the A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) still used in Operation Desert Storm today.

GeorGe coBy

Kobakhidze also introduced new products to the market in the form of Christmas decorations. Creating electric lamps to replace real candles and designing colored glass ornaments in various shapes, Kobakhidze attained worldwide recognition and became the first Georgian billionaire in the US.

Aleksandre Kartveli’s (born Aleksandre Kartvelishvili) aviation aspirations landed him at the Paris Highest School of Aviation at a young age, which led him to become an early technology innovator and an influential aircraft engineer. To escape the rise of Bolshevik Russia, he emigrated from Europe to the US, becoming a US citizen in the late 1920s where he went on to become a pioneer in American aviation history.

Kartveli contributed immensely to aircraft research and design, breaking new

32

Kobakhidze) was named the “King of the American Chemical Industry.” Coby was born into a peasant family in Ambrolauri and eventually began working at a newly opened glass factory in Borjomi. After acquiring knowledge and experience in the industry, Kobakhidze opened a large factory near Boston, Massachusetts, in 1919. The Coby Glass Products Company soon established itself among the top industrial players, achieving a $15 million turnover and a $4 million in profit in 1929.

prince matchaBelli

From Racha to Tbilisi and Tbilisi to the United States, George Coby (born Grigol

Prince Georges Vasili Matchabelli was a Georgian nobleman and diplomat, born in Tbilisi. He pursued a degree as an engineer in Berlin and shortly after the Soviet invasion of Georgia in 1921, emmigrated to the United States.

Once he and his wife, Princess Norina Matchabelli (an actress), had settled in the States, they founded the Prince Matchabelli Perfume Company. Being an amateur chemist with the ability to smell “astral” perfumes, Prince Matchabelli duplicated scents and established a successful brand which is still sold today. The perfumes were custom-made for clients by Prince Matchabelli and became well-known for the multicolored, crown-shaped bottle

designs. The first three perfumes of the line included Princess Norina, Queen of Georgia and Ave Maria.

and started the tradition of a seasonal performance of “The Nutcracker” in 1954.

GeorGe Balanchine

tamara toumanova Known as “The Black Pearl of the Russian Ballet”, Tamara Toumanova was a half-Georgian-Armenian prima ballerina and actress born in Russia. Before settling in Paris, she and her family lived in refugee camps in Russia, Shanghai and Cairo. After studying in Paris, Tamara became a professional ballerina and in 1932 joined George Balanchine’s Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo and was also featured in Ballet Theater, making her the star of his performances in New York.

George Balanchine was a ballet dancer and choreographer born into a family of Russian-Georgian heritage in St. Petersburg. He is regarded as one of the foremost choreographers in the world of 20th century ballet.

The son of a composer, Balanchine gained knowledge of music from an early age and began studying piano at the age of five. Following his graduation in 1921 from the Imperial Ballet School, he enrolled in the state’s Conservatory of Music. Balanchine achieved impeccable experience, far exceeding most of his fellow choreographers. Balanchine moved to the United States in late 1933, where he co-founded the New York City Ballet

33

Events Calendar theater Gift - GeorGian international feStival of artS in tBiliSi October 18- November 16

October 19 YOKAI /REMEDY FOR DESPAIR Cast: Jo Even Bjørke, Louisa Hollway, Vanessa Mecke, Oda Kirkebø Nyfløtt, Léna Rondé, David Tholander and Vincent Vernerie.

Pantomime Theater, Norway Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20 GEL Venue: Royal District Theater

October 20 ASTIGMATISTS Movement Theater, Georgia Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Composer: Sandro Nikoladze Cast: Ana Talakhvadze, Lekso Chemia, Michel Zakhaidze, Mariam Balakhadze, Ucha Mjavia Start time: 20:00 Venue: Movement Theater

November 11 PLASTER JUDA Directed by Marina Salukvadze Music: Zaza Marjanishvili Media opera in one action Cast: Sopo Khalvashi Start time: 20:00 Venue: Rustaveli Theater

October 27-28 WITHOUT A DOWRY After Al. Ostrovsky play Dimitry Krymov Laboratory, Russia Language: Russian Georgian Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15-100 GEL Venue: Rustaveli Theater October 29 KEELY AND DU Batumi State Drama Theater Play by Jane Martin Directed by Keti Dolidze Language: Georgian English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Venue: Atoneli Theater

34

November 2, 3 MACBETTU Based on William Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ Directed by Alessandro Serra Language: Sardinian Georgian, English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15-40 GEL Venue: Rustaveli Theater

November 12, 13 SIMULACRUM Winter guests and Alan Lucien Øyen Director and Choreographer: Alan Lucien Øyen Kabuki choreo, Music, ‘Natsue’: Kanjuro Fujima Language: German Georgian, English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15-40 GEL Venue: Marjanishvili Theater

TRAVEL WITH GEORGIAN AIRWAYS DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM TBILISI TO:

BERLIN

BRUSSELS

PARIS

BARCELONA

BOLOGNA

COLOGNE

BRATISLAVA

KAZAN

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT: WWW.GEORGIAN-AIRWAYS.COM

November 14, 15 STATE Ingri Fiksdal Company Norway/Denmark Georgian, English Subtitles Start time: November 14- 20:00, November 15- 18:00 Ticket: 20 GEL Venue: Royal District Theater

Victor Dolidze’s opera Music Director of the Production- Revaz Takidze Director- Ioane Khutsishvili Set, Costume and Lighting DesignerGiorgi Alexi-Meskhishvili Choreographer- Iliko Sukhishvili Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-120 GEL

November 15, 16 SHOW Hofesh Shechter Company The entrance. Clowns. Exit Choreography and Music by Hofesh Shechter Performed by Shechter II Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-50 GEL Venue: Rustaveli Theater

November 10 REQUIEM Giuseppe Verdi Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-120

tBiliSi opera anD Ballet theater Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 200 44 66 October 27, 28, 31, November 3, 4, 7 KETO AND KOTE Premiere

Address: 14 Shavteli Str. TEL 298 65 90 October 20, 27 STALINGRAD Revaz Gabriadze Directed by Revaz Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL

November 14 SYMPHONY No. 9 Ludwig van Beethoven Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-120 GEL November 16, 17 DON QUIXOTE Ballet in three acts Prima Ballerina: Lali Kandelaki Final appearance & World Ballet Star: Brooklyn Mack (USA) Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-70 GEL

November 24 GEORGE BALANCHINE CHOREOGRAPHY EVENING Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-50 GEL

36

GaBriaDze theater

October 28 RAMONA Revaz Gabriadze Directed by Revaz Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL October 27 MARSHAL DE FANTE’s DIAMOND Revaz Gabriadze Directed by Revaz Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL October 24, 25, 30, 31 Animated documentary film REZO

NEW

SEASON

STEP INSIDE THE WORLD OF GEORGIAN MUSIC, DANCE, CULTURE, HISTORY AND TRADITIONS!

18/25 SEPT 2/9/16/23/31 OTCT 6/13/21/27 NOV 4/11/18 DEC AT MUSIC & DRAMA STATE THEATRE WWW.MUSICAL.GE

Directed by Leo Gabriadze Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL

muSic anD Drama State theater Address: 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 234 80 90 October 23, 31, November 6, 13, 21, 27, December 4, 11 WELCOME TO GEORGIA A musical, theatrical play and romantic comedy telling a story about Georgia and its people by combining song, dance, culture, traditions, history, national costumes and local cuisine.

Musical Language: English, some Georgian (with English subtitles) Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 50-80 GEL

ShaliKaShvili theater Address: 37 Shota Rustaveli Ave. TEL 595 50 02 03 October 20, November 9 LULLABY Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL October 20, November 24, 30 SHAKESPEARE SONNETS Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL November 2 HOST AND GUEST Based on a work of Vazha Pshavela

38

Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20 GEL November 3 KRIMANCHULI Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20 GEL

tBiliSi circuS Address: 1 Heroes’ Sq. October 27, 28 AUTUMN SHOW Start time: October 27- 17:00, October 28- 13:00, 17:00 Ticket: 10-25 GEL

muSeumS GeorGian national muSeum Simon JanaShia muSeum Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. TEL 299 80 22

November 10 LIKE THIS Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL November 16, 17 Roma Rtskhiladze and the Pantomime Theater THE WISHING TREE Theater combined with experimental music Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20 GEL

Exhibitions: GEORGIAN COSTUME AND WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH CENTURIES NUMISMATIC TREASURY EXHIBITION STONE AGE GEORGIA ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL COLLECTIONS

muSeum of Soviet occupation Address: 3 Shota Rustaveli Ave. TEL 299 80 22 PERMANENT EXHIBITION Discover the State’s personal files of

საქართველო

September 11 – November 25 After the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Titian and other great Italian artists, the Georgian National Museum and the Embassy of Italy in Georgia present the exhibition BERNINI’S SCHOOL AND THE ROMAN BAROQUE

Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 20-65 GEL

“subversive” Georgian public figures, orders to shoot or exile, and other artifacts representing Soviet-era cultural and political repression in Georgia.

GeorGian State muSeum of theater, tBiliSi event hall muSic, cinema anD Address: 1 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 595 79 79 35 choreoGraphy

ethnoGraphic open air muSeum

Address: 6 Kargareteli Str. TEL 295 35 63 www.artspalace.ge

Address: 1 Turtle Lake TEL 223 09 60, 222 63 02 www.museum.ge

The museum hosts houses and household buildings brought from around Georgia and represents 14 ethnographic zones: Kartli, Samegrelo, Adjara, Abkhazia, Svaneti, Khevsureti, Kakheti, Meskheti, Javakheti, Guria, Imereti, Racha, Lechkhumi and Ossetia.

the national Gallery Address: 11 Shota Rustaveli Ave. TEL 215 73 00

40

The building of the Georgian State Museum of Theater, Music, Cinema and Choreography was built at the end of 19th century by famous architect Paul Stern and is a fine example of Islamic gothic works.

Following extensive renovations, the museum preserves over 300,000 exhibits, including film and theater costumes, posters from Soviet times, instruments and scores from famous composers and artwork from the best-known Georgian artists, including Pirosmani and Petre Otskheli.

October 20 SEEYA SeeYa was a South Korean female group originally made up of Kim Yeonji, Lee Bo-ram, and Nam Gyuri. When the group debuted in 2006, they were marketed as the female version of SG Wannabe.

Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 50-100 GEL

muSic tBiliSi concert hall Address: 1 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 299 05 99 October 25 ANITA RACHVELISHVILI & NIKOLOZ RACHVELI Gala Concert supporting musician Vato Magradze

repuBlic Address: 1st Republic Sq. TEL 240 22 00 October 26 GUS GUS LIVE @ REPUBLIC Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 60 GEL

Listing: Georgian Travel Agencies tripplanner.Ge TEL 591 7 12345 info@tripplanner.ge www.facebook.com/tripplannergeorgia/

Tripplanner.ge is a new C-90; M-35; Y-95; K-25; page for those who are fond of travelling.

It will help C-15; M-35; Y-100; K-20; tourists to independently discover interesting information about Georgia, tours, sights and seasonal offers, all on one page.

Get package tours, transfer services and plan your trip, all of which can be purchased online. Innovative page “trip planner” is a system that does a complete calculation to give customers a full range of information about routes, kilometers, sights, prices, and the contact details of tourist groups, guides and other additional services on offer.

travel co Address: 9 K. Apkhazi Str., 128 Aghmashenebeli Ave. TEL 557 59 14 08 (whatsapp, viber), 593 40 06 01 (whatsapp, viber) www.travelco.ge info@travelco.ge reservation@travelco.ge FB – TravelCoGeorgia Instagram - travelcogeorgia

42

voyaGe tourS GeorGia Address: 8 G. Kartozia Str. TEL 229 95 55 Fax: +995 32 2299444 Web: http://voyagetours.ge Email: Tbs@voyagetours.net

Tusheti and Kakheti (wine region) to modern and luxury venues and resorts, their diversified products allow you to immerse yourself in rich and alluring ways of life. Professional multilingual guides will take care of the logistics, high qualified service and be on hand to add a unique ‘Explore twist’ to your trip while ensuring that your pleasure and responsible tourism remains at the very core of each adventure.

travel company ‘your Group’ Address: 34 I. Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 577 03 05 44, 243 143 incoming@yourgroup.ge Voyage Tours Georgia offers all type of travel services throughout Georgia, selected and tailored by experts to create perfect holidays: adventures, leisure trips and events.

From group walking and trekking tours in the Caucasus Mountains to cycling trips and wine yard voyages in the most authentic areas of our ancient country. The agency also offers family adventure holidays, trips for solo travelers and much more. Passion and experience are at the heart of their ethos and they pride themselves on expertise as one of the most professional and trusted travel companies in Georgia.

They create exciting itineraries that will take you off the beaten track to fully experience the culture of each unique region of the country. From the remote villages to the local people of Ushguli,

livinG rootS travel TEL 599480086 tamara@travellivingroots.com www.travellivingroots.com

Culinary and wine tours.

Living Roots Ranch offers horseback rides from 1 hour to multi-day treks.

GeorGia holiDay Address: 12b A. Kazbegi Ave. TEL 200 04 45 www.georgiaholiday.com info@georgiaholiday.com

GeorGia 4U

The most trusted travel agency!

Georgia 4U offers tours all around Georgia!

Plan your trip with the professionals!

Choose Georgia 4U for an enjoyable journey!

Address: 11 Machabeli Str. Tel 577 95 97 95 Web: www.georgia4u.ge email: georgian4u@gmail.com F: @georgia4u

ruStar online

viSit GeorGia

Address: 7 Ts. Dadiani str.

TEL 593 09 78 78 gm@rustaronline.ge www.rustartourism.com

Address: 4a Ingorokva Str. TEL 292 22 46 www.visitgeorgia.ge vg@visitgeorgia.ge

turi.Ge

interco travel

Address: 42 I. Abashidze Str. TEL 242 50 05 www.turi.ge info@turi.ge

Address: 14 I. Abashidze Str. TEL 229 43 43 www.interco.travel info@interco.travel

apG GeorGia

caucaSuS travel

Address: 6 Pushkin Str. TEL 2430444, 2434006 E-mail: tours@apggeorgia.com

Address: 22 Peritsvaleba Str. TEL 298 74 00 www.caucasustravel.com Georgia@caucasustravel.com

aGaSSi travel Address: 7 Dadiani Str. TEL 577 04 48 80 www.agassitravel.com

newKaz Address: 5 Janashia Str., Old Tbilisi TEL 230 96 20

www.newkaz.ge info@newkaz.ge

omneS tour Address: 4 Abesadze Str. TEL 293 34 00 www.omnestour.ge info@omnestour.ge

trawellin Address: 4 I. Nikoladze Str. TEL 229 20 90 www.trawellin.ge inbox@trawellin.ge

localhoSt GeorGia Address: 116 Tsereteli Ave. TEL 215 87 77 www.localhost.com.ge david@localhost.com.ge

43

Listing: Casinos princeSS caSino Batumi Address: 33 M. Abashidze Str., Batumi TEL 422 22 60 20 http://princessbatumi.com

and raffles featuring cash or prestigious prize winnings. There is a parking lot in front of the casino. Princess Casino Batumi is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

europe-Bet Address: 12 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 247 14 71

amBaSSaDori Address:17 Shavteli Str., 0105, Tbilisi, Georgia TEL 211 21 21 info@ambasadori.casino

Princess Casino Batumi is the ideal place for quality recreation and hospitality in a luxurious and cosmopolitan environment of an International Princess Casino Chain working in the best traditions of the European gaming business which include a high level of service.

The casino is located in one of the biggest modern and most touristic cities in Georgia, taking up part of the first floor of Wyndham Batumi Hotel in the heart of the city: when the lights of downtown switch on, the spirit of entertainment comes alive…

Enjoy world-popular gambling games such as American Roulette, Blackjack and Poker as well as high technology slot machines.

Princess Casino offers an innovative program for slot machine players, ‘Players Club,’ giving you the chance to earn points towards gifts and unique benefits.

Princess Casino regularly offers an entertainment program, shows and an open buffet for players.

With a dedicated team of PR and entertainment professionals, the Princess Casino Batumi offers a variety of draws

44

GranD Address: 48 Vaja-Pshavela Ave. TEL 239 96 52 Casino Ambassador is an elite gambling club based on the idea of a premium-class casino. It includes a unique approach to each customer and high-class service. The refined design, comfortable environment and perfect service that will be found in the Ambassador is a continuation of the hotel “Ambassador Tbilisi” concept. The Casino offers guests an unlimited amount of entertainment and relaxation 24/7 for both men and women.

When high bets are drawn, when the concentration is at its peak; when comfort means more than just luxury, club “Ambassador” will open its VIP-apartments for youthree apartments of different color, exclusive furniture, relaxation zones, bathrooms and, of course, a professional table.

Prize money for weekly chess tournament is 64,000 GEL Prize money for the weekly Saturday raffle is 120,000 GEL

aDJaraBet Address: Old Tbilisi, Merab Kostava, near subway «Technical University» TEL 271 10 10, 236 43 60

ShanGri la caSino tBiliSi River Mtkvari Right Embankment, Near the Bridge of Peace TEL 220 07 01

caSino iveria

caSino iveria

Republic (Rose Revolution) Sq. TEL 240 22 45

1 Ninoshvili Str., Batumi TEL +995 4222 25 362, +995 4222 25 363

caSino international 40 Rustaveli Str., Batumi TEL +995 422 23 00 23

caSino Jewel 29 Shota Rustaveli Ave. TEL 260 00 00

gaming industry in Georgia. Offering 35 gaming tables, including all the traditional and modern casino games, it also boasts 295 slot machines and 80 electronic Roulette stations. With an average crowd of around 2,000 guests a night, many coming from the surrounding states, the Casino Adjara gambling halls create a unique gaming atmosphere that cannot be felt in many other Casinos in Europe.

eclipSe caSino 1 Lech and Maria Kaczynski Str., Batumi TEL 557 11 00 00

princeSS caSino, Batumi 33 M. Abashidze Str., Batumi TEL +995 422 22 60 20

Batumi Casinos welmonD caSino 2/4 Shavsheti Str., Batumi TEL +995 422 242 020

To grasp the full feel and essence of Casino Jewel, you will be greeted by its dedicated hostesses, who will show you around and get you into the vibe of the place. First and foremost, Casino Jewel prides itself on personalized service, which means giving personal attention to everyone who enters to explore the Casino.

caSino aDJara 26 May Sq. TEL 233 55 19 Casino Adjara opened its doors in 1998 and became an immediate hit in the

peace caSino 2/21 Vazha Pshavela/Ninoshvili Str., Hotel Sheraton, Batumi TEL +995 557 77 00 00

Princess Casino Batumi is the ideal place for quality recreation and hospitality in a luxurious and cosmopolitan environment, part of the international network of Princess Casinos International it works in the best traditions of the European gaming business, which include a high level of service.

45

to stay

Tips for Your Hotel Search in Georgia . . . e c i o My Ch

Ana Chachanidze Marketing and Sales Manager at Astoria Tbilisi

aStoria tBiliSi hotel The hotel is located on the Mtatsminda Plateau, in the most charming part of Old Tbilisi. Due to the hotel’s location, from the window of each room breathtaking views of the city greet you.

Nearby are the most important attractions of the city, including the Georgian National Museum, Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art, Mtatsminda Park, restaurants, and more.

Astoria Tbilisi Hotel offers a safe and quiet location near two ministries, embassies and state institutions.

Choose from the 141 rooms of different categories, and enjoy their swimming pool, cozy lounges and comfortable yards, where you can rest in the center of the city and enjoy delicious coffee or other drinks.

48

to stay

citruS A minute up from Rustaveli Avenue, behind the Parliament of Georgia, this cozy and elegant hotel offers elegant rooms and excellent breakfast facilities. Citrus is distinguished by a warm and special hospitality.

roomS hotel Decorated with vintage details and gentle colors, plus the always positive staff, cozy rooms and a beautiful yard in the center of the hotel, guarantee you a unique and comfortable stay. Enjoy the bars and tasteful music in one of the best destinations for business meetings and relaxation.

mercure hotel tBiliSi From the moment you step into the hotel, everything is focused on your mood and safety. Qualified staff, the colors of the interior and the terrace-restaurant promise a comfortable stay. The synthesis of comfortable furniture and plants is even more beautiful against the background of a panoramic city view, and the hotel justifies its name - “closest to the sun.�

amBaSSaDori Kachreti Golf reSort The magical world outside the city. Customized for guests with any taste, whether you prefer active or passive vacations. Bright and cozy rooms, a brilliant view from the hotel, large swimming pools, spaces arranged for various sports activities, and a combination of green and blue colors whisk you away from the stresses of the daily grind.

to stay

49

The Pearl of Western Georgia

This is Tskaltubo, the Pearl of Western Georgia, the Georgian Baden-Baden.

Tskaltubo is a diversified resort best known for its natural thermal radon springs.

Tskaltubo is a wood-shaded town surrounded by unique, centuries-old stalactite caves. It’s 10 km from Kutaisi, the “capital” of western Georgia, 235 km from Tbilisi, 130 km from Batumi and just 20 km from Kutaisi International Airport.

Discover Legends Tskaltubo Spa Resort, the place where history marries nature! The

50

beautiful hotel (built in the Stalinist Empire style between 1946-1956) is surrounded by 16ha of recreational area. The Spa complex boasts a perennial forest, fountains, a modern swimming pool and 139 renovated and comfortably equipped rooms. It is a full-range, contemporary resort which will astonish guests with its stunning location, beautiful landscape and multifunctional facilities. The hotel is the perfect place for rest and relaxation, medical treatment and for hosting various events and activities.

to stay

Legends Tskaltubo Spa Resort, in cooperation with Balneoresort Tskaltubo, offers a wide range of healthcare packages.

Tskaltubo has been well-known as a curative resort since the 7th-11th centuries, with its thermal radon baths, belonging to chloride-hydrocarbonated-sulphate, sodium-magnesium, and clean, pure and odorless calcium waters. The natural temperature of the water is 33-35 degrees.

The recommended treatment period in Tskaltubo is 20-24 days.

The waters of Tskaltubo can treat the following diseases: • Locomotor system, • Heart blood vessel, • Nervous system, • Gynecologic disorders, • Skin and endocrine diseases, • The disorder of substance change and more.

Legends Tskaltubo Spa Resort has the largest conference capacity in western Georgia, with 10 fully equipped spaces

for conferences and meetings on the territory. The hotel also runs a unique old-fashioned concert hall for 350 persons.

The pride of Legends Tskaltubo Spa Resort is the huge parkland spread across 16 hectares around the buildings. There is no other hotel or venue in the whole of Georgia with such an amazingly large recreational area. The parkland is a unique mixture of 150 types of leafy and coniferous trees.

to stay

This forest, in combination with old fashioned fountains, creates an outstanding environment for unforgettable outdoor events and beautiful weddings, while the modern swimming pool is the best location for outdoors pool parties during the summer period.

What’s more, the multifunctional territory of Legends Tskaltubo Spa Resort gives you an opportunity to try a diversity of sporting activities, making it very attractive for healthy lifestyle followers: both groups and individuals.

51

New Life of Historic Tsinandali Estate Radisson Collection Hotel in the Heart of Kakheti

There is an exceptional place in the heart of the top wine region of Georgia where you can be part of winemaking tradition and history. Tsinandali Estate was the property of Alexander Chavchavadze, a Georgian nobleman, well-known poet and writer. The cellar has been preserving the secrets of traditional food, wine, literature and culture since 19th century.

The Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate is located behind the museum of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, a 1.5-hour drive from Tbilisi and perfect for relaxing tours, memorable meetings, fascinating weddings, and recharging breaks amidst nature.

A model of locally-inspired, contemporary design, the hotel shows the best of

52

Tsinandali’s rich history. Every detail is designed, realized and sought after by well-respected architects, designers and concept-developers.

fitness room, sauna, Jacuzzi, a full Spa service area and 19m infinity outdoor pool boasting a breath-taking view over the park and Caucasus Mountains.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate will welcome its first guests very soon. It features 141 stylish guest rooms and suites, 3 restaurants, 3 bars, and a Blue Room that can be used for private dining.

Radisson Collection, Tsinandali Estate also features a range of exceptional hotel facilities, including:

Guests will discover the fascinating history of the founder of the Georgian romanticism - Prince Alexander Chavchavadze and his family, enjoy peaceful walks in the landscaped garden with 40 unique species, and get a chance to explore the winery and taste wines from the cellars.

The experience can be completed by a visit to the wellness floor which offers a

- an open-air amphitheater for 1,200 guests with a retractable roof, designed by Xavier Fabre, suitable for concerts, weddings, and gala dinners;

to stay

- an exciting variety of restaurants and bars;

- the Gallery, a big hall space behind the amphitheater, which can accommodate up to 400 guests with a reception area, also ideal for exhibitions;

- ground-floor theater for 300 guests, with access to an ample pre-function area for welcome cocktails; - Usakhelauri, a pre-function room dedicated for coffee-breaks and access to the public lounge area, with 3 meeting rooms, called Saperavi, Pinot Noir, and Tsinandali, ideal for breaks and focused meetings, with a dedicated Mystery Room for coffee-breaks and access to the public lounge area; - a helicopter landing spot and, of course, exclusive access to the Tsinandali Estate Park; - a unique wine-tasting bar and Prince Alexander Chavchavadze’s personal wine cellar collection; - Prince Alexander – All-Day Dining Restaurant with a courtyard terrace serving exceptional breakfasts, lunches, and dinners based on the best international cuisine traditions; - instantly welcoming French Le Bistro with its cozy summer terrace – a relaxing sanctuary servicing a selection of the best French pastries;

- while you are at the swimming pool, refresh yourself with cocktails or a healthy smoothie and taste light and grilled food on the roof-top Terrace Bar while you soak up the remarkable and breathtaking view over the park and the Caucasus Mountains.

The Tsinandali Estate will let you observe and experience a completely different

Kakheti – a wine-making region that is full of traditions into an artistic, cultural, and luxurious frame.

The project of the Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate is implemented by the Silk Road Group with the financial support of the Partnership Fund. It will be operated by the Radisson Hotel Group.

- Kakheti Restaurant, for those who want to experience authentic Georgian cuisine; - Blue Room, a private dining area next to the All-Day Dining Restaurant; - Gaumarjos, for tasting locally produced Tsinandali Estate wines; - The Library Bar, a spacious book gallery with a stylish lounge zone. Ideal for tasting the collection of wines, cocktails, and mixed drinks, it also features the Golden Room by German Industrial Designer Ingo Maurer, who designed it with a fireplace, a perfect spot to catch up with friends and family;

to stay

53

top 5 hoStelS in tBiliSi

By Katie ruth Davies

Tourism is booming in Georgia, not least because it has become well-known as an affordable “European” destination ripe in natural and architectural sights to see. You won’t go a day in the capital without seeing couples and groups of friends laden with backpacks and rolled up sleeping bags. So where do they lay their heads at night?

Where.ge asked them and compiled the top choices below.

valiKo hoStel & Bar “Valiko’s, set in one of Old Tbilisi’s best old buildings, is a hidden gem of the bar scene of the city. The carefully curated interior answers to the emerging underground scene, combining the old, classic, and decorative style of the building with paintings and sculptures. Every night, you will encounter interesting and welcoming people who are looking to make new friends; some are fellow travelers, some are locals. It’s run by a South-African and Georgian duo and drinks are priced for the budget traveler. I would describe the establishment as a bar with a hostel, not a hostel with a bar. If you find you’ve had a bit too much to drink, the hostel downstairs has a laid-back, inviting, and friendly atmosphere, too. It is unlike other properties I have stayed at in the city - It’s the kind of place you feel relaxed in, where you could stay a while.” – Tamzin.

24 G. Tabidze Str. TEL 593 96 14 54

faBriKa hoStel “Fabrika Hostel was once a soviet sewing factory. It was recently revived and transformed into a multi-functional urban space bringing together bars, cafes, designers and craftsmen.

Lost and forgotten in the historical part of Tbilisi, the former soviet sewing factory is now the urban hotspot for locals and travelers alike. With its striking ‘old-meets-new’ attitude, the place oozes genuinely cool soviet vibes blended with funky industrial elements.

Choose from a bed in a mixed dorm (3, 4, 6, 10, 12 or 6-female), twin or double private or treat yourself to an Apartment Style Suite for four, complete with terrace, kitchenette and private bathroom. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Super comfortable and friendly.” – Kathryn.

8 E. Ninoshvili Str. TEL 202 03 99

54

to stay

hoStel KonKa “Konka is the name of old horse-driven trams that were used in the 19th century. Some of them are still on the streets of Tbilisi, being used as shops or cafes. The most famous one is standing near the old city walls at Baratashvili Street, and this is the place where you’ll find Hostel Konka. It’s difficult to find a more central location, so close to all important sights and to the public transport (buses, minibuses, subway). Gabriadze Theater, Anchiskhati Basilica, Rustaveli Avenue and Sololaki area are within 3-5 minutes walk. The interior is very simple: light wooden bunk beds, a little kitchenette, clean bathroom with a washing machine. Plus, Hostel Konka has a spacious balcony with traditional carved ornaments. You observe people’s real life while chilling there with a tea or beer, and as you walk out the door, you become an immediate part of it all.” – Timothy.

14 Nishnianidze Str. TEL 558 36 37 90

opera roomS & hoStel tBiliSi “Probably my favorite hostel in terms of the whole customer experience. It all starts with having to take your shoes off upon entry (to ensure maximum cleanliness) to being given a hero’s sendoff come checkout time. Indeed, as I entered the world of the Opera Rooms & Hostel, I had interrupted the leaving ceremony of a guest. At first I thought it was just another tourist being embraced and sent his way by members of his travel crew. I soon found out that those embracing like a long lost friends were in fact the staff members. Therein lies the beauty of this hostel: not only is it situated in a beautiful, huge and spacious apartment (with a kitchen that has to be at least 25m2!), but you are welcomed immediately as a ‘member of the family’. The immediate flood of kindness that I was afforded by the three present staff members, two of which were long-term-residents-cum-de-facto-staff, was truly heartwarming and made me almost wish that I lived there full-time. This hostel is close to a home as any that I’ve seen in my travels across 39 countries. Very central, just seconds from bus and minibus stops and minutes from the metro and Tbilisi’s nightlife districts. Two shared bathrooms, breakfast included. The only negative is that its windows open up to the shambolic and tone-deaf orchestra of Rustaveli Avenue.” – Mate.

24 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. TEL 555 37 75 16

ruStaveli GueSthouSe “Coming from higher income countries, one would be forgiven for being wary of staying at a hostel that costs only 20 GEL a night. However, in Tbilisi, one finds value for money, even at such a relatively low price. Situated just across from the luxurious Biltmore Hotel, the Rustaveli Guesthouse provides the kind of luxury not even a seven-star hotel can: the feeling of being at home.

Cozy, quaint, and homely, this hostel offers a relaxing vibe and energy. While the decoration is minimal at best, it is still good enough to make the place feel lived in; the beds offer a surprising degree of comfort, with their firm, though still-soft enough mattresses. A selection of snacks and cornflakes, in addition to milk, tea, and coffee, is included in the stay, in a tidy and cute little kitchen at the far end of the establishment. The owner even lives in a room connected to the hostel by a separate staircase, so one can rest assured that assistance is always at hand.” – Tom. 24 Sh. Rustaveli Ave., Floor 3 TEL 555 252 287

to stay

55

The Force of Nature, The Care of a Doctor Tskhaltubo Resort – a Wonder of Georgia Tskaltubo Resort belongs to those few world resorts, the planning and development of which was implemented according to a scientifically proven and original plan. The structurally well-tuned and classically decorated compact resort, from its very beginning left a unique impression with visitors.

Tskaltubo is a world-renowned balneological resort. People have known about its miraculous spring waters since ancient times and they even created a beautiful legend related to it.

Tskaltubo became famous due to its unique mineral waters, distinguished by the strong physical-chemical properties and belonging to light radon, chloride-hydrocarbonate-sulfate, and sodium-calcium-magnesium waters.

The effective medical and prophylactic effects of the waters are conditioned due to their complex ingredients and the peculiar combination of the main components of the salts.

The natural temperature of the water (33-35°C) gives users the opportunity to use it without pre-warming, regardless of their age.

The following biologically active microelements are found in the mineral springs of Tskaltubo: Iodine, bromine, manganese,

56

to stay

lithium, boron, zinc, strontium, and copper, which are important for the human vitality.

The following gases also play an important role in the Tskaltubo mineral waters: nitrogen, radon, helium, and argon.

Tskaltubo water is among the oldest from a geological perspective (100-150 thousand years). The ongoing hydrochemical processes take part in its formation.

The mineral waters of Tskaltubo can treat: Locomotive system disorders Cardiovascular system diseases Nervous system diseases Skin and endocrine diseases Gynecological disorders (among them infertility) Endocrine diseases Urological diseases Disturbance in metabolism.

The buildings №6 and №1 of JSC Balneoservice are directly built over the mineral water springs. Well-equipped buildings with 5 pools of mineral water, 30 individual baths, 17 rooms for hydromassage, 3 rooms for horizontal stretching of the spine and other facilities make bathing procedures very comfortable.

Underwater hydro massage Aqua aerobics in the pool Classical curative massage Horizontal underwater spinal traction Phisiotherapy Gynecological irrigation Shower “sharko” “Circular” shower Mechanotherapy

Peloidotherapy Colonhydrotherapy And more.

In Tskhaltubo, treatment can be carried out on both adults and children.

Recommended duration of a classic spa treatment is 14-21 days.

The healing procedures are conducted at the pools and cabine-baths with constantly flowing water, ensuring the keep physical and chemical composition is kept as well as the curative properties. Homogeniety and water temperature are also kept stable in this way.

The following healing procedures are conducted at the resort: Mineral water bathing

to stay

57

WINE PALACE HOTEL THE HERO OF GEORGIAN HOSPITALITY

Wine Palace is a 4-star hotel located in the center of Tbilisi, within three minutes’ walk of the Technical University Metro Station. The major concept of this place is Georgian wine and hospitality.

Georgian painters worked the interior and as you enter the lobby, the wall paintings will be the first to grab your attention and even the decor shows wine elements. The owner thinks that when guests enter the Wine Palace, they should feel the ambiance and diversity of the Georgian wine and cuisine culture, but the hotel is exceptional for many reasons, from its highquality customer service and special offers, to the free wine tasting and gifts from the owner.

Wine Palace has four floors and 33 rooms. The majority of rooms have balconies and great views over the capital city. All are equipped with Free Wi-Fi, Satellite TV, an international phone and safes.

• • • •

Standard Single Standard Double Standard Twin Deluxe Double

But wait- there’s more! Wine tasting is available on the ground floor of the hotel, which includes a variety of wine, cheese and freshly baked bread. This is a great chance to see the process of unique Georgian wine and Chacha (vodka) making, bread baking in Tone and to enjoy the cheese of the different regions of the country. At the end of the wine tour, guests get a labelled bottle of red or white wine as a gift from the hotel.

Outdoor tours are also on offer for visitors, with qualified staff able to plan personal trips and transfers for guests. Since it is now the winter season in Georgia, you might be interested in visiting one of the winter resorts or continue your wine adventure into the Kakheti region – the cradle of Georgian wine.

Address: 31, B. Kvernadze Str. Tbilisi TEL: +995 322 33 88 08, +995 555 35 55 55, +995 577 75 55 55 www.winepalace.ge Email: info@winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace

Babaneuris Marani – An Ideal Place for Wine Lovers to Be The vineyard, winery and boutique hotel is nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, in sight of the major historic and cultural sites of the Kakheti region.

Babaneuri Winery was founded in 2005 in the village of Babaneuri as a family business and started commercial activities in 2013. All the members of one Georgian family are involved in this business and do their work with great love and care. winery The vineyard is planted on uniquely fertile land in Georgia’s major wine producing region – Kakheti and attracts tourists and wine lovers due to its location. The company has two wine cellars: one in the middle of the vineyards, and the second in the village of Kvemo Alvani (Lower Alvani).

Since 2009, the wine cellar in Kvemo Alvani has been actively producing an inimitable Georgian wine using only traditional Qvevri, the traditional earthen-

ware vessels buried in the cool earth, in the same way as it’s been done in Georgia for over 8,000 years.

The wine is produced there from four Georgian grape varietals: Saperavi, Mtsvane, Kisi and Rkatsiteli, all grown on 11 hectares of vineyard directly adjacent to the property.

In 2016, the company built its second wine cellar in Babaneuri Village, surrounded by its vineyards, with many lovely paths to explore, or places to simply sit and soak up nature. Both cellars give visitors a fascinating insight into the oldest winemaking traditions and give them the chance to feel the real Georgian spirit.

The amount of the wine produced by the company is limited due to the capacity of the vineyard itself, however, other than at the cellars and boutique hotel in Kakheti, wine-lovers can taste their wines in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi: at Veriko restaurant and wine bars 2WINE and 8000 Vintages.

The Babaneuris Marani wines are already in demand abroad, available in America, England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Boutique hotel Shortly after building its second wine cellar in Babaneuri, the representatives of the company decided to gift another treat to locals and tourists and built a cozy boutique hotel in the middle of its vineyards. The hotel has been operating since September 2017 and it has already become the favorite place for visitors of Kakheti due to its homey atmosphere and the opportunity to taste unique Georgian wine and enjoy various interesting activities there.

The winery ‘s boutique hotel offers 13 bedrooms, an all-year heated swimming pool, hiking trails in the forests and foothills, and an acclaimed restaurant serving classic Georgian cuisine with a twist from locally-sourced organic produce.

Guests at the Babaneuri boutique hotel can visit the vineyard and enjoy the

unforgettable views of Kakheti, then get acquainted with the oldest traditional methods of wine producing in the wine cellar. For more information about famous Georgian wine, they can even take special winery tours offered by the owners itself. In early autumn, guest can join in the grape-picking together with the employees of the company, take part in the process of winemaking, or make their own churchkhela – the famous Georgian candy made with sweet grape juice and walnuts. Special masterclasses are also available for those interested in Georgian cuisine, and foreign visitors can participate in the process of baking famous Georgian bread Shoti, or making Mtsvadi, a Georgian barbeque, and etc.

The new conference room at the hotel is distinguished by its special design and minimalist style. The room can serve 100 people who want to discuss their business issues in a totally different atmosphere and get away from the daily routine.

All of Kakheti’s famous sites are within easy driving distance of Babaneuri.

Holidaymakers can visit Alaverdi Cathedral, Kvetera, the Ikalto Academy, Gremi, Nekresi, Tsinandali, and more.

The hotel is also the best place for nature lovers, as the winery and vineyards are nestled inside the Babaneuri Protected Areas nature park. A network of footpaths is available exclusively for guests of the winery.

For those who prefer the active style of life, the hotel offers horse riding, cycling, and swimming. Horse riding and cycling are among the best ways to explore the region, with its amazing forests and hills.

And if you need a rest from visiting churches and fortresses, hiking, riding,

cycling and wine tasting, you can peacefully lie in the pool surrounded by trees and enjoy the silence.

The hotel is a popular place among foreigners who want to host wedding ceremonies with a difference. Many tourists from around the world have already celebrated the happiest day of their lives there.

The hotel is distinguished by its friendly and warm atmosphere. Guests unanimously agree on the high professionalism and hospitality of the staff who do their utmost to make each visitor feel at home there. The owners of the Babaneuris Marani often help the hotel staff and are directly involved in the hospitality business, which itself contributes to building friendly and close relations between the customers and the administration. The owners of Babaneuris Marani also run a guest house called Tushuri Koshki (Tushe-

tian Tower), in the Tusheti region of Georgia, which is also popular among foreign visitors of the country due to its exotic characteristics.

Spectacular Autumn in Batumi

After the hot summer season, the ideal peacefulness of autumn will promise pleasant days for those who are looking to explore the most beautiful Black sea coastal city – Batumi.

Located in the heart of the town, a hundred meters from the sea shore, with its high quality service, modern design and delightful views over the city, Radisson Blu Batumi hotel is the perfect place for guests to enjoy the golden season.

Designed for comfort, the 168 bedrooms feature trendy and modern interior design

62

to stay

and perfectly suit both business and personal travel.

making a fun night with friends even more memorable.

With two excellent restaurants located on site, guests will find a variety of impressive dishes. Etim Restaurant & Terrace offers tasty traditional Turkish cuisine as well as the daily Super Breakfast Buffet. Clouds Bar & Restaurant located on 19th floor offers grilled specialties and well-mixed drinks along with a breath-taking view over the city and the waves. Clouds hosts live entertainment such as DJs and other musical performances on weekends,

Plan the perfect spa day in our world-class Anne Semonin SPA. Let our staff help you choose the best treatments and packages for your beauty and wellness needs and gather energy for the colder days of the year.

Follow up a spa day with a drink in the Ozone Bar, found on the 3rd level, or unwind in the cozy, ground-floor Medea Bar. In both bars you’ll find a wide range

to stay

of beer, wine and cocktails as well as freshly brewed coffee and tea that perfectly match the mood of autumn.

Book Your Stay at Radisson Blu Batumi and make the best memories for you this autumn.

Enjoy the spirit of the season with us.

T: +995 422 255 555; F: +995 422 228 888 Info.batumi@radissonblu.com www.radissonblu.com/hotel-batumi

63

Hotels with Wine Cellars

By Katie ruth Davies

It’s winemaking season, following right on from a very successful 2018 harvest, which saw tons of grapes processed and local farmers earning over GEL 190 million.

According to Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, where in 2012 there were about 50 different wine enterprises or cellars in Georgia, today that number stands at 500.

“As a result of the correct state policy pursued in the viticulture and wine industry, the wine industry has been significantly strengthened in Georgia - exports of wine are up, resulting in increasing wine and wine production,” he added.

Whether you want to taste some of those wines or discover how they are made, a stay in a hotel with a wine cellar is a must-do experience during your stay here. There are an increasing number to choose from, from top-of-the range luxury, to local farm-stays. We’ve prepared a selection to tempt you below.

Bucha’S GueSt houSe anD wine cellar

Wine tastings are offered in the lovely traditional wine cellar where the family can also explain the wine-making process.

Some rooms feature stunning views of the Alazani Valley.

All rooms have shared bathrooms. The guest house has free Wi-Fi and parking.

8 L. Gudiashvili Str., Telavi, Kakheti TEL 577 12 10 33

GueSthouSe BaKhvi, ozurGeti Bucha’s is a charming guesthouse in Telavi that highlights the best of Kakheti – beautiful pastoral scenery, warm family hospitality, and amazing food and wine.

The property itself has barbecue facilities, a large garden, a terrace, and a shared guest lounge. Guests also have access to a shared kitchen, but why would you want to cook when the family that owns the guest house can make you traditional Georgian dishes on request?

64

Guesthouse Bakhvi is located in Bakhvi village in Ozurgeti. The 2-story building boasts a large yard and rooms in an old rural style. The fact it has had very little work done to it since 2015 makes it an original choice for your stay.

The house also features a wine cellar, vineyard, well, small bamboo plantation, spring, special tables for feasting, kiwi and flower gardens, beehives, traditional

to stay

storage for corn and much more for those interested in ecotourism and Georgian rural life. Travelers can enjoy staying in a hospitable and relaxing environment while tasting local food and wine.

Price: 15 GEL per person (half board – 40 GEL) Facilities: 2 rooms for up to 4 people; shared bathrooms in fair condition; hot water; large garden, parking.

Bakhvi village, Ozurgeti TEL 577 61 77 96 (Vazha Antadze); 551 10 26 96 (Lia)

twinS wine cellar

Georgian grape varieties, taste both new and aged wines, and visit a Chacha distillery plant. Kindzmarauli Wine Cellar’s assortment includes 23 brands of premium quality wine, of which three - red dry ‘Kakheti Kingdom,’ dry white Kakheti Kingdom and red naturally semi-sweet ‘Kindzmarauli Original’ are the exclusive brands of the company.

Kvareli, Georgia TEL 249 74 77

Twins (which is owned by twin brothers) offers 12 rooms: 6 double, 2 triple and 4 deluxe. Each room comes equipped with modern central heating and free Wi-Fi. Don’t miss out on their unique Qvevri collection and Qvevri Wine Museum!

The hotel is cozy and decorated with old household items, juxta-positioning the modern standards. Sit and imagine yourself lord or lady for the day- looking out over the vineyards towards the Caucasus Mountains.

The hotel offers various activity packages.

The best, at 77 GEL p/p, includes a visit to the Qvevris, the museum, wine cellars and vodka distillery, tastings of wine and chacha, baking Georgian bread in a Tone oven, lunch, and making churchkhela.

NOTE: minimum 10 people required for this tour.

Napareuli village, Kakheti, TEL 242 40 42; 595 226 404

JavaKhiShvili’S cellar The Javakhishvili wine cellar is the best place for wine degustation and to get a taste of traditional Georgian dishes. The building and surroundings are stunning and put you in “real” Georgia.

gian brick building houses a restaurant, with a nice design and a wide variety of cuisine. The company often organizes tasting of its own wines in the restaurant.

Zegaani village, Gurjaani TEL 210 30 44, 599 17 48 41

vinotel

The staff are friendly and professional as they tell you about the wines you’re tasting.

Wander their huge wine cellar, relax under their two gazebos and buy something for home from the large wine shop.

Akhalsopeli, Kvareli, Kakheti TEL 577 06 89 40

wine cellar chateau zeGaani

KinDzmarauli wine cellar

Chateau Zegaani is a wine estate built in 1820 by Prince Alexander.

Kindzmarauli Wine Cellar is located in the heart of extensive vineyards in the micro-zone of famous Kindzmarauli. The factory was built in 2003 and is one of the leading companies, equipped with the state-of-the-art technologies where visitors can see the production process, harvest area planted with more than 420 ancient

Chavchavadze, a great political and cultural figure of the 19th century, as well as the founder of modern Georgian viticulture. You can taste the wine made from Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grapes by the Tatulashvili family, as well as Mukuzani PDO wine. White and red wines made in Qvevri are also served here. The old Geor-

to stay

Every detail of this converted 19th century house by the river in Tbilisi was thought out in painstaking detail, including the furniture, which was collected and restored over years. The hotel features a range of rooms- from lux (sauna included) to standard. But even standard is luxurious!

There is a restaurant and wine cellar stocking over 150 varieties, which can host numerous events. Note the painted mirrored ceiling in the entrance hall (artist: Eka Mukhadze), an exact replica of that found in the 17th century Persian Embassy in Sololaki district.

4 Elene Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi TEL 255 58 88

65

Schuchmann wineS chateau & Spa

This charming red-brick chateau, boasting unmistakable Georgian features, is located quite close to Telavi, the central town of the Kakheti region. Surrounded by vineyards, it’s a stylish place for a high-class getaway offering a range of very good Europeanstyle and Qvevri wines that are available for tasting and buying both in the Chateau and in its wine bar in Tbilisi which is located in the basement of the historic caravanserai building- the perfect place to store and serve wine in the right temperature conditions.

If you like semi-sweet wines, you will love their Kindzmarauli, the local wine appellation. For those who like it dryer, red dry Mukuzani stored in oak barrels is the best choice. Among the Qvevri wines represented by the line Vinoterra, the most interesting is white dry Kisi.

winiveria chateau mere Chateau Mere has 15 spacious rooms (two suites on the rooftop, 12 standard rooms and a family suite), all of which have stunning panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains and Alazani Valley.

The rooms feature antique furniture and modern comforts, including a flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi.

Chateau Mere can offer guests a wide range of activities: picking and crushing grapes, learning about wines and cheese making, baking bread, making churchkhelas, riding horses, hiking, and more. You can also try their house wine, Winiveria fine dry red and white.

enchanted place, especially during the harvest celebration. The magic of the period, when the new wine is being conceived, is hard to describe. Better to arrange a visit to the Chateau, to see the field work and industrial part of the winery for yourself. Head down into the darkness of the cellars and smell the time and labor that are corked in the barrels there…

The most outstanding regional wines of Chateau Mukhrani are Goruli Mtsvane (white dry), Tavkveri (red dry) and Shavkapito (red dry). Of course, there are more Georgian grapes, and even locally planted Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc, but those are from the Kartli region, born, grown and cultivated in this soil. The richness of Georgian nature proceeded in the European manner – that’s what makes them taste so extraordinary.

Order a tasting in the Chateau, or visit the Wine Studio by Chateau Mukhrani on Meidani Square in Tbilisi. There are several kinds of samplings for any budget; with light snacks or without.

Price per night from 220 GEL

chateau muKhrani

Back to the Chateau, you can enjoy Schuchmann wines while absorbing the sunrays near the fantastic swimming pool.

Or indulge yourself in the wine spa – the hot wine baths and a scrub with grape seeds are extremely good for the skin! A visit to Schuchmann Chateau and Spa in Kakheti is an integral wine experience!

The elegant white castle was designed by French architects at the request of the noble Mukhranbatoni family. Completed in 1885, its beauty is truly striking even today. The gardens were created by Versailles gardeners of the XIX century, and the attention to detail is sure to impress, reminding one of the estates of Central Europe.

Chateau: Mukhrani village, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, Georgia Wine Bar: Meidani Sq., Tbilisi

Kisiskhevi village, Telavi TEL 593 48 73 74

In summer and early autumn, the territory of Chateau Mukhrani looks like an

TEL Chateau: 595 99 13 15/16; Wine Bar: 591 99 25 69

66

to stay

33, Memed Abashidze Street, Batumi, Adjara 6000, Georgia Call 0422 22 22 00 info@wyndhambatumi.com www.wyndhambatumi.com

Listing: 4 & 5 Star Hotels in Tbilisi The Tbilisi hotel market reflects the city’s image as the corporate briefcase of the region and it comes well equipped with five-star offerings, as well as with a new breed of lower priced options for travelers on a budget. Offering 24-hour service and modern standards, the best hotels are most commonly located in the heart of the city. Hotels list their prices in Euros, Dollars or Lari, though in most cases your bill will be calculated in the local currency using the current exchange rate and payment is possible by credit card (VISA or MasterCard). The majority of Tbilisi hotels can arrange transportation services to and from the airport for their clients on the basis of prior agreement.

There are several world brands operating in Georgia including Marriott, Sheraton, Radisson Blu and Holiday Inn which play host to thousands of guests throughout the year. All are distinguished by their remarkable architecture and interiors. A variety of exhibitions, conferences and official events are often held in the hotels and, over the next four years, six more global brands are expected to enter the Georgian market. High-end hotels usually host guests participating in the cultural, business and political life of the country. Tbilisi is a business city and occupancy rates reflect that. The average price for a night in such a hotel costs around $120-250.

the Biltmore hotel tBiliSi 29 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 272 72 72

The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi is ideally situated within the historic and cultural district of the Georgia’s capital city. Close to the east bank of the Mtkvari River, this hotel is suitable for both business and leisure travellers. The immaculately restored grand lobby echoes the nostalgia of a bygone era, resonating the glamor and prestige of the social elite.

68

courtyarD tBiliSi 4 Freedom Sq. TEL 277 91 00 Perfectly located in Freedom Square in the heart of the city center, this hotel is within walking distance of the Georgian National Museum, Rustaveli Theater, and the State Opera House - not to mention a host of galleries, gardens, and other attractions. Modern and comfortable hotel rooms feature plush bedding, high-speed Internet access, climate control, and other amenities; many offer views of Tbilisi city center. Additional hotel perks include a fitness center and Jacuzzi, and a heated indoor pool. You can visit the hotel restaurant, Brasserie Freedom, for all-day dining. and Freedom Square views.

tBiliSi marriott hotel 13 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 277 92 00 www.marriott.com Once you enter its grand atrium-style lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers,

to stay

you’re greeted with renowned Georgian hospitality. Overlooking the Main Avenue or patio, the 127 luxury hotel rooms and suites feature a safe, mini-bar, individual climate control and broadband internet.

Whether your trip entails business or leisure, enjoy galleries and theaters all within walking distance of the hotel.

Marriott Hotel in Tbilisi is well-known as a spacious event venue. Offering first-class catering, there are 6 meeting rooms and a ballroom able to accommodate 200 guests. Dine in Parnas Restaurant for an elegant meal or have a light snack at Parnas Café & Lounge. Visit the Fitness Gym for a workout or relax in the sauna.

R

Co-organizer

General Sponsor

Co-organizer

THE 4th OFFICIAL CEREMONY OF WELCOME TO GEORGIA! NATIONAL TOURISM AWARDS DECEMBER 3, 2018

RUSTAVELI THEATRE

Official Supporters

Partner

Sponsor

Independent Auditor

After Party Host

Official Host

Complete Hotel Equipping

Delivery Sponsor

Business Partner

Sponsor

Sponsor

Sponsor

Sponsor

Sponsor

Sponsor

Sponsor

Sponsor

Sponsor

Print Partner

Sponsor

Official Air Carrier

Hotel Partners

www.awards-tourism.com | info@awards-tourism.com (+995) 558 84 20 60

Official Insurer

Sponsor

Sponsor

raDiSSon Blu iveria hotel

Executive guest rooms. Inside every guest room, elegant interiors detailed with many original features offer comfortable living.

The spacious feel is enhanced by high ceilings and tall windows, in keeping with the original architecture of the former Adjara hotel. The outstanding living and dining area, with elegant designer wallpaper and rich African wood flooring, provide a sanctuary in which to relax and entertain.

1 Rose Revolution Sq. TEL 240 22 00

mosque, synagogue, cable car and more.

There are many cafes, bars, restaurants and other fun and relaxing places nearby.

Whether you’ve come for business or pleasure, you’ll leave with a sense of the beauty that surrounds the city’s central hotel, Radisson Blu Iveria, Tbilisi. The hotel offers a variety of dining options, an open terrace and outdoor pool, a topfloor bar and pool and a Spa. Travel anywhere you want to go in Tbilisi from the metro station which is just 300 meters from the hotel.

Metro station - 300 m.; Tbilisi Railway Station - 5 km.; Tbilisi International Airport - 19 km

holiDay inn 26 May Sq. TEL 230 00 99 www.hi-tbilisi.com

hotelS & preference hualinG tBiliSi Tbilisi Sea District TEL 250 50 25 The hotel is only a five-minute drive from the East Point Shopping Mall while Tbilisi Saint Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

42 K. Apkhazi Str. TEL 272 46 14, 275 44 95 www.shardenvilla.ge

70

Address: Agmashenebeli Ave.140B TEL 224 41 44 www.cityavenue.ge

The Hotel has 22 classic modern and classic rooms. A number of the rooms have balconies, wonderful views on Narikala, the Temple of Metechi and the River Mtkvari. All the rooms are ensuite and offer hairdryers, flatscreen TVs, a safe, a telephone and a mini bar.

SharDen villa

Hotel Sharden Villa is a modern boutique style Hotel located in the historical center of Tbilisi near Meidan. You will find it surrounded by the top sightseeing spots of Old Tbilisi: the ruins of Narikala, Metechi Church and Sioni temples, Abanotubani, a

city avenue hotel

This magnificent 21-storey glass building used to be the symbol of the city during the Soviet era. Following its transformation, Holiday Inn Tbilisi can accommodate guests in 270 Standard, Business and

to stay

All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a 48-inch flat-screen TV with international channels. The private bathrooms include free toiletries, slippers, bathrobes and a hairdryer, a bath tub and separate shower cabin.

HOTEL PORTA CAUCASIA KAZBEGI Feel at home in Caucasus

The name of the hotel “Porta Caucasia� has great significance, meaning 'Gate of the Caucasus.' This newly-established 4 star hotel in the heart of Kazbegi offers alpine style sophistication and elegance. The hotel stands out for its exquisite tasteful interior and creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for guests. A combination of earthy materials and ecofriendly manufacturing makes this beautiful hotel ideal for all tastes.

The hoTel offers: * 33 Deluxe and suite rooms with excellent panoramic views over the Mkinvartsveri and Kuro Mountain * World Class service * Georgian and european restaurants with unique and delightful cuisine * spa & Beauty salon and sauna * Wine shop by Winery Khareba

ou to host y gi d r a w r fo e looking Caucasia Kazb at Por ta

Address: 2 Tergdaleulebi St., Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia Tel: +995 322 25 77 70 Mail: info@portacaucasia.com FB: @PortaCaucasiaKazbegi

ruStaveli BoutiQue hotel

hotel wine palace 31, B. Kvernadze Str. TEL 233 88 08, 555 35 55 55 www.winepalace.ge Email: info@winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace

4. Freedom Sq. info@rbh.ge www.rbh.ge @RustaveliBoutiqueHotel TEL 288 00 14 gian artists, available to view and buy.

The hotel is famous for its elegant restaurant with a rare combination of delicious and healthy food.

vinotel 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent TEL 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge Rustaveli boutique hotel is designed to make your stay in Tbilisi a unique experience, whether you’re here for business or for pleasure. The hotel is located just a few steps away from the Old Town.

Hotel “Wine Palace” is located in the center of Tbilisi, behind the Sports Palace, only 2.3 km from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater. The nearest metro station is just a 3-minute walk.

Reflecting the real soul of Georgia, the main design concept came from the most popular and amazing Georgian poem “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin,” written by medieval poet Shota Rustaveli.

The charming, unique design of each room, guest-oriented staff and service will make you feel special. Rustaveli boutique hotel offers breakfast at any hour, Jazz evenings and free Wi-Fi.

The hotel fully meets the highest European standards. 33 comfortable rooms- standard and deluxe – come decorated in the highest artistic style (hand-painted walls, a delightful combination of classic and romantic styles) and are equipped with Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, an international phone and safes.

Gallery palace 5 Ingorokva Str. TEL 244 04 40 www.gallerypalace.ge Perfectly located in the heart of Tbilisi within walking distance of the city’s famous historical sights, this hotel offers guests a unique comfortable and sophisticated environment surrounded by the artwork of contemporary famous Geor-

72

Where.ge is glad to introduce very special hotel in its Stay section this issue. Vinotel is a boutique hotel located in the old town, on the left embankment of Mtkvari River, 10 minutes from freedom square, near Sameba cathedral and the Presidential residence. World Luxury Awards recently awarded the hotel in two categories: ‘The Best Small Hotel in Eastern Europe’ and ‘The Best Boutique Hotel in Georgia’. It offers small quantity of rooms, including luxury suites featuring a hamam and fireplace, unique superior rooms, stylish semi-mansard rooms and a cozy top-view room. The location is superb for travelers interested in local food, city walks and old-town exploring.

to stay

“Wine Palace” provides guests with breakfast served in a nice dining room, while delicious Georgian and European dishes can be ordered for dinner.

The hotel also offers a fully equipped conference room for 70 people.

Hotel “Wine Palace” has a unique wine cellar which stores about 100 brands of Georgian wine, as well as home-made wine. For hotel guests, wine tastings and national dishes are arranged. Guests can also book a tour to the regions through the hotel.

BorJomi liKani hotel 16 Meskheti Str., Borjomi, Georgia Tel 229 22 92 Website: www.borjomilikani.com E: info@borjomilikani.com

Luxury 5 star Hotel Borjomi Likani is located 177 km away from Tbilisi (the capital of Georgia) in the middle of the coniferous park in Borjomi city, famous of its naturally carbonated mineral water from springs in the Borjomi Gorge of central Georgia. Hotel Borjomi Likani is located on the former territory of once popular Sanatorium of 4th deparment in Likani. Guests from all over the USSR used to gather here to spend time with family and friends and receive the benefits of the Health procedures offered, due to the curative effect of the Borjomi water.

The famous Summer Palace of Russian royal Romanovs’ Family resided on the territory of the hotel is another reason for the guests to visit Borjomi Likani complex.

The palace is under renovation today and soon will open its doors to all the guests.

The Borjomi Likani Hotel features 151 comfortable rooms with stupendous view to the surroundings and modern amenities.

Additional services: Spa & health Center, bars and restaurants, conference hall, kids club, weddings and entertainments.

GolDen tulip BorJomi hotel 48, 9 April Str. Borjomi TEL 288 02 02, 591 02 80 82 E-mail: info@goldentulipborjomipalace.com www.goldentulipborjomipalace.com

Golden Tulip Borjomi Hotel is managed by French International hotel chain “Golden Tulip,” which belongs to “Louvre Hotels Group”.

Golden Tulip Borjomi is one of the most attractive historical buildings in Borjomi, located just steps away from the popular Borjomi Mineral Waters Park. It was built in 1892 by the Consular of Iran in Russia, Mirza-Reza Khan, as a house with Spa Treatment and is nowadays considered a Unique Cultural Monument of the 19th Century.

Golden Tulip Borjomi Hotel features 17 comfortable guest rooms including 2 Suites, 2 Classic singles and 13 Deluxe Double Rooms.

Hotel services include Restaurant “Arfaye”, the Garden Café, Lobby Bar, brand new Fitness Room, Spa: Steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Bucket Shower and 1 exclusive treatment room.

to stay

muSeum hotel 8/10 Vakhtang Orbeliani Str. TEL 224 49 99

Museum Hotel Orbeliani is an appealing name, suggesting the hotel’s history as it is located in a historical residence of an old noble family Orbeliani, well known in high society of old Georgia.

The architecture and interior design of the boutique hotel are unique, as is its service.

The hotel is distinguished for its intimate atmosphere and idiosyncratic style; always upscale and combining historic 19th century details with chic elegance.

Museum Hotel Orbeliani is located in the heart of Tbilisi, just 100m from the Dry Bridge Flea Market and within a walking distance of Rustaveli Avenue, Narikala Fortress and the ancient sulphur baths.

Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater is 600 m and Freedom Square is 700 m away.

Tbilisi International Airport is only 18 km from the hotel. The Hotel offers car hire and provides transfer services.

Enjoy on-site gourmet Georgian-Persian restaurant ‘’Sirajkhana,’, a roof top lounge bar Mixology 810 with an incredible city view and café ‘’Museum’’ with a beautiful, cozy terrace on the ground floor.

73

city center

Address: Queen Tamar Ave. 24 TEL 224 43 42 www.citycenter.ge Email: info@citycenter.ge City Center is 4-star hotel in the center of Tbilisi City. With its wonderful staff and perfect service, brimming with world-known Georgian culture, cuisine and hospitality, you will know you’ve found the perfect place to stay. Their team is always ready to make your holidays as comfortable and memorable as possible.

Found in the heart of Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi, hotel City Center is great experience for those who need both the best location and a nice, calm environment.

Feel the comfort of stylish and tastefully decorated rooms. City Center provides a place to unwind or to catch up on work. Explore the different types of rooms and choose the space that’s right for you.

Whether it’s time for a board meeting and trainings or you need a fitness club to work out in, City Center is the right hotel. And don’t forget to enjoy some true culinary delights at the hotel’s restaurant and café.

the terrace BoutiQue hotel 7 P. Kakabadze Str. TEL 299 90 01

enhanced by high ceilings and tall windows with original architecture overlooking one of the best views in the city for an authentic local experience.

new

There are 26 rooms, a meeting room and rooftop restaurant with 360 degree views of Tbilisi. The restaurant offers Georgian & European cuisine.

hotel KinG GorGaSali The exquisite design and timeless elegance of The Terrace boutique hotel can be found in the heart of Tbilisi’s historical center. Providing a unique blend of personalized attention and essential elements for an unforgettable city break, the Terrace Hotel’s team is committed to providing an exceptional experience to each and every guest. The spacious feel is

74

3 V. Gorgasali Str. TEL 222 50 80

King Gorgasali offers elegantly decorated rooms with memorable views and modern decor.

Stay in the Heart of Tbilisi City.

Ideally located in Old Tbilisi, King Gorgasali is few steps from Shardeni Street, where you will find the top cafes, bars and restaurants. You’ll be just a 4-minute walk from Europe Square and Metekhi St. Virgin Church.

The property also boasts a Georgian restaurant, Sormoni, a wine spot with sommelier service, khinkhali show room and a terrace with an amazing view. Enjoy the cozy lobby bar and memorable historical exterior to make your stay extra special.

to stay

no12 BoutiQue hotel 12 Khodasheni Str. (near Leselidze) www.No12hotel.com @no12hotel TEL 255 22 12

tifliS palace 3 Gorgasali Str. TEL 200 02 45 www.tiflispalace.ge Email: reservation@tiflispalace.ge

Attentive professionals with a passion for hospitality are always ready to assist our guests, guaranteeing you the best experience of Tbilisi.

BetSy’S hotel 32-34 Makashvili Str. TEL 293 14 04 info@betsyshotel.com www.betsyshotel.com

If you’re planning to visit Tbilisi for pleasure or business and want to enjoy the quiet neighborhood of the charming Old Town, this 12-room hotel is the place for you. The comfortable, air-conditioned rooms offer warm-colored interiors with traditional elements of decor. The personalized service is what the hotel is all about.

No12 Boutique Hotel offes: • Excellent location – in the heart of the Old Town but on a calm back street; nice design reflecting country-specific architecture • Comfortable, cozy, clean rooms, most with magnificent views • Buffet breakfast with a ‘Modern Georgian’ menu • Friendly and helpful hosts happy to advise you where to eat, what to see, how to get there.

Tiflis Palace is a luxurious boutique hotel, located in a very heart of Tbilisi, in the legendary place of the city’s foundation. It is surrounded by the best picturesque and breathtaking views available in Tbilisi as well as in the immediate vicinity of the most popular tourist attractions and the widest choice of restaurants, cafes and galleries.

The hotel’s architecture reflects the ancient style, traditions and history of Old Tiflis and Maidan Square, emphasizing its unique location.

The interior of Tiflis Palace is a perfect combination of discreet luxury, calm colors and modernity, with a light touch of oriental style characteristic of the old town.

Tiflis Palace meets the modern requirements of international hospitality standards and features elegantly designed rooms and suites equipped with all necessary facilities; comfortable beds with antiallergy linen and orthopedic mattress, conference and banqueting facilities, and the best culinary venue.

to stay

Betsy’s Hotel is an exquisitely decorated boutique hotel overlooking the center of Tbilisi. Our hotel’s stylish and inspirational character comes from twenty years of opening the doors to many visitors from across Georgia and abroad. The staff makes every stay unique with Georgian warmth and intimacy. The atmosphere is quiet and comfortable. Once you set foot in Betsy’s lobby and take in the spectacular view of Tbilisi, you’ll find yourself in a different world.

The exceptional combination of the hotel’s Georgian and foreign identity has produced a lively and graceful atmosphere in a unique environment. Betsy’s Hotel is a center of Tbilisi social and business life.

75

roomS hotelS tBiliSi 14 M. Kostava Str. TEL 202 00 99 www.roomshotels.com

Rooms Hotels is a young and independent lifestyle hotel brand based in Georgia that has quickly emerged as the premier leader of distinctive hospitality experiences in the region.

The first Rooms Hotel opened its doors in summer 2012, in Georgia’s remote region, Kazbegi. This was followed by the Rooms Hotel Tbilisi in autumn 2014.

Located in Vera, a charming and historic quarter of the capital which has long been associated with artists and intellectuals.

The former publishing house has been refurbished into a modern innovative design hotel infusing the old cultural and visual heritage of its environs. It’s now a hotspot for local and international creatives in search of inspiration.

The hotel proudly lives up to all earned appraisals. Rooms Hotel Tbilisi has breathed new life into the bohemian neighborhood of Vera, attracting creatives and artists with its unique brand of design-led hospitality. The aesthetics are chic and comfortable, defined by rich tones, natural materials, and plush textures. The Bar Room and the Kitchen restaurant draw in guests and visitors for handcrafted cocktails and modern casual dining with

76

contemporary dishes, creating a social meeting space that defies the standard hotel definition. Elegant and inviting, the eight categories of guest rooms are spread over five floors, fully booked during significant city events, including the Tbilisi and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks.

Located on the fifth floor, the Terrace Queen and Terrace King rooms stream in all the sunlight through their floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll be fascinated by their cozy private terraces overlooking the hotel’s courtyard garden.

Best Western Kutaisi as a place to stay.

We also recommend tasting Imeretian cuisine in the on-site restaurant!

faBriKa 8 Ninoshvili Str. TEL 202 03 99

BeSt weStern KutaiSi 11 Grishashvili Str. TEL 219 71 00 www.bwkutaisi.com

Until 2016, Kutaisi couldn’t boast any well-known names in its list of hotels. But quite recently one of the oldest cities in Georgia, an important transport hub and home of UNESCO Heritage Site, got its first brand hotel: a Best Western. Overlooking the white waters of Rioni River and the locally famous White Bridge, the hotel is located very centrally. Old Town, with its choice of traditional restaurants, can be reached on foot, and the famous Gelati and Bagrati monasteries are reachable by car in 15-20 minutes. The other attractions of Imereti region are within a 1 or 2-hour drive. A classic design, international level of comfort and Georgian level of sincere hospitality are the main reason to choose

to stay

The big cultural success since 2016, Fabrika is a perfect example of gentrification on the left bank of Mtkvari River.

Hostel and suites, co-working space, shops and ateliers, food joints and bars are united in a conceptual space that used to be a sewing factory in the Soviet period.

Every night, even on Mondays, the inner yard is full of people hanging out, drinking beer or wine, and chatting into the small hours. On the weekends, there are usually concerts or DJ sets of local musicians in one of the resident bars or even in the yard. Such events usually bring together crowds of hundreds from all over.

marionn hotel 9 Al. Tsurtsumia Str. TEL 224 26 26 www.hotelmarionn.com Hotel Marionn is located in the heart of Tbilisi’s old Avlabari district. The modern building blends in perfectly with the historical features of the area. The hotel offers fully equipped rooms with flat-screen TV, a minibar, a desk, a safe and a wardrobe. Free Wi-Fi and 24/7 video security throughout the hotel.

SUBSCRIBE!

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION - 60 GEL (6 ISSUES) Money Back Guarantee!  any@where.ge

 +995 32 229 59 19

hotel porta caucaSia KazBeGi 2 Tergdaleulebi Str., Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia TEL 225 77 70 Mail: info@portacaucasia.com FB: @PortaCaucasiaKazbegi Feel at home in Caucasus

are wine tours inside the hotel on the ground floor.

The hotel has Georgian and European cuisine represented in two restaurants within the hotal, featuring delicious dishes, made using locally produced products. The wine is something particularly worth mentioning, as Khareba Winery presents varieties of wine in both restaurants. There is also a terrace and lounge on the top floor.

Porta Caucasia is ideal for couples, families, leisure holidays, business trips.

Kazbegi is close to Gudauri resort and the hotel offers affordable transfer services.

Porta Caucasia, meaning ‘Gate to the Caucasus’ is a freshly launched four-star hotel located in the heart of Kazbegi.

Porta Caucasia is the perfect place to stay if you’re interested in visiting this region. It is unusual to find such comfort and support high in mountains, but you will be amazed to discover the high-quality service this hotel provides.

The hotel stands out for numerous reasons.

Paying attention to detail, the interior is manufactured by Villeroy & Boch, as is the furniture, which is wooden and ecofriendly. Luxury and taste merge to create a great sense of ambiance. Each room is well equipped, offering all the important facilities. Private bathrooms come with top-of-the-range toiletries.

Porta Caucasia has pioneered the creation of a private online platform for bookings and reservations, allowing ease of contact with hotel staff.

World-famous Georgian Winery Khareba is the founder of Porta Caucasia and there

78

Rooms 28 Standard (14 front & rear view) 2 Deluxe (1 front & 1 rear view) 1 Standard Triple (corner view) 2 Junior Suites (front/corner view) Connecting Rooms (for families) Meeting room Room with Disabled Access • Spa & Beauty Salon • Sauna • Wine Shop by Khareba Winery • Terrace & Lounge • 24/7 Transfer service • Alpinism Tours • Cultural Tours

mercure tBiliSi olD town Address: 9 Gorgasali Str., Tbilisi old city TEL 200 60 60 The 4-star Hotel Mercure Tbilisi Old Town is managed by Accor Hotels Group, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe. The hotel features

to stay

conference room, gym & spa, The Old Town Restaurant & Garden and Sky7 Terrace & Lounge Bar which offer a perfect combination of international and Georgian cuisine. Hotel is located in the very heart of the

iBiS StyleS tBiliSi center Address: 4 G. Tabidze Str. TEL 200 24 24

ibis styles Tbilisi center is the second hotel in Tbilisi managed by Accor Hotels Group.

Hotel has 119 rooms in total, lobby business corner and The City Roof Bar on the fifth floor which offers variety of Asian and Georgian dishes. ibis styles located in the city center is a non-standardized economy and design brand aimed at all those who are looking for “the best of the best”.

The Family ConCierge 24/7 - your personal Travel manager!

Beyond georgian hospiTaliTy

Exclusive complimentary services provided for The Family guests: Recommendations on tested travel destinations, where to stay and what to eat ● Not the typical tours but exclusive places for extraordinary experiences Oriented on people with special interests in Georgian culture and ethnic traditions ●

●

Find out more about The Family Concierge: www.thefamily.ge +995 577 76 36 85

tBiliSi laerton hotel

service. The unique advantages of the hotel are a near perfect central Tbilisi location in an increasingly popular area, some exceptional views from the hotel over the hills around Tbilisi, very high specification rooms and facilities, and a focus upon hospitality, especially for making guests feel at home, for which Georgia is famous.

14 I. Kurkhuli Str. TEL 255 66 55 Email: info@laerton-hotel.com

TBILISI LAERTON HOTEL is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of old Tbilisi. The mission of Tbilisi Laerton Hotel is to provide international and local clientele in Tbilisi high quality hotel accommodation, together with exceptional

A: 48, 9 Aprili street Borjomi, A: 48, 9 Aprili street Borjomi,Georgia Georgia E: info@goldentulipborjomipalace.com E: info@goldentulipborjomipalace.com P: +995 322880202 P: +995 322880202 M: +995 591028082 M: +995 591028082 W: W: www.goldentulipborjomipalace.com www.goldentulipborjomipalace.com

The top floor “Elioni Veranda” has a stunning view and there are indoor and outdoor terrace areas to sit down and relax in. The Lobby Bar is a large bar and dining area with the high-quality leather sofas, comfy chairs and marble-topped tables, along with a decorative fireplace area. Guests are sure to find some their taste on thee international menu with Georgian delicacies and a wide selection of Georgian wines.

For mind and soul to unwind as well as the body, a visit to our spa is the optimum way

to relax. Swimming pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi, relaxation and treatment rooms are at every guest’s service.

hotel olD tBiliSi 27 K. Tsamebuli Ave. TEL 277 38 40 www.hoteloldtbilisi.ge

Hotel “Old Tbilisi” is a renovated 4-star hotel within walking distance of the old town. This is an extremely characteristic, quite and lively area a short walk from all

Hotel is one one of of the themost mostimportant importanthistorical historicalbuildings buildings HotelGolden GoldenTulip Tulip Borjomi Borjomi is ininBorjomi, steps away awayfrom fromthe thepopular popularBorjomi BorjomiMineral Mineral Waters Borjomi,located located just just few few steps Waters Park. is very veryconvenient convenientand andattractive attractiveforforallall types Park.The Thehotel hotelwith with its its location is types of of the travelers,families, families,etc. etc.ItItwas wasbuilt builtinin1892 1892 theguests: guests:tourists, tourists, business business travelers, byby thethe consular Khanas asaahouse housewith withSpa SpaTreatment Treatment consularof ofIran Iran inin Russia Russia Mirza-Reza Mirza-Reza Khan Elementsand andisis the the unique unique Cultural is is Elements Cultural Monument.

Monument.The Thedesign designofofthe thebuilding building mixtureof ofPersian, Persian, Georgian Georgian and mixture and at at the thesame sametime timeEuropean Europeanstyle. style.

sights is surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of churches, buildings, shops and monuments.

The hotel has 37 comfortable and well-equipped rooms which provide lovely views of the old part of Tbilisi, overlooking the River Mtkvari. It also boasts a cozy restaurant with open terrace offering Halal, Georgian and European cuisine.

There is a conference hall with high quality equipment.

Hotel “Old Tbilisi” is perfect for business, leisure or romantic breaks. It offers you high standard 24/7 room and concierge service.

tropical plants on the territory of Tsikhisdziri, 17 kilometers from Batumi, the capital of Adjara, Georgia. Directly on the Black Sea coast, this place is familiar to many visitors as the resort Tsikhisdziri, where, until 1991, it functioned as the hugely popular sanatorium “Nauka”.

caStello mare hotel & wellneSS reSort, tSiKhiSDziri TsiIkhisdziri, Adjara TEL 0422 21 28 28

Hotel and wellness resort Castello Mare is located in a magnificent place with

17 Shavteli Str. TEL 243 94 94

hotel KhoKhoBi 7 Abano Turn TEL +995 706 130 130

new

Enjoy high quality service, a comfortable and cozy environment, hospitable staff, 24/7 reception and security service, free parking, transfers and tours throughout Georgia.

The restaurant, conference hall and almost all rooms have terraces with fabulous view over the river and Tbilisi city, making your stay in hotel “Old Tbilisi” magical year-round.

amBaSSaDori hotel

Located in the very heart of Old Tbilisi, in one of the most beautiful and ancient districts called Abanotubani, Hotel Khokhobi can be found right next to the famous Sulphur Baths.

With its fully equipped 24 rooms overlooking the city and the small streets of old town, you will feel the heartbeat of Tbilisi city.

Its smiling and welcoming staff stand ready to help you anytime, as representatives of the world-renowned Georgian hospitality.

The variety of views from our beautiful balconies and windows underlines the diversity of our city: small streets with historical buildings, churches, mosques, and tiny houses with beautiful colorful balconies- you are guaranteed lasting and beautiful memories.

Though it is the most-visited district, guests will not be disturbed as they enjoy the relaxing and quiet atmosphere of the hotel.

Come and feel the heartbeat of Old Tbilisi!

to stay

The story of the first ever Georgian hotel brand Ambassadori Tbilisi began in 2004 with the construction of a 7-room hotel.

Demand for more rooms increased by the day. In 2013 a new building was added to the old one. Then we decided to expand again and a high class hotel was built with the projects of Italian architects and designers, next to the old “Ambassadori.”

The new five star Ambassadori hotel, with 121 rooms, beautiful terraces, magnificent views, comfortable rooms and service with high standards creates an unforgettable experience for guests and the bars and restaurants of the hotel have been made as prominent as the first restaurant was back in the day.

81

Listing: Hotels in Kakheti Schuchmann wineS GeorGia Kisiskhevi Village, Telavi TEL 593 48 73 74

Schuchmann Wines Georgia owns a hotel and a wine cellar built to resemble a medieval castle and featuring a large veranda and tasting and conference rooms. This company was founded by a German wine enthusiast infatuated with Georgia, Mr. Schuchmann, who brought together one convenient infrastructure: wine cellar, restaurant and hotel.

The guest area unites the hotel’s lounge, dining-room, and bar, all part of what we would call a playful journey of the senses.

Seven spacious rooms on the second floor of the building are surrounded with private and shared balconies which extend into the inner courtyard.

winiveria château mere 15 Vardisubani Str., Telavi TEL 595 990399

hotel ereKle ii

82

Napareuli village, Telavi TEL 599 33 38 84

Twins offers 12 rooms: 6 double, 2 triple and 4 deluxe. Each room comes equipped with modern central heating and free Wi-Fi. Don’t miss out on their unique Qvevri collection and Qvevri Wine Museum. The hotel is cozy and decorated with old household items, juxta-positioning the modern standards. Sit and imagine yourself lord or lady for the day- looking out over the vineyards towards the Caucasus Mountains.

The hotel offers various activity packages.

The best includes a visit to the Qvevris, the museum, wine cellars and vodka distillery, tastings of wine and chacha, baking Georgian bread in a Tone oven, lunch, and making churchkhela. Note: minimum 10 people required for this tour.

Near Erekle II Statue, Telavi TEL 596 37 73 77

This boutique hotel, a small converted 19th-century château, sits in the historic heart of Telavi, enveloped by ancient brick walls. Remodeled with Persian, Arabic, and Georgian design elements, the building used to be home to King Erekle’s 24 children. A walled garden, shielding the porch from curious passers-by, opens up an idyllic view of the Caucasus Mountains and the Alazani Valley.

twinS wine houSe

Chateau Mere has 15 spacious roomstwo suites on the rooftop, 12 standard rooms and a family suite, all of which have stunning panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains and Alazani Valley.

The rooms feature antique furniture and modern comforts, including a flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Chateau Mere can offer guests a wide range of activities: picking and crushing grapes, learning about wines and cheese making, baking bread, making churchkhelas, riding horses, hiking, and more. You can also try their house wine, Winiveria fine dry red and white.

to stay

lopota laKe reSort & Spa Napareuli, Telavi TEL 240 04 00

The resort-hotel complex Lopota Spa Resort lays to the north of Kvareli town in the heart of one of the most remarkable of Georgian regions – Kakheti. Nature, European style rooms with terraces and great views over the lake make this resort truly unique. The Spa Center of the hotel offers various health and medical procedures, for example relaxing and detoxifying massages and Thalassotherapy Royal

baths – all of them revitalizing, slimming, moisturizing and rejuvenating. Lopota resort has three swimming pools- a family one, a professional one and a middle-size pool. There is a restaurant and two bars in the resort, where professional chefs prepare delicious food made from ecological locally grown produce.

Wine-tasting, tone bread, horse-riding and walking tours are also available.

royal Batoni Kvareli TEL 595 99 66 11

Hotel-Palace Royal Batoni is an ideal place for a romantic stay, where you can enjoy vintage, European and traditional Georgian decor. There is an open swimming pool overlooking breath-taking scenery in a beautiful and peaceful environment. The outer and inner lighting of the Royal Batoni tower add to the romance, as does the wine with which Royal Batoni treats guests.

KaBaDoni BoutiQue hotel 1 Tamar Mepe Str., Sighnaghi TEL 224 04 00

Sighnaghi. Guests are offered a wine bar and rooms with free Wi-Fi. Each elegant air-conditioned room at Kabadoni includes an iPod docking station and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms come with slippers and bathrobes. Local Georgian dishes are served in the Kabadoni Restaurant, while relaxing cocktails are offered at the outdoor Sunset Lounge Bar. A range of wines from the Alazani Valley can be enjoyed at the Wine Bar.

guest house offers room service. Guests can enjoy garden views and a continental breakfast is available every morning.

aKhaSheni wine reSort

Gurjaani TEL 595 80 70 50, 220 00 11

amBaSSaDori Kachreti Golf reSort Gurjaani TEL 2 43 94 94

Each room at Hotel Ambasadori includes a classic-style interior and a minibar. Free Wi-Fi and a private winery are featured at this hotel, located in Kachreti village, 75 km. from Tbilisi Airport. It offers a tennis court and air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV. The Ambasadori’s restaurant with exposed wooden beams and stone decorations serves Georgian cuisine. Local wines and international drinks are offered at the on-site bar. Guests can relax beside the outdoor swimming pool or work out in the fitness center. Table tennis, billiards and a tennis court can also be found on site.

Boasting free bikes and a restaurant, Akhasheni Wine Resort is a 4-star resort offering a 24-hour front desk. Guests can chill out in the outdoor swimming pool and wake up to a continental or buffet breakfast. Akhasheni Wine Resort offers a barbecue. Cycling is among the activities that guests can enjoy near the accommodation.

Savaneti hotel Ikalto, Telavi TEL 577 05 60 04

teliani valley GueSt houSe

Telavi TEL 577 50 02 57, 231 32 45 Featuring an indoor swimming pool and a wellness center, Kabadoni Boutique Hotel is located in the historic town of

Set in Telavi and with the Akhali Shuamta Monastery 11 km away, Teliani Valley Guest House offers a garden, non-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi and a terrace. This 4-star

to stay

Set on the foothills of the Tsiv-Gombori Mountain Range, this hotel is 7 km from Telavi’s historic Old Town. Decorated in

83

neutral colors, the stylish rooms at Savaneti Hotel feature modern furniture and rich fabrics. Georgian dishes are served daily at Savaneti’s inviting restaurant. Breakfast is provided each morning, and guests can relax in the Zavod Vodka room or in the rustic-style wine cellar. Visitors can explore a variety of medieval buildings in Telavi, such as the Ikalto Academy (3 km) and Alaverdi Monastery (12 km).

chateau eniSeli Sabue, Kvareli TEL 577 62 46 48

airport transfers. A Full English/Irish breakfast is available daily at Shaloshvili’s Cellar Hotel.

walD hotel laGoDeKhi

197 Vashlovani Str., Lagodekhi TEL 593 83 99 83

hotel chateau Kvareli 1a Kudigora Str., Kvareli TEL 599 46 65 95

Hotel Chateau Kvareli is located in the center of Kvareli and is connected with the famous winery Kindzmarauli Corporation.

Next to the hotel you will find the ancient Kvareli Castle.

All units come with air-conditioning, desk, TV and a fridge with a free bottle of wine and water. On the first floor of the hotel you will find a multifunctional meeting room for 70 people, equipped with all necessary technical devices. The hotel has three restaurants, including the lobby bar with snack menu, international restaurant in the basement and a traditional Georgian restaurant in the wine cellar. You can also enjoy the cozy terrace in front of the hotel.

84

Offering tours of the historical vineyard and winery, Chateau Eniseli provides accommodation in the heart of the Kakheti countryside. Rooms feature air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Every morning a hearty continental breakfast is served with lots of fresh produce such as homemade jams and honey. There is also a hotel restaurant providing authentic and delicious regional specialties. Guests are welcome to relax in the pleasant gardens at Chateau Eniseli, where they will find a furnished terrace. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of locally-produced wine.

ShaloShvili’S cellar hotel Shilda, Kvareli TEL 577 40 90 41

Located in Shilda, 5 km from Nekresi Monastery, Shaloshvili’s Cellar Hotel has a number of amenities including a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a bar and free Wi-Fi. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Staff on site can arrange

to stay

Wald Hotel Lagodekhi features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, a bar and shared lounge. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and valet parking, along with free Wi-Fi. The accommodation provides airport transfers. A bicycle rental service is also available.

alazani valley hotel 75 Alazani Ave., Telavi TEL 595 50 01 55

Offering free Wi-Fi, this hotel is a 10-minute walk from the historic center of Telavi. It features a 24-hour reception with a tour desk. Decorated in neutral colors, the air-conditioned rooms at Alazani Valley Hotel have a satellite TV and a refrigerator. Georgian and European cuisine is served in the classic-style restaurant, and each morning a buffet breakfast is provided.

Listing: Hostels and Guest Houses in Tbilisi the family hotel 41a Mnatobi Str. TEL 291 00 09, 577 763685 www.hotelthefamily.ge

Room; Studio Double Room; Family Suite each air conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a seating area for your convenience. The rooms have a private bathroom, slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer.

There is a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge and a gift shop on the property.

The hotel also provides tours around the Georgia.

terrace houSe tBiliSi The Family, an elegant and conceptual hotel with a perfect combination of modern design and Georgian tradition, is located in the ecologically clean and cozy district of Svanetisubani, 1.9 km from Rustaveli Theater.

33 K. Makashvili Str. TEL 555 30 42 66

Located in Tbilisi, 800 m from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater, MM features air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a kettle. For your comfort, you’ll also find slippers and free toiletries.

GueSt houSe Keria 21 Mazniashvili Str. TEL 597 17 37 18 Located in Tbilisi, Guest House Keria provides air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a barbecue, a shared kitchen and luggage storage space.

eco-houSe 25 Axali Kheivani Str. TEL 245 77 13

The Family Hotel has its own restaurant and garden with an open kitchen available for guests to learn more about Georgian cuisine.

The Family features three fully equipped modern room types - Standard Double

Set in Tbilisi City, Terrace House Tbilisi offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. Boasting a 24-hour front desk. This property also provides guests with a terrace. The rooms come with a TV with cable channels. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast.

mm hotel 28 K. Makashvili Str. TEL 591 11 33 90

to stay

Situated within reach of Tbilisi Botanical Garden just 2.6 km away, Eco-House features express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free Wi-Fi and a bar. Boasting a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with an outdoor pool. The accommodation offers

85

room service, a shared lounge and organizes tours for guests.

GueSt houSe near opera 3 R. Tabukashvili Turn/3 M. Brose Str .

TEL 571 99 19 39

GueSt houSe zemeli nino’S GueSt 24 8 Marti Str. houSe TEL 577 44 01 80

Featuring free Wi-Fi and a barbecue, Guest House Zemeli offers pet-friendly accommodation in Tbilisi. Certain rooms feature a seating area where you can relax and enjoy views of the garden or city. All rooms have a shared bathroom, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is available, as is a 24-hour front desk.

GueSt houSe Goari 200m from Rustaveli Theater, Guest House Near Opera offers a garden, non-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi and a terrace. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. There is a 24-hour front desk and shared kitchen.

oranGe inn 8 Trialeti Str. TEL 555 25 99 55

17 Betlemi Str. TEL 599 61 14 41

tifliSlux BoutiQue GueSt houSe

hotel my houSe

At TiflisLux Boutique you will find a shared kitchen, shared lounge, washing machine, tour desk and luggage storage. A shuttle to Tbilisi International Airport is available at a surcharge.

Hotel My House has nine rooms (1 Luxe).

Price includes breakfast.

86

Here, you can experience the coziness and friendliness of true Georgian hospitality. Tea, coffee and snacks are included.

The guest house offers a private room for two persons with a double bed and one room for three persons, with an option to upgrade to four beds.

corner hoStel Near Gudiashivli Garden TEL 598 23 28 95

Situated 600 m from Liberty (Freedom) Square, Guest House Goari boasts air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi throughout. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Certain units include a seating area for your convenience and some offer a balcony or terrace. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is available, as is 24-hour front desk.

Located between the airport and the city center, this charming five-room guest house offers private accommodation on a budget. A friendly family-run business, guests will truly be made to feel at home.

Although the prices are similar to those of Tbilisi’s many hostels, each room has its own private bathroom. Car hire is also available.

16 Sevani Str. TEL 599 14 00 94

13 Al. Chavchavadze Str. TEL 555 62 83 62

30 Al. Griboedov Str. TEL 299 54 60 Guests can enjoy the view of the city or Mtatsminda mountain. The bathrooms come with towels.

to stay

Corner Hostel is located in central Tbilisi, 400 m from Liberty (Freedom) Square and 1.1 km. from Rustaveli Theater. The property features free Wi-Fi throughout.

Some units include a seating area where guests can relax. Every room includes a shared bathroom and there is a shared kitchen with a coffee machine.

GueSt houSe BrotherS 6 Chekhov Str. Guest House Brothers is 1 km. from Liberty (Freedom) Square and 1.6 km. from Rustaveli Theater. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Each room is air

conditioned and comes with a flatscreen TV, kettle, bathrobes and slippers.

Certain rooms feature a seating area where you can relax. A shuttle service is available, as is a hairdresser’s.

heyvany 19 Nioradze Str. TEL 277 09 88

GueSt houSe niSe 14 Makhata Turn TEL 577 28 72 79 Situated in the Avlabari district in Tbilisi city, 1.3 km. from Liberty (Freedom) Square, Guest House Nise features air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. Each room offers a kettle, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A flat-screen TV is available. Some units have a seating area for your convenience.

GueSt houSe lion 26 Sh. Nishnianidze Str. TEL 551 57 69 19

Heyvany is situated 1.8 km. from Liberty (Freedom) Square. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, free Wi-Fi and free private parking. Each room is air conditioned and fitted with a flat-screen TV. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. For your comfort, you will find slippers, a hairdryer and a 24-hour front desk at the property.

Located in Tbilisi City, 400 m from Rustaveli Theater, Lion boasts airconditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, shared bathrooms, free toiletries and a hair dryer. This guest house has storage space, and car hire is available. Friendly and helpful staff are on hand to help you with your sightseeing arrangements and tours throughout Georgia.

GueSt houSe ortachala

Featuring free Wi-Fi, this guest house offers air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV. Buses to the city center run from the bus stop 160 m away. All the rooms at Mkudro are decorated in a modern style with carpeted floors and include a work desk. Bathrooms come with bathrobes.

Guests of Mkudro can set up a barbeque in the garden or explore dining options within a 10-minute walk of the hotel.

tBiliSi tower GueSt houSe 18 Kumisi Str. TEL 599 09 88 00 Located in Tbilisi Old Town, in Avlabari district, this guest house features bright rooms with free Wi-Fi, and free private parking. Various cafes, bars and restaurants can be found within a 10-minute walk of the property. Guests can cook in the fully equipped shared kitchen and have a drink at the bar. All rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and feature a balcony with a city view. Free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer are available in the shared bathroom.

GeorGian GueSt houSe on aSatiani

6 Gr. Apshinashvili Str. TEL 599 98 86 98

7 L. Asatiani Str. TEL 593 43 43 68

meiDani GueSt houSe

Featuring free Wi-Fi throughout the property, Guest House Ortachala is situated 3.8 km. from Liberty (Freedom) Square. Free private parking is available on site and some rooms include a seating area for your convenience. Enjoy a cup of tea while looking out at the mountain or garden. All rooms include a private bathroom. A TV is available.

19 Grishashvili Str. TEL 599 26 77 78

Located in the heart of Tbilisi Old Town, this guest house provides a summer terrace and guest rooms with free Wi-Fi access, parquet flooring and heating. Guests have access to private or shared bathroom facilities. Breakfast is available each morning at a surcharge, or guests can use the shared kitchen. You can find several cafés and bars on the lively Shardeni Street, which is 200 m away.

mKuDro GueSt houSe 25 Avto Varazi Str. TEL 231 70 60

to stay

Meidani Guest House is located a 2-minute walk from the Sulfur Spring Baths and a 5-minute walk from Shardeni Street.

Free Wi-Fi, classic-style wooden furniture, a TV and a private bathroom with toiletries are offered in each of the soundproofed rooms. Guests will find cafés and restaurants serving traditional Georgian cuisine a 5 minutes’ walk away. The 24-hour reception staff can arrange transfers to Tbilisi Airport.

87

100% All-Natural Freeze-Dried Fruits Retains up to 98% of the vitamins No additives No preservatives No sugar www.gemuani.com

to eat

Exclusive Restaurant Guide . . . e c i o h C My

Enzo Neri Chef at Andropov’s Ears, Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel I came to Georgia in 2015 for a food event in Kakheti. Just three years later, the hospitality industry of Tbilisi popped out like a flowering Caucasian renaissance. The food scene has grown fast, bringing a certain twist to the traditions and seeing the opening of some cool innovative places. I am a chef. I grew up in Italy and have cooked in busy cities like London, Dubai and New York. Despite the big cultural differences, I’m enjoying discovering not just my new city but also the entire country and I entertain myself in what I consider my favorite foodie spots.

chateau mere Owned by my best friend Gia Piradashvili, this beautiful stone castle is my favorite get-away spot in Georgia and is also where my love story for this country started. Just a few miles from Telavi, it is a food and wine destination combined with leisure and a fun vibe in a friendly environment. Here is where I meet my closest friends -those I consider my Georgian family -and also many and various interesting people from all around the globe.

My top choices are chakapuli, kachapuri, khinkali and the unforgettable Gia’s bruschetta style antipasto with good Winiveria wine and the latest amazing crafted beer Shantrapa.

90

to eat

umami I must admit that I play home in this case as I am part of the Radisson Group, but when it comes to mixing Japanese and Thai with other culinary cultures, this Asian fusion restaurant is definitely my favorite oriental spot in town. They use the freshest ingredients to create both traditional and innovative dishes on a live cooking station and sushi bar. A great atmosphere with a very good service. Watch Chef Alex and his crew for good fun on the teppanyaki.

meama Situated in the historical center of Tbilisi, here you can enjoy good modern Georgian cuisine sitting on the balcony of a very well-restored traditional house. Brilliant chef and president of the GEO Culinary Association Levan Kobiashvili has added to the tradition a very good innovative twist. You can also ask for a professional wine paring with a good selection of local and international wines. Knowing Chef Levan and the owner Irakli personally, I highly recommend the outstanding experience.

café litera Let’s be frank, the first love you never forget. I met the chef-patron Tekuna in August 2015, and I still remember sitting at the round table in the fabulous rear garden of the Georgian Writers’ Union building. A New York trained innovative chef, Tekuna is still my favorite in town. The food is just the expression of her smile and positive attitude, well prepared and complex in its own simplicity. Spot on and accurate service with a sommelier for your wine indulgence, this restaurant is a must for food lovers.

Keto&Kote One of the first places I went accompanied by a beautiful local lady more than a year ago. You would never think that at the end of that lane there is a beautiful restaurant overlooking the city like you are sitting in a hanging garden. An old building with traditional Georgian cuisine with a twist. Small kinkhali with pesto sauce and a cheese board with some good wine is my typical Sunday lunch and I can’t resist finishing my meal with Rezo’s extraordinary cakes.

to eat

91

Got it off the Grape Vine

By Katie ruth Davies

Georgia started making wine 8,000 years ago. So, the people here can be said to be well-versed in the Art of the Grape. Of course, it’s not only wine that’s made here, but numerous other products to fill the tum year-round. Check them out below.

churchKhela hurchKhela

tatara atara

Churchkhela is a traditional candlestick-like sweet (yep, some people- like my grandmother- can actually mistake them for candles!) made by dipping a long string of nuts in grape jelly and hanging it to dry.

And now’s the season for making it!

A delicious Georgian grape pudding, similar to pelamushi. Although they look the same, they differ in taste. Tatara is made only from wheat flour, while pelamushi is prepared either with corn flour or with mix of them.

pelamuShi

BaDaGi

Another delight made from grape juice and flour, wibbling like jelly on your plate and often of a dark purple or brownorange color. It sometimes comes filled with walnuts as an added treat.

The essential ingredient for churchkhela and tatara, badagi is sweet grape juice squeezed straight from the grapes.

92

machari achari

to eat

Machari is non-fermented grape juice; thick, sweet (but sourer than badagi) and sometimes slightly fizzy. It is mildly alcoholic.

raiSinS & SultanaS Nothing unknown to a westerner, but ever so much more delicious when bought in the country it came from! Georgians produce both raisins and sultanas, which are best bought in the markets by the kilo!

A Tour of the Spices By lika chigladze

What makes Georgian cuisine so special is the abundance of unique spices and herbs that add their particular note to the taste of national dishes. It’s a well-known fact that once you try a traditional Georgian dish, you will never forget its taste, and Georgian spices have already earned their fame with tourists, seeing the majority of them grabbing a mix of local spices before they head home. Nowadays, there are plenty of places where you can find a packet or more of local spices. Most go to supermarket chains, where affordable factory-sorted spices are available, or souvenir shops in the old town for more “limited edition” spices produced by smaller brands. If you seek more authentic handmade spices, then you can visit the open-air market near the station, the “Deserter’s Bazaar,” where you can get all kinds of spices directly from the villagers. Now let’s explore what the Georgian’s choose when it comes to herbs and spices for their cuisine.

Blue fenuGreeK

bazhe (walnut sauce), lobio and pkhali. It is also an important ingredient for preparing kubdari, a Svanetian meat pie, Svanuri salt as well as Ajika sauce. The spice pairs well with meat and fish.

Summer Savory Savory is yet another integral part of Georgian national cuisine. Savory grows almost everywhere in Georgia and some

corianDer Coriander is probably the most popular and widely used spice in the country.

Almost all Georgian dishes include this incredible herb or its seeds. Dried coriander seeds are crushed and added to meat dishes as well as to food prepared with walnuts. The crushed seeds mixed with garlic are a classical combination for seasoning Georgian tkemali (sour plum), blackberry, tomato and other kinds of sauces. Coriander is also a must addition to such well-known and beloved dishes as lobio (kidney bean soup), eggplant with walnuts and pkhali (dips). Ground coriander is also an essential ingredient for the classic Ajika (red hot pepper sauce).

Georgian cuisine is unimaginable without blue fenugreek, the so called “utskho suneli.” Originally, the herb was mostly used in western Georgia but in time it became widespread further east. Blue fenugreek is used for preparing dishes with walnut, like satsivi (turkey in walnut sauce),

to eat

people even compare it to thyme. The dried savory is used for meat dishes, best with cooked liver. It is also a must spice for

93

kuchmachi, traditional Georgian dish made with pork/chicken hearts, livers and gizzards. Savory is also a good supplement to the popular Georgian bean soup, lobio.

bay leaves are used in lobio (Georgian bean soup) as well as in various meat dishes like bozbashi (lamb soup).

DrieD mariGolD flower petalS

caraway SeeDS

Caraway originates in Eastern Europe and also grows in the mountains of Georgia.

Sometimes caraway is perceived as cumin by mistake and even though they fall into one distinct group, these herbs are totally different. In comparison with cumin, caraway has a more sophisticated and lively flavor of citrus. Traditional khinkali (meat dumpling) in Georgia’s mountainous regions were prepared with caraway seeds, yet over the years caraway has been replaced with cumin. In eastern Georgia and mostly in Svaneti, caraway is used in meat dishes. Crushed caraway seeds are added to pork and lamb since it makes them easier to digest. It is also a must ingredient for Svaneti’s kubdari (meat pie).

BaSil Basil is cultivated in almost every village of Georgia, yet red rubin basil is more

94

common here and it is most often used in its fresh form. Chopped red rubin basil is added to various types of green beans, prepared with ground walnuts or with eggs. It also pairs well with poultry and is frequently used in the Georgian summer dish chakhokhbili (chicken in tomato sauce), chanakhi (vegetable-meat stew) or plain tomato and cucumber salad.

DrieD Bay leaveS

Bay leaves are quite widespread in Georgia and grow everywhere, yet by its origin it is a subtropical plant. Bay Leaves are used in many dishes both in their fresh and dried forms. The dried bay leaves can be kept for a longer period since they retain flavor for quite a long time. Dried

to eat

Dried marigold flower petals, known as yellow flower in Georgia, is frequently associated with saffron for its color, but actually these two plants are quite distinct and have nothing in common. Yellow flower or “Imeretian Saffron” is an essential ingredient in Georgian cuisine. It is mostly popular in Imereti, where it comes from. Dried marigold flower petals are used for seasoning the nigvziani badrijani (fried eggplant with walnut filling) and pkhali (spinach dip) popular with tourists. It is also used for preparing bazhe (walnut sauce), kharcho (meat stew with walnut), and satsivi (turkey in walnut sauce), which is specially prepared for the New Year.

meGrelian Salt (or mix of SpiceS) Megrelian Salt is mix of various spices from Georgia’s Samegrelo region. The mixture is used for seasoning almost all kinds of dishes in Samegrelo’s cuisine. This

mixture is kept in a family home yearround. As a rule, dried ajika is used in lobio (bean soup), meat stew, satsivi, bazhe as well as is consumed simply with boiled meat.

DrieD/cruSheD BerBeriS BerrieS

DrieD coarSe hot pepper part of Georgia is notable for its spicy and piquant food, consequently the mix includes salt, khmeli suneli (traditional Georgian spice mix), dried coriander, dried savory, dried marigold flower, crushed garlic and most importantly dried coarse hot pepper. Traditionally, this mixture is used for preparing meat dishes, lobio, kuchmachi and others.

DrieD aJiKa

Dried coarse hot pepper is widely used in all parts of Georgia for making tkemali, the well-known Georgian sour plum sauce, dried ajika as well as ajika sauce itself.

Additionally, coarse hot pepper is frequently used in meat and vegetable dishes. Often, red chili peppers are tied to a thread and hung over a fireplace or on the balcony to dry before they are crushed for use.

Berberis Berries have been used in Georgia for various purposes for centuries, the tiny sour berries firmly incorporated into both medicine and cuisine. Fresh or dried berberis is an essential ingredient for the Georgian sausage kupati. Crushed berberis berries are also used for preparing lobio in the Imereti region as well as meat dishes, such as Georgian kebab. The dried berries are used both for seasoning the meat and garnishing the ready kebab when bringing to the table. The leaves of berberis are also useful, used for preparing soups and salads. In Georgia’s Abkhazia region, sauce prepared with berberis is very popular and, as a rule, it is consumed with meat dishes. Berberis is also used for preparing jams.

Dried Ajika, also called Megruli dried ajika (from Samegrelo), is a popular seasoning in Megrelian cuisine. Every household has it and it is consumed daily with almost all kinds of dishes. Dried ajika is made of coarse hot pepper and other spices, like blue fenugreek, yellow flower (dried marigold flower), dried coriander, salt and crushed garlic. All these ingredients have to be ground through a meat grinder and then mixed well. The dry

to eat

95

Phoka Monastery Nuns and their Magical “Laboratory�

By maka Gogaladze, chaikhana

Next, the crafty nuns started producing artisan jams from local fruit. Now they produce approximately 40 types of jam. They also have honey in the nunnery- Mother Sidonia takes care of the bees.

The nuns also produce a few types of chocolate, available to buy in the little shop in the nunnery yard.

Five nuns and one novice live in St. Nino’s Nunnery, which opened in 1992 in the village of Phoka, Samtskhe-Javakheti, led

by Mother Elisabed. They produce a European style of Georgian cheese, honey, chocolate and other products. The nuns also work on enamel and make mosaics.

In 1988, the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, during a trip through the Javakheti region, bought a house near a church which had been built in the 11th century.

In 1992, the leader of the nunnery, Mother Elisabed, went to Phoka with two novices and started living in the house of the Catholicos-Patriarch with an Armenian family who lived there illegally. They shared the space, which was separated by just a curtain.

96

The nunnery first started to broaden its activities in 2001, producing a greater variety of products, the leading field being cheese-making.

The nuns produce 16 different types of cheese with European technology. They initially started by producing Georgian cheese, however, the harsh winter and closed roads made selling cheese very difficult, and it often became spoilt. The nuns were especially interested in Blue Cheese culture, first brought to the region

by Catholic missionaries in the 18th century, where the older the cheese is, the more precious it becomes. Mother Rakil and Mother Shushanik visited a nunnery in France to learn this particular cheese-making method and when they returned, they started experimenting. Five years later, they started producing it themselves.

to eat

The 11th century church was renovated in 2000 and is now fully functional, decorated with enamel and mosaic, handmade by the nuns. The nuns started working on enamel in Phoka from 2002.

Later on, a school was opened in the nunnery in order to allow the nuns to form a better bond with the local community.

Approximately 60 students learn Georgian and English there, totally free of charge. A lot of students have chosen to get a higher education in the Georgian language after graduating from the school.

This article was originally published on Chai Khana, winner of the 2015 EU Prize for Journalism for most informative online media, and the International ADAMI Prize for Cultural Diversity in Eastern Europe, is a multi-media platform seeking to revitalize the development of independent media in the South Caucasus for a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Revival of a Legend: Cafe Argo, Kutaisi

On the south-east coast of the Black Sea a strong and rich country, the “Golden Kolkheti,” existed, ruled by King Ayet, who lived in a palace in Kutaisi surrounded by fresh water, milk and fragrant oil fountains.

Think of this golden era and you will surely have the legend of Jason, Medea and the Argonauts come to mind.

That is why Kutaisi, one of the world’s oldest towns, was chosen in which to build the Argo Cafe as a revival of the legend of the Argonauts. The restaurant, a gastronomic “Golden Fleece” is located on the Rioni River and in exterior and interior responds to the legendary themes.

Residents of the city approved of the idea Levan Sharabidze, restaurant head and his friends came up with, and so another fascinating, beautiful and architecturally well prepared restaurant was built on the

River Rioni aiming to delight every guest with its unique characteristics.

For both foreign and Georgian visitors, the place has been prepared as a memorial to the past, with scenes of the Argonauts on their journey painted directly onto room dividers, and great fountains adorning the yard which also boasts a fascinating view of the river bank.

Argo’s guests are proud to come to the historic site where the “golden chord” was built in the late feudal period. In the early 17th century, it had a stone wall with palaces, halls, and religious buildings situated within. Today, Cafe Argo is located here.

“The hall in the center was painted with frescoes and was a place for the feasting of the kings of Imereti, the business of

to eat

meeting, and majesty,” says the head of the restaurant. “Next to it is the historical treasure of the time: a stone throne in which the kings of Imereti once sat, today enjoyed by our guests.”

In addition to the space, guests have a wide variety to choose from on the menu, which features not only traditional Georgian cuisine but also many famous and little-known foreign dishes. Many chefs are often invited to work with and train the Argo cooks, resulting in muchloved dishes enjoyed by guests against a background of live music performed by professional musicians.

The newly built halls of Argo are always crowded. Foreign and Georgian writers, poets, actors and ordinary citizens leave the place with pleasurable impressions and expectations for the next visit.

97

Listing: Georgian & Mixed Cuisine in Tbilisi G.vino

taShre

tifliS veranDa

6 Erekle II g.vinotbilisi TEL 293 21 21

88 Beliashvili Str. TEL 514 15 55 88

3 Gorgasali Str. TEL 200 02 45 www.tiflispalace.ge Email: tiflisveranda@tiflispalace.ge

Inspired by wine and tapas bars in Europe with their casual setup, delicious local food, diverse local natural wine offer and happy staff, g.Vino aims to support small local wine producers and help them save some rare Georgian grapes. All our staff are new to the industry. Take the example of our cooking team, with a lady who used to prepare amazing food only for her family Check out how home-made food really tastes.

meGruli SaKhli 13 Mosashvili Str., 13 Atoneli Str. (Dry Bridge) TEL 591 03 43 43 Megruli Sakhli offers a wide range of Megrelian dishes including Gebjalia, Bujenina, Elarji, Ghomi, Kuchmachi and Kupati.

98

Restaurant Tashre is a place where the best, natural dishes of Megrelian cuisine, prepared by a high-class chef, meet the true spirit of a feast.

la Boheme 34-36 Irakli Abashidze Str. TEL 555 66 11 66 OPEN 12:00PM - 2:00AM

Restaurant Tiflis Veranda is a combination of classic restaurant and lounge style summer terraces.

Brand new restaurant La Boheme, in the center of the prestigious Vake district, offers unique, Mediterranean-inspired fusion/cuisine served by Italian chef Enzo.

For the lovers of fusion and experiments, this is a perfect place to dine. At “La Boheme”, you can try bold authentic flavors presented in a fresh and contemporary way. This restaurant gives guests the chance to try various dishes in a North African setting with Arabic touches. Here, you will be served by professionals and enjoy your time to the fullest.

to eat

It offers exquisite dishes of local and international cuisine, exclusive deserts and brand cocktails, and high-quality service against a background of great music.

Only here, surrounded by breathtaking views of the city’s most important historical and cultural monuments, can one feel the real spirit of Tbilisi.

Tiflis Veranda is ready to serve its guests daily from 11AM to 2AM.

meGruli oDa 2nd km., Marshal Gelovani Ave. TEL 251 73 27, 599 18 38 97 The restaurant offers delicious Megrelian cuisine. Megruli Oda is available for banquets, wedding parties, birthday celebrations and other events.

anKara Style reStaurant 116 D. Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 555 51 51 34

Going up the stairs to the first floor, you will find a cozy lounge with traditional Georgian food such as khachapuri.

Freshly baked on the first floor of Ankara, this is a simple dish enjoyed by many.

That’s not all; they also make a big selection of pizza on this floor! Sitting and enjoying Turkish coffee with such a mix of culture around you is a must-have experience.

Going to the top floor you will be greeted by the robust aroma of meat being grilled and spices being used as they make their famous succulent kebabs. With many other meats also being barbequed to your taste with perfection.

A Turkish restaurant with four floors of flavor, a main dining hall, a whole floor dedicated to children, a floor for traditional Georgian food and a floor where the tastiest meats are barbequed to perfection.

Ankara Style Restaurant serves Halal food.

Starting off, you walk into a beautiful building with a big selection of food to your left and a selection of treats and sweets to your right, all for a very reasonable price. The main courses are served in the main hall but can be enjoyed on any of the four floors. One level down from the ground floor is where you’ll find a dedicated space for the children: leave them and be sure they will be safe having fun (TVs with live CCTV footage of the play area can be found on all floors). A variety of children’s meals can also be bought on this floor, such as burgers.

The ground floor or main hall is where you can buy the main courses, prepared freshevery day, with selections changing throughout the week, but grounded in the roots of Turkish cuisine. On the sweet side there is a lot to choose from, from the most delectable chocolate to hazelnut desserts.

amazing view of Tbilisi.Evenings can be spent enjoying Georgian national dance and songs and delicious Georgian food.

Keto & Kote D. Toradzis Str. TEL 555 53 01 26 Keto & Kote is one of the most charming restaurants in Tbilisi, named after a famous 20th century Georgian movie. Ask for a table on the terrace or in the garden under the grapevines and enjoy a view of Tbilisi at night and tasty Georgian cuisine.

olD meteKhi 3 Metekhi Slope TEL 274 74 07, 593 23 07 88 Overlooking the River Mtkvari and a city panorama, here you can experience a unique synthesis of Georgian history, traditions and fine taste.

Samepo marani 1878 Chateau Mukhrani, Mukhrani TEL 595 99 13 14/15/16 Samepo Marani 1878 has restored the royal dishes which Ivane Mukhranbatoni proudly presented his Georgian and foreign guests- made using natural products produced in Mukhrani and each coming with its own unique wine pairing.

café leila 18 Shavteli Str. TEL 555 94 94 20 Cafe Leila is a pescetarian (some fish options available on the menu) and a healthy dining experience in Tbilisi that serves only village-grown, non-GMO and seasonal products.

in the ShaDow of meteKhi 29a K. Tsamebuli Ave. TEL 230 30 30 A genuine Georgian restaurant with an

to eat

99

tifliS meiDani

aripana

Kharcho

6 Rkinis Rigi Str. TEL 599 25 06 25, 322 75 10 38 OPEN 11:00 am – 12:00 amFacebook: / tiflismeidani Mail: tiflismeidani@gmail.com

34 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 599 10 25 25

18 L. Gudiashvili Str. TEL 544 44 45 44

A fabulous place for dining, with a cozy atmosphere and great Georgian cuisine right in the heart of Tbilisi. Enjoy a wide choice of wine and regional Georgian dishes.

BraSSerie Buvette 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. TEL 544 44 45 44

Tiflis Meidani Wine Restaurant offers a unique atmosphere to drink and dine in in the very heart of the Old Tbilisi. The restaurant menu aims to preserve the distinctiveness of the Georgian recipes, its tastes and spicy flavors, creating a fusion of a contemporary approach and breathing new life into often ancient Georgian dishes.

Although Tiflis Meidani restaurant can accommodate 120 guests, it is equally able to offer a cozy dining experience for a small group of friends. There are nightly Georgian song performances every day and traditional Georgian dance shows five days a week from Tuesday to Saturday.

houSe on maDatovi 25 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 555 85 92 92 For an authentic Georgian taste, beautifully served.

100

Brasserie Buvette is a contemporary French restaurant, known for its chic Brasserie cuisine. The menu features updated Brasserie classics with a market-driven modern twist, the dishes showcasing Georgia’s finest produce.

Restaurant Kharcho is the first restaurant of its kind in Georgia with a small menu mainly focused on simple Georgian appetizers and Kharcho dishes and traditional desserts. Restaurant Kharcho gives a nod to the old Georgian traditional recipes while giving them a modern twist.

The cuisine there expresses the purity, freshness and simplicity associated with the regions of Georgia.

Art House OPEN 12 pm – 12 am

aBKhazura

Art House OPEN 6 pm – 12 am

14a Ksani Str. TEL 243 04 50, 597 03 77 11

funicular Mtatsminda Plateau TEL 298 00 00 The Funicular Restaurant offers a classic Georgian accent where you can enjoy the limitless talents of the creative local chef.

to eat

The menu offers city and Megrelian cuisine. The restaurant has 3 halls, Megrelian Oda (small house-type compartment for 50 persons), European Hall, accommodating 450 persons, European hall (for 100 persons) and one compartment (for 30 persons).

puBlica 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. TEL 544 44 45 44

Tavern Dzveleburi Rachuli offers delicious Rachuli cuisine: Rachuli Lori, Lobiani, Shkmeruli and more.

ria 20 vinotel

l’ eclair De Génie 12 Taktakishvili Str., Tbilisi TEL 551 99 11 55 Fb: L’ Eclair de Génie/Georgia

4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent TEL 2 55 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

PUBLICA is the latest hip place in Tbilisi for delicious New American food, great cocktails and a convivial New York Americana atmosphere. Breaking with convention, the restaurant was designed to be lively, inclusive and approachable.

Publica is the ideal spot for any occasion.

Art House OPEN 12 pm – 2 am

KaKheleBi 2 Saknavtobi Str. TEL 294 33 00 Restaurant-Tavern-Bakery Kakhelebi offers Georgian national cuisine made from organic and healthy products. It owns a vineyard, fruit orchard and farm of goats, and poultry. The interior concept and menu all originate from Kakheti.

tavern DzveleBuri rachuli 65 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 295 18 85, 599 11 24 80

Vinotel Restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in the city. The place is exceptional for its great menu with Georgian raw material prepared in a European style. Whether you’re into fine dining or want a romantic date, this is the place for you.

Every evening the classical Fazioli piano and a professional Georgian live trio entertain our guests in the restaurant. There is a space for 40 inside and 30 on the spacious terrace, with heating and cooling systems, a 20-seat historic hall, Georgian wine cellar, with a professional tasting table for 20 guests hosted by Vinotel’s wine expert.

A classic business hall is available for meetings and business lunches for 20 people, equipped with all modern technologies. The restaurant features several chambers each with a different style where you can sample exceptional wines with Georgian cuisine.

to eat

Nestled on a quiet and charming street of Taktakishvili, find yourself in eclair paradise! With cozy surroundings and industrial architecture, L’Eclair de Genie is a combination of French and Georgian tastes, offering lots of classical flavors and savory tastes. Legendary Chef Christophe Adam is not just a confectioner, but also a Createur Gastronomique, combining his artistic powers to make both sweet and savory products. The character of his dishes, the simplicity and the effectivity are sure to make this a “must-visit” place.

the Kitchen reStaurant 14 M. Kostava Str. TEL 240 00 99 Rooms Hotels Tbilisi’s culinary vision is driven by a deep respect for the country’s national bounty, combined with a passionate interest in worldwide gastronomic trends. The contemporary dishes with a classic twist have quickly become a favorite amongst the local foodies. At ‘The Kitchen,’ every dining experience is a

101

KhaSheria 23 Abano Str. TEL 272 11 57

modern retelling of diverse culinary traditions, as told by the new guard of Georgian chefs. Local farm-to-table style draws inspiration from New American cuisine.

BarBareStan 132 D. Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 294 37 79 Barbarestan is a cozy restaurant with 70 seats in two halls and 2 private

102

rooms for 10 people in the wine cellar.

In Barbarestan you can enjoy homestyle cuisine, the distinctive feature of which is the fact that many items on the menu are unfamiliar to metropolitan gourmets!

Of course, the basis of the menu is made up of traditional dishes, but the taste of even the classic, local, authentic foods is markedly different from that to which we are accustomed in Tbilisi. The chef uses only Georgian bio or village products and all food is prepared using old family recipes borrowed from renowned feminist Barbare Jorjadze’s cook book.

to eat

Khasheria is the perfect place to cure your hangover with the best Georgian antihangover cuisine.

Made in Georgia!

Check out the wonderful produce grown or made in the fertile expanses of this small Caucasus country. While you can get most of these in any Georgian town or city, there’s nothing better than trying it or buying it on its home soil. Bon appetit!

Oranges

Abkhazia

Svaneti Lemons

Kubdari

Ajika

Lechkhumi

Corn

Ham

Racha Beans

Sulguni

Lobiani

Samegrelo

Grapes Gomi

Imeruli Khachapuri

Imereti Kartli

Tea

Guria

Kakheti

Cheese

Wine

Apples

Adjara Acharuli Khachapuri

Khinkali

Khashlama Tangerines

Churchkhela

Potatoes

Samtskhe-Javakheti Vegetables

tenili

Tasteatlas.com has added Georgia to its world culinary explorations, offering eight traditional Georgian favorites to tempt and inform you: ajika from Abkhazia, ghomi from Samegrelo, kubdari from Svaneti, lobiani from Racha, Imeruli khachapuri from Imereti, tenili from

Samtskhe-Javakheti, khashlama from Khevsureti and khinkali from Tbilisi! Click on the images online and you’ll be given a photo and a description. Besides the map, you’ll discover 37 traditional dishes, 4 local ingredients, and 13 authentic restaurants.

www.tasteatlas.com/georgia

to eat

103

top 3

SuShi JointS in tBiliSi Sushi is as much a hit in urban Georgia as anywhere else in the developed world.

Check out the Where.ge team’s top choices for mouthwatering Japanese goodness!

umami tBiliSi aSian fuSion reStaurant

A part of Radisson Blu hotel, the Asian fusion restaurant Umami is indisputably the strongest player in the city in the field of South-Asian food, and maybe the most perfect place in Tbilisi to eat sushi. From the quality of products to the way of serving them, from the table set-up to the sincerity of the waiters’ smiles, it sets a very high level. The view from the window is a pleasant bonus.

The chef is from the Philippines, and he knows the whole South-Asian region very well. Our top picks are crab tempura, red curry with prawns and chilli pork ramen, while it’s simply impossible to name the best rolls. Even the unbeatable classics such as California will open up a bouquet of taste on your palates.

104

Radisson Blu Tbilisi, 1 Rose Revolution Sq. TEL 240 22 00 OPEN 12:00 - 00:00

mochi

Kyoto

Japanese cuisine is a favorite for many, even in Gergia, the land of cheese, meat and wine! If you get a craving for it while visiting Tbilisi, we recommened the centrally located Kyoto.

Offering a pleasant and eastern-refined atmosphere, this is sushi paradise. Aside from the classic Japanese foods which are already familiar to you (sushi, noodles and bento boxes), here you can taste the original creations of one of the best chefs in Tbilisi, Giorgi Chinchrashvili. Adjusting to the Georgian taste, masterpieces of culinary fusion regularly surprise local and Japanese guests alike.

16 Shota Rustaveli Ave. OPEN 12 PM to 12 AM

to eat

Mochi is a cute, modern cafe on Paliashvili St. in the hip Vake neighborhood serving up modern Asian cuisine. There are a few tables inside and a counter to slurp down a bowl of noodles, but Mochi’s main business is takeout and delivery.

Mochi specializes in sushi, and has a large variety on offer, along with soups, rice, and noodle dishes. The prices are what you would expect from a trendy sushi restaurant in Tbilisi’s trendiest neighborhood, but not much higher than other sushi places in the city.

The quality is usually very good, and the service is speedy, even for delivery.

65 Paliashvili Str. TEL 247 00 88 OPEN 12 PM – 12 AM

to drink

Exclusive Drinks Guide

. . . e c i o h My C

Lika Gogolashvili PR Manager at Shilda Winery

ShilDa touriSm Founded in 2014, the story of the winery began many years ago. The great love and respect for wine encouraged the company founders to expand their family winery and bring winemaking tradition to a new level, passing this living heritage from generation to generation. Our winery is located in the principal region of viniculture of Georgia – Kakheti, Shilda village. This unique place is situated within one of the most prominent winemaking areas – the Kindzmarauli zone. Located on 6 ha, Shilda Winery is equipped with modern Italian and French equipment.

Shilda wine is created through a harmonious combination of carefully selected traditional local grape varieties and modern technology. The company’s main goal is to maintain the highest quality through a harmonious blend of centuries-long traditions with innovations. Shilda Winery attracts wine enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and groups of business partners from various destinations around the world. Visiting guests are given the option to choose from the assorted wine tours carefully curated by the company’s highly experienced staff.

106

to drink

lily vanilli This recently opened café on Abashidze Street is one of the best places in town to have a very delicious coffee. Well-loved London bakery Lily Vanilli brought to Tbilisi a modern take on seasonal cakes, tarts, sausage rolls, pastries, donuts, khatchapuri muffins, and Allpress coffee. At Lily Vanilli café, dairy and gluten-free options are also available.

Shavi lomi Georgian restaurant Shavi Lomi is already well known among tourists and locals. It is a perfect place for friends, family or business gatherings.

My personal choice and suggestion to everyone visiting Tbilisi is to try Meriko’s amazing homemade lemonade! The ambience at Shavi Lomi is super friendly and colorful.

café littera Located in the heart of Old Tbilisi, Cafe in the garden of Writers House. Exquisite European cuisine with a touch of modern Georgian, it is one of the brightest stars in the constellation of Tbilisi’s best restaurants. A small, shining cluster of innovative chefs, creative concept designers, and food enthusiasts that appreciate fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can try my favourite cocktail Jasmin at Café Littera.

cullinarium Another interesting space for delicious, innovative food and drinks lovers. They also do master-classes at the wine factory.

to drink

107

Easy Wine

By Katie ruth Davies Set in a historic building that once kissed the river (and which boasts hidden tunnels disappearing into the depths of the Old Tbilisi district), Easy Wine is a unique establishment in both atmosphere and service. The décor is classic Old Tbilisi brick, with black metal “industrial” elements and plenty of warm wood and Pirosmani. But we didn’t go for the décor- we went for the wine!

64 varieties await you in nine temperaturecontrolled dispensers, from which you can select your measure and budget. Grab a card from the waiter and start perusing the “wine gallery,” divided by color, dryness and exclusivity (some with a run of only 100 bottles per year!). The bottle styles and colorful labels are a delight to the eyes, as good as any art exhibition.

If you’re unsure what you’re looking at, you can ask for one of the sommeliersalways on hand to match what you like with what they have. When you find something you want to try (and there will be many!), pop your card in the slot and hold up your glass to the tap. Select 50 ml, 100ml or 150 ml, press, and watch the wine pour. A quick swirl and appreciative sniff, and it’s all yours!

The concept of wine dispensers may not be new to Europe, but it is a revolution in Georgia, and ideally placed, this being the birthplace of wine and boasting over 400 varieties of grape. Where better to get to know some of the most exclusive produce of these vines than Easy Wine?

108

to drink

And if all that tasting stirs up an appetiteEasy Wine’s extensive Georgian menu awaits. Pick from dishes made with love using the best fresh, locally-sourced produce combined. Where.ge recommends…well, everything…but in particular the salmon wrapped in vine leaves and the ghomi with melted cheese- a favorite of the Samegrelo region in western Georgia.

Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong, and the sommelier will be there to help you get the most out of your meal with a wine paired to your order. You will be replete with the attention and quality lavished on you at Easy Wine…but we still recommend you leave a little bit of space for one of their to-die-for Lava cakes!

Totally irresistible!

Easy Wine hosts regular wine tasting events- keep your eyes on their facebook page for the latest info- and also offers a wide selection of bottled wine to buy, another work of art, as the bright and tempting bottles sit waiting for you on the floor-to-ceiling shelves!

Grab your friends and get on over to Easy Wine for your next wine tasting- your dream wine is waiting for you to discover it!

7 Bambis Rigi, Tbilisi TEL 596 60 00 20 E-mail: info@easywine.ge OPEN 12 PM - 00:00 AM

to drink

109

reneGaDe tea eState: on a miSSion to revive GeorGian tea EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

By Samantha Guthrie

While Adjara and Guria (especially the popular brand of Georgian tea ‘Gurieli’) are well known for tea production, Renegade has focused on the midwestern Imereti region and is headquartered in Kutaisi.

Kristiina Mehik says, “We have made initial investments and preparations - the first steps of rehabilitation have been completed in a plantation near Opurchkheti- the plot has been cleared of weeds, bushes and small trees, and new shoots have started to grow from the trimmed tea bushes. At the moment, we are cleaning a second estate in Mandikori and have started to renovate a building to set up a tea factory in Gumati.”

In 2016, the Georgian Ministry of Agriculture initiated the ‘Georgian Tea’ program to restore abandoned tea plantations. As part of the program, participants receive financial support in bringing plantations up to international standards for export. According to global industry website STiR, at the height of Georgian tea production in 1985, 152,000 metric tons of tea were produced by mechanical harvesting methods from 60,000 hectares growing tea plants.

If Georgia had been an independent country, it would have been the world’s fourth-largest exporter of the crop.

Comparisons have been made with the Georgian wine industry – under Soviet management the focus was on quantity over quality. As wine growing in the country today is increasingly emphasizing natural, organic, and local production, the tea

110

industry aims to follow suit. Tea harvesting by hand is a labor-intensive process, but pickers in Georgia can earn up to USD 11 per day – higher than the average national income and a significant opportunity for people in rural villages who would otherwise be without formal or consistent employment. According to Renegade Tea Estate, the Georgian tea industry once employed approximately 150,000 people, but almost completely collapsed in the first five years after Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Renegade Tea Estate was established in early 2017 by four Estonians and a Lithuanian moving from the corporate world to agriculture. Their mission is “to bring more authenticity, personality and high quality organic tea to the global tea industry which today is focused on mass production and anonymity.”

to drink

GEORGIA TODAY met Miina Saak of the Renegade Tea Estate to find out about her experience establishing their business in Georgia and reviving tea plantations that have been sleeping for more than 30 years.

TELL US ABOUT THE TEAM We have 5 people in our team: four people from Estonia (Miina Saak, Kristiina Mehik, Hannes Saarpuu and Priit Lavits) and one Lithuanian (Tomas Kaziliunas).

We are former co-workers, and the basis of our cooperation lies in similar values and in our vision for life - to do something that matters to us and others, something meaningful. Many coincidences lead us to this point where we are now rehabilitating tea plantations in Georgia.

Why did you decide to come to Georgia?

And why tea? DID YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE IN AGRICULTURE? As former office rats, we don’t actually have much experience in agriculture, but we all come from small towns and have had some contact with life in the countryside and have always kind of yearned to be closer to nature. When we learned about the collapse of the Georgian tea industry, it intrigued us so much that we decided to dig deeper into it. Then we found out that the Georgian State has a project called ‘Georgian Tea’ to support the rehabilitation of abandoned tea plantations and we got in touch with the APMA [Agricultural Projects Management Agency], who is coordinating this project.

We got a lot of support from them and from other Georgian state institutions. The Georgian Embassy in Estonia also helped us a lot. So, one thing led to another and now we are here. We found some partners from Nepal and India who will help us during this summer to make the best tea we can from the Georgian tea fields.

What have the biggest challenges been?

The biggest challenge so far has been to find a suitable building for the factory.

Almost every industrial building near our tea fields had been either demolished or ruined. Building something from scratch was also not an option due to time constraints. Then we found an old unused warehouse in the middle of another abandoned tea plantation. Its location was near perfect and experts confirmed that the main construction is still strong. It requires a lot of resources to set it up as a modern tea factory over the next few years, but we ended up concluding that it is probably our best option going forward.

So, we bought it and started to renovate it.

Though when we found the building, we

realized there was another abandoned tea plantation next to it, we don’t plan to take it on just yet. At the same time it seemed inappropriate to have a bushy tea field next to a working factory, and we hope that there are others who would also like to support getting Georgian tea back on the map and help us to set up a modern factory and clear another tea plantation this year.

Also, learning Georgian has been quite challenging as the alphabet is totally different from the Latin ones that we use in our languages- and the versions of letter “K” are quite difficult for us to pronouncebut we are making some small progress in this field as well.

What keeps you going on the hard days?

We were really moved by the sad fate of Georgian tea after the collapse of the Soviet Union and we feel that it deserves a better future. The support from the locals is a major boost for us and keeps us going.

Also, the fact that we really do believe that the global tea scene needs more authenticity and personality and we want to offer this. We want to offer high-quality organic Georgian tea and to have real, honest relationships with our customers - no middlemen, no mass production.

What is your long-term vision and what are the steps you’re taking to get there?

Our future plan is to build up three small Tea Estates (tea farm + visitor center + small hotels at plantations) in the Imereti region. We see great potential in producing high quality organic tea. Demand for such tea is higher than supply and it’s growing fast. We believe that this is the only direction for Georgian tea that is competitive in the world market, as the Georgian cost level is too high for

to drink

mass-production teas to compete with Africa and South-East Asia.

Also, well maintained tea plantations would be good tourism attractions.

Georgian tea plantations would add a new segment to the tourism sector and possible competitors in this segment are much harder to access from Europe.

What kind of reception have you had in Imereti? Has the community been welcoming? Has there been any resistance?

It has been hard to find qualified employees at times, who also speak foreign languages. Also, since people have sometimes not had stable work for many years, it means that their lifestyle and expectations have adjusted. This now needs to be changed again, but it’s not happening overnight.

Our overall impression has been good, though, and we’ve had quite a lot of support from both the government side and from many local people who have showed us how they make tea and helped us in understanding the Georgian culture.

Why should people buy tea from you when imported tea is often cheaper than Georgian? Can a non-connoisseur taste the difference between a mediocre and a great simple black or green tea?

We see great potential for Georgia as one of the leaders in organic tea production, especially if tea production and tourism is combined. Both sectors have excellent potential and, in our opinion, they can be successfully combined. There will definitely be cheaper alternatives to our tea in the future as well, but we believe that more and more people are interested in knowing who and where produced their food and beverages and see the bonuses

111

of purchasing their tea straight from us, not through many resellers as most of the tea business is doing right now. *** The tea enthusiasts plan to get an initial test batch of tea ready this year and aim to sell their tea to Europe and North America. The entrepreneurs also wish to help to bring a little life back to the villages that once bloomed thanks to the tea industry. If all plans are realized, then in four years’ time, the Renegade Tea Estate plans to offer work to around 300 people during the season.

Mehik says: “This year, we are mainly dealing with the rehabilitation process and keeping the fields clear. Over the next couple of years, the main part of the workforce should get into picking tealeaves.”

Renegade Tea is currently crowdfunding the renovation of an abandoned building for their processing factory, and the revitalization of a third plantation nearby the factory. You can learn more about supporting their mission here.

The word renegade in the brand’s name means rebels, people who think differently.

“In our eyes the name renegade describes best our journey: we are rebels who have chosen an extraordinary path and do not let the norms of ordinary life interfere,” Mehik says.

You can keep an eye on the daily life of the renegades and read more about how they live in Georgia on www.renegadetea.com/blog They are also on Facebook and Instagram.

chineSe inveStorS to reStore tea plantationS in GeorGia By thea morrison

Twelve thousand hectares of tea plantations are to be restored in western Georgia by Chinese investors, who plan to invest $500 million over 12 years.

The information was released by media outlet bm.ge, which reports that the Head of the state-led Partnership Fund Davit Saganelidze has said the Chinese companies will restore tea plantations in Guria, Imereti, Adjara and Samegrelo, providing the local population with employment.

“We have started a very large joint tea project, which implies development of the Georgian tea industry, trade, culture and tourism, and restoration of tea cultures in Georgia. The investors are also considering building tea factories where tea raw materials will be processed,” Saganelidze stated.

He added the tourism component will also be developed at the plantations.

112

was grown with Chinese technology and experimental samples sent to China,” he said.

The Head of the Partnership Fund explained that the full amount of tea produced in this area will be processed in Georgia and exported to China.

“Tourists will have the opportunity to come and look around the plantations and taste Georgian tea there,” he noted.

Saganelidze explained that the Chinese investors are ready to restore 12,000 hectares of plantations, which are currently state-owned.

“They will start with 4-5 thousand hectares and then gradually restore the rest of the territory, which will be given to them by lease agreement. A very good pilot project was made in Tsalenjikha where tea

to drink

“The Chinese investors tell us they will produce the highest quality tea in Georgia and have promised they will train Georgian specialists, build Georgian factories and employ Georgian people.

This is a very good deal,” said Saganelidze.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Tea Industry Development in Georgia was signed between the Partnership Fund, Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia and Chinese Companies - Beijing Jinfenghengye Agricultural Development Co. LTD and Xinjiang Hualing & Trade (Group) Co. Ltd in 2016.

Listing: Where to Go for Coffee & Tea in Tbilisi le Gateau

144 StairS

42 I. Abashidze Str., 22 Kazbegi Ave., 25 Pekini Ave. TEL 247 15 15, 247 00 07

27 Betlemi Str. TEL 596 44 41 44

47 K. Apkhazi Str. TEL 599 083 453 76 Abashidze Str. TEL 599 093 281 7 Mtkheta Str. TEL 599 09 32 82 83 Nutsubidze Str. TEL 591 54 78 88 19 Zandukeli Str. TEL 598 88 20 16 36 Kazbegi Str. TEL 591 02 83 77

GaBriaDze café 13 I. Shavteli Str. TEL 298 65 94

funicular

ezo

Mtatsminda Plateau TEL 298 00 00

16 G. Kikodze Str. TEL 299 98 76

paul 26 Abashidze Str., 3/5 . Tabidze Str. TEL 598 13 06 66

Sophia melniKova’S fantaStic Duhan 8 Chanturia Str. TEL 592 68 11 66

Dinehall 28 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 200 16 16

BiBluS Gallery 7 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 248 68 44

leila

linville

18 Erekle II Str. TEL 593 28 10 85

2 G. Abesadze Str. TEL 293 36 51

amo rame

entrée 13 Taktakishvili Str. TEL 595 907180 Address: 19 Petriashvili Str. TEL 595 338210 7 Pekini Str. TEL 591 19 39 68 78 Chavchavadze ave.

TEL 599 09 56 70 86 Agmashenebeli ave.

TEL 591 19 83 98 1 Ateni Str. TEL 591 70 90 22 25 Gagarini Str. TEL 591 19 39 68 24A Pekini Str. TEL 591 96 19 90

to drink

4 Ingorokva Str. TEL 298 48 38

lolita 7 Chovelidze Str. TEL 202 02 99

113

tea houSe 4/1 Kiacheli Str., 2 Lagidze Str. TEL 579 55 54 33

althauS tea room 4/1 Leo Kiacheli Str. TEL 591 80 11 77

GarDenia ShevarDnaDze The upper end of Khudadovi Str. TEL 599 18 16 34

hello coffee 2 Mtkvari Str. TEL 98 60 36 32

tiffany Bar & terrace Corner of Brose Str./ Right Embankment TEL 224 22 55, 224 22 88

muSeum cafe 7 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 544 44 40 05

fraGola 2 Al. Kazbegi Str. TEL 290 32 22

whittarD tea houSe 5 Marjanishvili Str. TEL 294 16 20

Soulmate coffee cafe & BaKery cafe flowerS 1 D. Megreli Str. TEL 274 75 11

cafe pomoDoriSSimo 33 I. Chavchavadze Ave., 42 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 260 15 15, 260 17 17

30a V. Pshavela Ave. TEL 595 40 06 06

amoDi 6 Gomi Str., Lane 2 TEL 599 19 09 91

anouSha tea houSe

the coffee Bean & tea leaf

20th Mtskheta Str., Round Garden TEL 557 81 11 00

20 Rustaveli Ave., Turtle Lake, Tbilisi Mall, D. Aghmashenebeli Ave. TEL 555 16 28 28

parnaS cafe lounGe & reStaurant marriott hotel

literaturuli cafe 31 Pekini Str. TEL 237 89 02

13 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 277 92 00

lui coffee 23/23a Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 555 64 33 88

taBiDze 1 - coffee & DininG 1 Tabidze Str. TEL 2 20 12 11

Dolci Di paraDiSo 40 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 577 25 22 00

114

to drink

DouBle B coffee & tea 9 G.Tabidze Str. TEL 557 63 15 54

Listing: Where to Drink in Tbilisi eaSy wine 7 Bambis Rigi, Tbilisi TEL 596 60 00 20 E-mail: info@easywine.ge OPEN 12 PM - 00:00 AM

EASY WINE is a wine bar-restaurant located in the historic part of Old Tbilisi.

Everything is at your disposal for you to discover your taste: • Wine from every corner of Georgia • Tasting Dispenser • Sommelier • EASY BOOK (Alcohol Handbook of Georgian Production) • Apparatus Testers When you want to: know more about Georgian wine, introduce your foreign guests to the great diversity of Georgian wine, discover your taste in drinks, be aware of your drink’s chosen and which food creates the right blend of taste, have a cozy atmosphere for meetings and gatherings, you know exactly where to go – EASY WINE is waiting for you!

la Boheme

34-36 I. Abashidze Str. TEL: 555 66 11 66 Open: 12 pm – 2 am

Love a good cocktail and a rich, cozy atmosphere? Then “La Boheme” is a must-visit place for you. It serves cocktails with an exquisite touch served by professional bartender Igor Boriskin. We all get tired and want to escape reality from time to time. At “La Boheme” you do just that with a nice drink and modern music in an environment styled like the center of fashionable Marrakech. Being one of the few places serving signature cocktails in Tbilisi, you’re sure to enjoy the unique tastes you’ll be offered there.

tarts. Pin Pon aims to provide fresh, delicious and healthy options in a creative way. Fancy something other than tea or coffee? No problem. What about some Melon Vodka? Their lemonades are made freshly and change each season. Right now, they are offering Gluhwein and cocktails based on champagne- like French 75 or apperol - spritz. We should admire their Saperavi from Kakheti and Georgian craft beer. The interior is sweet and cozy, painted by the owner himself.

harD rocK cafe 1 Petriashvili Str. TEL 240 14 01

pin pon café 22 I. Chavchavadze Ave., 13 L. Asatiani Str. TEL 599 98 77 40 Pin Pon is a paradise for coffee lovers. If you are fond of Flat white, Filter, Aeropress or cold brew coffee, otherwise hard to find in Tbilisi, then Pin Pon is the perfect spot for you. Hot drinks come with delicious homemade cookies- cocoa balls or lemon

to drink

Located in the heart of Tbilisi city. Take in our unique interior design, which features classic memorabilia from music’s greatest talents, while you discover your favorite menu item and sip on one of our refreshing signature drinks. Stop into The Rock Shop® before you go to pick up a commemorative Hard Rock Cafe souvenir.

115

the wolanD’S SpeaKeaSy 2 I. Machabeli Str. TEL 596 30 94 94

Escape reality and travel back to a time when people sat and chatted in a classy ambiance, sipping Manhattans. Start your journey at Begemot café, an elegant choice for literature, tea and coffee lovers.

An international book swap event is held there twice a month.

Join the already-regular customers and members of this age-old classy society.

The place has a designated smoking area.

G.vino 6 Erekle II Str. TEL 293 21 21 If you are looking for something exceptionally mysterious in Tbilisi, then we invite you to one of the classiest you can find: the first Georgian Speakeasy. Woland’s Speakeasy, with its distinct 1920s Prohibition vibe, is tucked away at 2 Ivane Machabeli Street,

116

Located in the heart of Tbilisi Old Town, g.Vino represents all that inspires us from our travels to the wine bars, tapas bars and restaurants of Spain, Italy and France.

We aim to provide friendly and knowledgeable service, serve great tasting

to drink

eco-friendly wine from small local producers and offer a selection of wine-friendly local food. Most of the wines you will find at our bar are made using unique and ancient Georgian traditional technology which counts over 8000 years and has been included in UNESCO as a world heritage. A meal here might be a board of artisan cheese and cold cuts, one or two small plates for one person or several items shared with friends or your neighbor at the bar, always with bread and a great wine.

Wine Route in Georgia Drive out into the regions and you’ll be sure to see the brown road signs marking the way to the nearest Wine Route features- from small family holdings to large Chateaux; don’t miss out on your chance to delve deeper into Georgia’s 8,000 year tradition of winemaking.

chateau zeGaani 1 Al. Chavchavadze Str, Zegaani TEL 0322 10 30 44, 595 225 552 E-mail: info@chateau-zegaani.com Online Shop: www.chateau-zegaani.com

pool, horses, dogs, music, a billiards room, wine cellar, and tone oven.

teliani valley winiveria château mere Vardisubani village, Telavi TEL 595 99 03 99, 595 99 03 90, 595 99 03 94 A wine cellar, restaurant and hotel, Château Mere is very popular in Georgia and wine cellar Winiveria is the part of the unified concept. This is one of the best small wine cellars in Georgia, producing high-quality wines: Rkatsiteli, Kindzmarauli, Kisi, Khikhvi and Mtsvane Kakhuri.

Tourists can pick and press grapes, taste wine, make Churchkhela, barbeque meat, make Khinkali, and bake bread in a ‘tone’ oven. Sightseeing visits around Kakheti are also available. The hotel also offers a

3 Tbilisi Highway, Telavi TEL 577 50 02 57 One of Georgia’s largest wine producers, Teliani Valley’s wine factory is located along the right-hand side of the main road to Telavi. The factory is equipped with everything needed to welcome guests -

from modern machinery to a traditional wine cellar, tasting hall and a small hotel.

The company produces PDO wines: Tsinandali, Manavi, Mukuzani, Khvanchkara, Kindzmarauli, Tvishi, etc. as well as red, pink and white table wines, traditional Qvevri wines, chacha (Georgian grappa) and brandy. Various types of tours are available throughout the year.

You can visit the factory and taste five types of wine at any time of the year, and in autumn, guests have the opportunity to participate in the harvest.

Schuchmann wineS GeorGia Kisiskhevi village, Telavi TEL 593 48 73 74

Schuchmann Wines Georgia is located in the village of Kisiskhevi, on a hill 1.5 km from the main road. The company owns a hotel and a wine cellar built to resemble a medieval castle and featuring a large

to drink

117

veranda and tasting and conference rooms. A traditional wine cellar, equipped with Qvevri, stands next to a modern wine factory. This company is one of the country’s most experienced and successful in terms of wine tourism. It was founded by a German wine enthusiast infatuated with Georgia, Mr. Schuchmann, who brought together one convenient infrastructure: the wine cellar, restaurant and hotel.

Schuchmann Wines produces high-class white and red wines according to Kathetian and European methods.

KinDzmarauli wine cellar Kvareli TEL 249 74 77

Kindzmarauli Wine Cellar is located in the heart of extensive vineyards in the micro-zone of famous Kindzmarauli. The factory was built in 2003 and is one of the leading companies, equipped with the state-of-the-art technologies where visitors can see the production process, harvest area planted with more than 420 ancient Georgian grape varieties, taste both new and aged wines, and visit a Chacha distillery plant. Kindzmarauli Wine Cellar’s assortment includes 23 brands of premium quality wine, of which three - red dry ‘Kakheti Kingdom,’ dry white Kakheti Kingdom and red naturally semi-sweet ‘Kindzmarauli Original’ are the exclusive brands of the company.

118

twinS wine houSe Napareuli village, Telavi TEL 2424042, 551 74 74 74

Twin brothers Gamtkitsulashvili founded “Twins Wine House” in 1997 on the basis of their family-run wine cellar, hotel and restaurant. The company produces several varieties of wine – Rkatsiteli, Kakhuri Mtsvane and Saperavi according to the traditional Kakhetian method – in Qvevri.

They offer a variety of services to their visitors including wine tours and museum excursions. Guests can visit the old wine cellar and new production, the Qvevri and wine museum, take part in grape picking during harvest, attend the grape pressing process in the 18th century winepress, see the process of vodka distillation from Chacha, bake bread in a ’tone’ oven, make Churchkhela and taste wines directly from Qvevri: red wine – “Sun of Qvevri” Saperavi and amber wine – “Sun of Qvevri” European.

château muKhrani Mukhrani village, Mtskheta TEL 595 99 13 14/16 Château Mukhrani is located 25 minutes’ drive from Tbilisi and occupies the estate of Prince Mukhran-Batoni’s Palace. Basic sightseeing of the palace and its cellars, with a main tunnel connecting the palace to the winery. The cellars of Mukhrani Palace have been completely renovated.

to drink

The Tourism Department of Château Mukhrani offers diverse wine tours to guests – from walking in the vineyards to visiting the historical palace of MukhranBatoni and modern winery. Château Mukhrani produces classic white, rosé, red and fortified wines as well as Chacha from following varieties: Goruli Mtsvane, Chinuri, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rkatsiteli, Muscat, Tavkveri, Shavkapito, Saperavi and Cabernet.

wine cellar laGvinari Bakurtsikhe village, Gurjaani TEL 577 54 60 06 This wine cellar is located in the village of Bakurtsikhe and has been producing wine since 2011 by local traditional method in Qvevri from different grape varieties, including grapes from Kartli and western Georgia - Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Krakhuna, Aladasturi, Otskhanuri Sapere, Goruli Mtsvane, Chinuri, Rkatsiteli and Saperavi.

Saperavi and Rkatsiteli vineyards are grown approximately two kilometers from the wine cellar over 4 ha of land. A beautiful view of the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus Mountain range can be enjoyed from the wine cellar. Traditional Georgian dishes are available on advance request.

wine cellar KaKhuri 1 Tbilisi Highway, Telavi TEL 599 10 70 35 Kakhuri is located on the main road of Telavi on a territory housing a demonstration vineyard, a wine-tasting room and an ethnographic corner. Visitors will be able to participate in the grape harvest, bake bread, and make wine and Churchkhela.

The company produces several varieties of PDO and table wines: Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Kindzmarauli, Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhetian, etc., as well as Chacha.

KhareBa Kvareli TEL 293 50 73, 599 80 85 39

Gvirabi (which means tunnel in English) is carved in the rock of the Caucasus Mountain Range. The tunnel was opened in 1962 for the World Wine Congress. In the beginning, it belonged to the government and wine from the entire Kakheti region was stored here. Nowadays, it is the Winery Khareba cellar, used to age wine. The constant temperature - 12-14 degrees, with around 70% humidity all year round, creates the ideal, natural conditions for wine to age in French oak barrels, as well as to store bottled wines for extended periods.

The tunnel consists of two main parallel tunnels and 13 smaller perpendicular ones.

The total length of the entire tunnel is 7.7 km.

The entrances to the long parallel tunnels have their own functions: the first is for tourists and is used for wine tours, while the second belongs to the industrial part, where the company stores and ages its finest wines in French oak barrels and steel tanks.

In 2011, special tour facilities were created around the wine tunnel: a big recreational park, which includes the river and old Qvevries, as well as a Georgian water mill, traditional Georgian bakery Tone, a Chacha (grappa) distilling facility, a traditional Georgian marani (wine cellar) with the Satsnakheli (Georgian traditional wooden grape press) and other cultural sites.

The tourism complex also includes wine tasting for more than 30 varieties of the best wines produced by Winery Khareba, as well as many other activities tourists can take part in: distilling Chacha, baking Georgian bread, making Chuchkhela, grilling meat (Georgian barbeque), and harvesting and pressing grapes in the Satsnakheli.

alaverDi monaStery Alaverdi village, Akhmeta TEL 596 10 04 34

The wine cellar of Alaverdi Monastery is one of Kakheti’s most distinctive cellars.

to drink

Located within the monastery territory, on the site of the historical wine cellar (8th-10th centuries), it was recently rebuilt.

The cellar includes a classical wine hall, a large 6th century Qvevri warehouse, an ethnographic corner, a tasting room, and a souvenir shop. Traditional white and red Qvevri wines produced in the Alaverdi Monastery wine cellar include Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Kisi, Khikhvi, Saperavi and Chacha.

vinotel 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi TEL 2 55 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

Wine-curious visitors can order a special wine tasting from Vinotel’s wine expert, who will give you a tour of their in-house redbrick wine cellar and a solid introduction to the Georgian wine culture.

The historical arched, brick wine cellar offers an exceptional selection of the best Georgian wines, including natural wines from small exclusive artisan wineries and industry leaders. Wines are kept at optimum conditions thanks to the natural properties of the cellar, combined with the recently added cutting-edge German technology.

“Dear Beno, on behalf of the group of Masters of Wine who visited Georgia, and for myself, I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude for the kindness…”

Lisa Granik, Master of Wine

119

Harvest Traditions & Tools By anna zhvania A copper orkhel is typically found in Kartli and Kakheti. Using this instrument, wine left at the bottom of the pitcher is drawn and removed.

An avagardani, found in almost all Georgian winemaking regions, is a copper pot attached to a long stick which has the purpose of removing the wine waste left at the bottom of the qvevri.

An orshimo is used to extract wine from the vessel and is found in western Georgia. It is made from gourd, a type of pumpkin, called “akiro”.

Copper “khelkotana” are used to transfer wine from a full pitcher to a relatively large pot.

Since ancient times, the Georgian harvest (rtveli) has been considered ne of the biggest celebrations in Georgia. Before beginning rtveli, Georgians wash out their qvevri (vessels) and get their marani (cellars) ready for the grape deliveries.

Weather is an important factor during the rtveli season. A sunny and dry day is usually selected in order to let the grapes sit in the sun for as long as possible. The riper the grapes, the better the wine produced from them. The whole family is usually involved during rtveli, along with neighbors and friends from the village and even those who return on the weekends from the towns. The teams wake up early in the morning and light a bonfire before they get to work. According to ancient

120

tradition, the head of the family has to say a toast with a glass of cognac before breakfast.

Rtveli involves many techniques and in the traditional Georgian marani, we find quite a large inventory of equipment, each piece with a defined function and purpose.

One of the oldest tools used is a satsnakheli. Satsnakheli is used to crush grapes and is made of wood (usually lime, chestnut, elm or hazel) or stone, in a tall, round shape. A small wooden satsnakheli can hold up to 15-20 pounds of grape, while a large one can hold up to 3,000 pounds.

to drink

There are many traditional cups characteristic to Georgian wine drinking, but perhaps the most famous ones include kantsi and chinchila.

A kantsi is made from the horn of a bull, buffalo, wild goat or other animal. The horn is first cleansed and then decorated with ornaments. It is widely used all over Georgia, especially during festivities and celebrations.

A chinchila is a wine cup made from clay.

Beautifully decorated with a finger-facing handle, chinchila can store large quantities of wine and give a pleasant experience to those drinking from them.

Wine Guide

teliani valley paSt & preSent The story of Teliani Valley began in the 19th century when on the territory of the old wine cellar and winery of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, a two-floor, 150 thousand-barrel winery was built at the decree of the Russian Emperor’s brother, Michael Romanov. In 1891, French winemaker Mossano from Bordeaux was invited there. He worked in Georgia for nine years and it was he who first introduced the European winemaking technologies to Georgia from local vines, and he who brought various French grape species to Georgia to cultivate. From all the foreign varieties, the Cabernet-Sauvignon cultivated at Teliani Valley worked best. Mossano sent the first bottle of Teliani Valley wine to the Emperor in Petersburg with the label, “Cabernet-Sauvignon, From Teliani Valley 1893, Antoin Mossano.”

The wine was well-received, and it was Mossano and Teliani wine that made famous this small valley on the fertile soil of Kakheti. You can find Teliani and other Georgian-French wines and brandy of

different harvests in the old Tsinandali cellar. And though the first harvest of Teliani was over a century ago, and remembrances of Mossano have faded, one thing has remained unchanged: this is Teliani Valley, under the name of which Georgian wine has been produced with both Georgian and European methods for over 100 years.

Teliani Valley produces semi sweet, semi dry, dry, sparkling, Qvevri wines, chacha and brandy. Visitors to Teliani Valley cellar can taste those wines, with professional sommeliers on hand to explain the rules of tasting wine. Prices start from 15 GEL and there are special prices for groups.

Teliani Valley offers its customers wine tours throughout the year. As well as menus paired with wine, you can also learn how to make churchkhela and chacha. During the tour, you will hear the history of Georgian winemaking and see the stages of wine production.

On the territory of Teliani Valley’s winery we have a small Guest House waiting for you, where each room is uniquely designed and named after famous Georgian wines: Teliani, Mukuzani, Qvevri, Tsolikouri, Saperavi, Tsinandali, and Khvanchkara.

Teliani Valley follows the Georgian tradition of winemaking as well as using modern technologies and the knowledge

to drink

of young, motivated professionals. The quality of grape is everything to us at Teliani Valley, so we have vineyards in all the major winemaking micro regions of Georgia. Join us and discover the history and bright present of Teliani Valley.

Address: 3 Tbilisi Highway, Telavi TEL 231 32 45/46 Email: winery@telianivalley.com Facebook: @TelianiValley • თელიანიველი Instagram: Telianivalley

121

twinS wine cellar Address: Hotel & Cellar - Napareuli village, Telavi, Kakheti, Georgia Wine shop - #6 Berdzenishvili Str. Tbilisi, Georgia TEL 242 40 42 599 333 884 W: www.cellar.ge E: info@cellar.ge F: @twinswinecellar Wine company ‘Twins Wine Cellar in Napareuli’ was established by twin brothers Gia and Gela Gamtkitsulashvili, who rebuilt the family’s ancient wine cellar in the village of Napareuli, Telavi.

The Cellar offers wine tours in the winery for Georgian and international tourists. The complex boasts a hotel with a capacity of up to 120 guests, a restaurant offering national Georgian dishes (made by local organic ingredients), and the renowned Qvevri Wine and Qvevri Museum. A Qvevri is an ancient Georgian winemaking vessel which is listed and protected by UNESCO. The Cellar operates 107 Qvevris, most having a 3.5 – 4.5 ton capacity. The wine at Twins Wine Cellar is made using the grapes of Rkatsiteli, Kakhetian Green and Saperavi harvested from the Napareuli micro-zone that gives the wine moderate tannins and an original harmonious taste. The wine is called “Qvevris Mze” and is an ecologically pure product. The company is committed to promoting Qvevri wine and strengthening the idea that this type of wine is superior to other types as it is rich in aroma and tannins (which decreases cholesterol levels) and does not require chemical preservatives to ensure longevity of the wine and a superior taste.

Visitors to the Cellar have a unique opportunity to see open Qvevris and watch the process of wine fermentation and winemaking 12 months a year, and to visit the Qvevri and Qvevri Wine Museum.

vellino Kakabeti village, 11 39th Str., Kakheti TEL 598 47 57 34 Wine selection: Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Manavi Mtsvane and Chacha.

Degustation/wine tours: 25 GEL per person

122

alaverDi monaStery marani

chateau zeGaani

Alaverdi village, Akhmeta, Kakheti TEL 596 10 04 34, 595 1011 99

Gurjaani, Zegaaniu village TEL 210 30 44

Wine Selection: Rose Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Kisi, Khikhvi.

Degustation/wine tours: 90 GEL per person (group of 4), 75 GEL pp (group of 5), 50 GEL pp (group of 10+).

Wine selection: Mukuzani, Zegaani Red, Zegaani White, Zegaani Kakhuri, Pappri.

to drink

Giuaani

Baia’S wine

2 Tamar Queen Ave., Tbilisi, Manavi, Sagarejo region, Kakheti TEL 204 00 20

Meore Obcha, Bagdati TEL 599 68 28 22

Wine selection: Traditional qvevri wines: Saperavi Qvevri, Khikhvi Qvevri, Kisi Qvevri, Mtsvane Qvevri, Ojaleshi Qvevri, Rkatsiteli Qvevri, Rose Cabernet Qvevri.

Classical wines: Manavi Barrel, Manavi, Ojaleshi, Rkatsiteli, Rkatsiteli Barrel, Rose Saperavi Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi – Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi Barrel, Saperavi Premium, Saperavi, Semi Dry White, Semi Sweet White, Semi Sweet Red. Degustation/wine tours: 20-25 GEL per person.

Masterclasses for bread baking, churchkhela and chacha making – 50 GEL pp.

DuGlaDze wine company 8 Tengiz Chantladze Cul-de-Sac, Tbilisi TEL 276 87 49 Wine Selection: Vazisubani, Tsinandali, Tibaani, Tvishi, Mukuzani, Kindzmarauli.

Appellation Range: Akhasheni, Khvanchkara, Tibaani.

Regional Wine: Alazani Valley, Pirosmani, Alazani Valley Special Range: Usakhelouri Table Range: Ranina Dry White, Ranina Dry Red, Ranina Semi Dry Red, Ranina Semi Sweet White, Ranina Semi Sweet Red, Ranina Semi Dry White.

Sparkling Wines: Dugladze Semi-Dry, Dugladze Semi-Sweet, Dugladze Rose, Dugladze Brut, Dugladze Gold.

Georgian Wine Brandy: Tbilisi, Eniseli, Very Old. Chacha: Chacha Classic, Chacha Aged.

Wine selection: Qvevri Tsolikouri, Tsitska-Tsolikouri wine, Tsitska-TsolikouriKrakhuna wine, Krakhuna, Tsitska, Otskhanuri Sapere, Aladasturi and Chacha.

Degustation/wine tours: 15-25 GEL per person.

artana wineS Artana village, Kakheti TEL 577 55 51 30 Wine selection: Kisi - dry white, Rkatsiteli - dry white, Saperavi - dry red, Tavkveri dry rose and Chacha.

wine cellar KaKhuri 1 Tbilisi Highway, Telavi, Kakheti TEL 599 10 70 35 Wine Selection: Saperavi Reserve Dry Red Wine, Chkhaveri Semi-Dry Pink Wine, Tsinandali Appelation Controlled Dry White Vintage Wine, Telavi Dry Red Wine, Pirosmani Semi-Dry Red Wine, Saperavi Dry Red Wine, Napareuli Appelation Controlled Red Dry Vintage Wine, Mukuzani Appelation Controlled Dry Red Vintage Wine, Kindzmarauli Appelation Controlled Semi-Sweet Red Wine, Khvanchkara Appelation Controlled Semi-Sweet Red Wine, Alazani Valley Semi-Sweet White Wine, Alazani Valley Semi-Sweet Red Wine, Tsinandali Appelation Controlled Dry White Vintage Wine, Telavi Dry Red Wine, Saperavi Dry Red Wine, Saperavi Reserve 2008 Dry Red Wine, Pirosmani Semi-Dry Red Wine, Mukuzani Appelation Controlled Dry Red Vintage Wine, Alazani Valley Semi-Sweet White Wine, Alazani Valley Semi-Sweet Red Wine, Khvanchkara Appelation Controlled Semi-Sweet Red Wine, Kindzmarauli Appelation Controlled Semi-Sweet Red Wine And Also Chacha.

Degustation/wine tours: 15 GEL.

to drink

123

wine company Shumi touriStic complex Tsinandali village, Telavi Municipality TEL 551 080 401 Email: tourism@shumi.ge service@shumi.ge WEB: shumi.ge Facebook: @WineCompanySHUMI The company offers guests white, red, pink and amber, dry, semi-dry and naturally semi-sweet wines produced using traditional Kakhetian and modern European technologies. It also creates products that are totally unique and unknown elsewhere in the world, including “Zigu”, “Lazare” and “Genesis”.

Wine tasting/ tours from 5 GEL

Shumi wine Bar 9a Shardeni Str., Tbilisi TEL 591 892 222; 514 011 106 Email: mariamitughushi11@gmail.com Facebook: @ShumiWineBar/ Shumi offers guests white, red, pink and amber, dry, semi-dry and naturally semi-sweet wines produced using traditional Kakhetian and modern European technologies. Also on offer are a variety of unique products not seen anywhere else in the world, such as “Zigu”.

Wine tasting from 5 to 25 GEL

124

lomtaDze family wine Khvanchkara village, Ambrolauri (Racha) TEL 598 16 90 17 Wine selection: Khvanchkara, Aleksandrouli, Tetra (semi sweet), Tetra (qvevri wine) Tasting of all four varieties – GEL 60

KinDzmarauli marani TEL 591 06 84 80 Email: info@kmwine.ge Wine selection: red semi sweet, white semi sweet, red dry, white dry, red semi dry, rose semi sweet, rose semi dry, white semi dry. Chacha.

Degustation/wine tours: standard tour 30 Gel – 3 persons. The winery offers various menus paired with wine and activities, like baking Georgian bread and making churchkhela.

ShilDa winery 106 T. Tabidze Str., Tbilisi TEL 297 17 16; 571 131 312 Shilda Winery was founded in 2014, but the story began many years before that. A great love and respect for wine encouraged the company founders to expand their family winery and to bring winemaking traditions to a new level, passing this living heritage from generation to generation. Shilda wine is created through a harmonious combination of carefully selected traditional local grape varieties and modern technology. Currently, Shilda Winery produces 17 varieties of wine, brandy and grape vodka. Shilda factory, located on 6 hectares, is equipped with modern Italian and French equipment.

The company’s main goal is to maintain highest quality through a harmonious blend of centuries-long tradition and innovations.

to drink

10 wineS, 10 StorieS – the BeSt Gift for the wine loverS! The project “10 Georgian Wines You Must Try Until You Die” is being run by Palitra Media Holding with the goal of popularizing Georgian wine and making the selected Georgian wines more accessible, especially to foreigners- giving them the opportunity to taste and understand that Georgia is truly the homeland of wine.

The project was launched on October 15, 2017, at the Georgian Wine Festival where the first “blind” degustation was held. The voting process lasted for four months.

The project was divided into two stages.

At the first stage, the voting process was attended by 250,000 people and 23 wines were selected. Votes were held both online and in print media as well as during the blind tasting at the festival and at various public gatherings. During the second stage, Georgian wine companies presented their own wine for degustation.

Interest was high and led to a massive two-day blind tasting event. Wine experts (four Georgian and one French) chose the 10 best wine companies during the blind tasting, one part of which includes five bottles in one package and another five bottles in the second package.

The aim of the project is to reveal the 10 best Georgian wines and popularize them both in the country and internationally. As a result of the activities carried out, recognition and availability of the chosen Georgian wine will increase significantly.

The 10 Georgian wine winners will become a business card for Georgia and will stand as the best gift for foreign visitors.

Maranuli - Akhasheni Batono - Kindzmarauli Giuaani - Rkatsiteli Tbilvino - Khvanchkara Château Nekresi - Mukuzani Concho and Company - Kisi Corporation Kindzmarauli - Green Wine gifts/collections/tourist packages were given with 5-5 bottles from the list of winners, which will soon be launched for sale.

Below is the list of companies that participated in the large-scale competition and received the best wine status for their products, and the wines which won them that title: Akhalsheni 2005 - Saperavi Teliani Valley - Tvishi Meghvineoba Besini - Tsinandali

to drink

125

winery KhareBa

and modern technologies; consequently, the Company produces high quality wines made in Kakheti, Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi.

Khareba produces a range of wines: premium wines; appellation of origin wines; aged wines; proprietary table wines; dry and semi-dry sparkling wines; and Qvevri wines.

TEL 249 77 70 info@winery-khareba.com www.winerykhareba.com www.facebook.com/WineryKhareba/ www.instagram.com/winerykhareba/ Winery Khareba has already obtained recognition at international exhibitions in 2018. Since its foundation, the company has been making wines using local grape varieties. The winemaking company produces more than 40 wine varieties, and has won more than 200 awards at prestigious international competitions.

“Winery Khareba” is established upon the ancient traditions. The company works over maintenance of the unique vine culture and wine making both using ancient methods

tBilvino 2 Sarajishvili Ave., Tbilisi TEL 265 16 25, 265 33 82 Wine Selection: Tbilisi - white dry, Tbilisi - red dry, Sachino - white medium dry, Sachino - red medium dry, Alazani Valley - white medium sweet, Alazani Valley - red medium sweet, Saperavi Rose - rose dry, Pirosmani - Red medium sweet, Rkatsiteli White - dry, Tsinandali

126

Shop/Cellar locations: Tbilisi – Rustaveli Ave.N50/1; Gorgasali Str.N1 Mtskheta – Arsukidze Str. Batumi – K. Gamsakhurdia Str.N14 Poti – King Parnavaz Str.N1 Kvareli – Farming Settlement, Gvirabi Terjola – Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze 204.8th kilometer Kazbegi – Stepantsminda, Tergdaleulebi Str. N1 Standard package: Tasting of 2 types of wine starts from GEL 10. Georgian national package from GEL 50 and Premium package from GEL 60. Winery Khareba also offers trip in Gvirabi (excursion in the tunnel), master-classes and activities such as wrapping “Khinkali”, baking Georgian bread in “Tone”, dipping “Churchkhela”, etc.

– white dry, Saperavi Red - dry, Napareuli Red - dry, Mukuzani Red - dry, Tvishi White - medium sweet, Akhasheni Red - medium sweet, Kindzmarauli Red - medium sweet, Ojaleshi Red - medium sweet, Khvanchkara Red medium sweet, Alazani Valley, Qvevri Rkatsiteli – white dry, Qvevri Kisi – white dry, Qvevri Saperavi – red dry.

to drink

Wine Cave owned by a Winery Khareba is located close to the town of Kvareli, in region of Kakheti, republic of Georgia. It features not only exotic manmade cave built in the rocks, but it also has a large territory offering interesting attractions related to Georgian heritage. Guests can book a wine tasting tour here and will be provided with best selection wines from Winery Khareba.

Special Reserve: Tsinandali Special Reserve - white dry, Kisi Special Reserve - white dry, Saperavi Special Reserve - red dry, Mukuzani Special Reserve - red dry.

Chacha: Chacha Rkatsiteli, Chacha Saperavi, Chacha Saperavi - aged in oak.

Degustation/Wine Tours in Tbilisi and Kvareli: 25-30 GEL

whatever you want

to buy

tbilisimall.com

032 2 50 55 56 info@tbilisimall.com 16th km, Agmashenebeli Alley, Tbilisi

The most fashionable clothes

Exclusive Tips for Shopping Lovers

. . . e c i o My Ch

Rusa Janashia Head of Marketing & PR Department at MATERIEL and DOTS

DotS I think it’s only fair for me to name Dots Tbilisi as my number one shopping destination. For those who love and appreciate local products, Dots is the place. Working at the factory where Dots production takes place, I know the hard work that goes into every piece. I highly support local production and it is a key factor towards the successful financial situation in our country. Dots is an extremely diverse store with every price range.

There’s definitely something for everyone.

Collections are trendy and wearable.

130

to buy

New accessories

more iS love This where you get introduced to new it-girl brands like ByFar, Nanushka, Wald Berlin, etc. Every time I visit this boutique, I find something special. Everything about this store, from the selection to customer service, is outstanding.

commoDuS My guilty pleasure is shopping for my home! I’m always in search of new stores in Tbilisi that carry home accessories at affordable prices. Currently, I’m loving Commodus, which sells ceramics made in their factory in Tbilisi! They also offer custom pieces.

BlacK DoG Shop in faBriKa I’m a freelance graphic designer specializing in print design so this one is no surprise for those who know me. Here, you can find one-of-a kind Georgian books, posters and postcards. It’s a perfect shop to take your foreign friends too, as they’ll definitely fall in love with Georgian alphabet and vintage posters.

chaoS Not only this store is located in one of the best hotels in Tbilisi, it also happens to have the coolest interior and carries the most unique selection of designer, local and indie brands. It is also one of the few shops in Tbilisi that carries fashion magazines from around the world.

to buy

131

Jewellery? of course!

Georgian Jewelry

By Samantha Guthrie

Everyone wants to bring home the perfect souvenir. In Georgia, there are dozens of great options for souvenirs, from wine to traditional rugs to a patterned tablecloth. If you are looking for something unique, for yourself or as a gift for someone special, locally made jewelry is an outstanding choice. Below is a list of Where.ge’s favorite places to buy jewelry in Tbilisi!

zarapKhana

eShvi

Zarapkhana is one of the most iconic Georgian jewelry companies. The name comes from an old Georgian word for jewelry chest, and the company traces it roots way back to old Tbilisi in 1939 – the current incarnation was established in 2005. Zarapkhana produces high quality jewelry with precious stones and metals, and the prices are on the higher end.

What really sets these jewelers apart is their incorporation of traditional Georgian designs and motifs into modern, relevant pieces. What you see in the Zarapxana display cases will remind you of exhibits at the Georgian National Museum. The brand has several collections, including for children and by famous designers Irakli Nasidze and Avtandil – there is even a collection designed by Rooms, the brand behind Rooms Hotel, Stamba, and other uber-trendy Tbilisi hot spots. They also have a souvenir line with items made in silver or brass including miniature icons and figurines with culturally significant themes – pomegranates, grape vines, backgammon boards, and characters from literature and film.

ESHVI is a London-based jewelry brand created by Georgian designer Natia Chkhartishvili. The brand is full of statement pieces – bright colors, geometric shapes, luxurious materials. The word eshvi means ‘fang’ in Georgian, and is sometimes considered a good luck charm.

The symbol of a fang can be found in many of ESHVI’s pieces. While not based in Georgia, their products are stocked by Tbilisi shops More is Love and Privé la Bibliotheque.

132

Sopho GonGliaShvili Sopho (or Sopo) Gongliashvili is a Georgian accessories and jewelry designer. She specializes in designs with enamel and silver. The Georgian tradition of enamel comes from an ancient Byzantine cloisonné enamel technique from the 12th century. She is known for big statement pieces, such as rings that cover most of the hand, and dramatic cuff bracelets. All Gongliashvili’s work is hand crafted locally in Georgia. Her work has

to buy

Modern and trendy

been on display at exhibits in Rome, Paris, London, and New York City. You can find pieces for purchase in Tbilisi at Curio Concept Store (store@curioconcept.com).

chuBiKa

are “visual metaphors of our collective unconsciously linked to mythological archetypes, which help us navigate between ideal and real, and embrace the hypnotism of mystery.” Vogue says this unique designer has “the soul of a sculptor.”

SaQareli Saqareli is a jewelry brand created by Georgian designer Ketevan Saqareli. The young brand already has several collections, and has received much local buzz,

particularly around a collection inspired

by Georgian modernist artist Petre Otskheli. Saqareli offers products for both men and women, including a popular unisex broach from the Otskheli collection called “Evroman,” which puts a European Union sweater on a character that Otskheli painted in the 1930s. All Saqareli’s products are created with precious or semi-precious metals and stones. There is also a strong focus on enamel techniques.

You can’t go wrong with a beautiful piece by a local designer – happy shopping!

Chubika is Georgian designer Nino Chubinishvili. She describes her work as “at the juncture where art and fashion converge.” Chubika creates clothing, accessories, and jewelry. While the bulk of the brand is clothing, on the Tbilisi Fashion Week runway you can find Chubika’s models outfitted with in-house jewelry that has a unique flair. Chubinishvili writes on her website that her creations

to buy

133

Traditional and always new

top 5

BooKS aBout GeorGia

By Katie ruth Davies

There are a surprising number of books about or based in Georgia, printed in English and other languages: some for hikers, some for history-lovers, some for aspiring politicians, some for those who love to experiment in the kitchen and some, pure fiction and just for fun.

Each will, in its own unique way, give you an insight into what makes Georgia so magical, so well-positioned between ‘East’ and ‘West,’ so welcoming to guests, so proud of its heritage and so cautious in its relations with Russia.

Below, you’ll find something for those who want to get a more in-depth taste of the Georgian character and what helped to form the people you see today.

wiShinG tree

By Giorgi Leonidze Poetry, vivid language and allegory mark the nearly two-dozen episodes of this epic tale about human life and its troubles, set in a Georgian

134

village at the turn of the century. One continuing thread concerns a young woman, in love with a man who is married off to another by the village elders. Full of eccentric, funny, witty village characters, from simpletons to fortunetellers, everyone is looking for their own personal luck and asking the wish-

to buy

ing tree to make their dreams come true.

In 1976, Tengiz Abuladze directed a highly-acclaimed film of the same name based on Giorgi Leonidze’s poems.

StealinG the moon

By Konstantine Gamsakhurdia Stealing the Moon is a trilogy novel reflecting Soviet life at the beginning of the 1930s, a story of love and collectivization in Abkhazia. Gamsakhurdia’s irony is so strong that readers can see in the novel either a protest against destruction or a thanksgiving for collectivization. Stealing the Moon is not so much about the abduction of the beautiful heroine as the death of old Georgia, symbolized by the cult of Saint George.

on old stories

KniGht in the panther’S SKin

maGDana’S DonKey

me, GranDma, iliKo anD iliarion

By Shota Rustaveli

By Ekaterine Gabashvili

By Nodar Dumbadze

Georgia’s favorite epic, the poem consists of over 1600 Rustavelian Quatrains and is considered to be a “masterpiece of Georgian literature”. Until the early 20th century, a copy of this poem was part of the dowry of any bride. It tells the friendship of two heroes, Avtandil and Tariel, and their quest to find the object of love, Nestan-Darejan. The men are united by courtly love, generosity, sincerity, dedication, and proclaim equality between men and women, which is a recurring theme. The poem is regarded as the “coronation of thought, poetic and philosophical art of medieval Georgia.”

Magdana’s Donkey is a charming folktale describing the life of a poor widow, her children and the only source of income for the family – the donkey Lurja (Blue). It makes for an emotional tale beautifully written.

An entertaining take on 1960s Georgian village life, it tells of orphan Zuriko who goes to live with his grandmother Olga.

He meets the funny and loving neighbors, Ilarion and Iliko, who, despite the hardships of war and famine, never lose their sense of humor. We follow Zuriko through his growth and teenage years, with all the emotion that comes with adolescence, until he heads to Tbilisi to study.

to buy

135

History is still relevant

Tbilisi’s Old Karvaslas & the Tbilisi History Museum

By Shawn wayne

Some of the old karvaslas have been preserved, offering today’s tourists the chance to absorb all of the rich culture and traditions Tbilisi had to offer back in the days of the Silk Road.

Back in the old days when traveling and trading were one of the most popular, lucrative and dangerous careers to have, you most likely had a caravan with practically your whole life on it. As a traveling merchant, you wanted a safe place to stop for the night, which is why inns, caravanserais and karvaslas were established.

In Georgia, karvaslas were set up as a type of inn where travelers as well as all their goods could be rested and stored.

Back in the 17th century, markets were everywhere in Tbilisi, making it a hub for travelers and merchants to stay and trade, thus karvaslas contributed in a major way to providing safe havens for both foreigners and even locals. This tradition of hospitality has been preserved through the years, as Tbilisi is still full of markets and always takes care of its visiting guests.

136

A well-known example of such preservation is the karvasla building which is located at 8 Sioni Street. The building used to be a barrelhouse and store of various goods, had 33 rooms to rent and a vault. It was damaged by fire in the early 1900s but was repaired and resumed its original function.

These days it is known as the Tbilisi History Museum, which was founded in 1910 as the City Municipal Museum.

More recently, it was given the name of the famous Georgian poet Ioseb Grishashvili. Since 1984, the Tbilisi History Museum has been located in the restored karvasla, representing Tbilisi’s historic role as a Silk Road trading outpost.

The museum houses over 50 thousand artifacts which reflect Tbilisi’s history from the end of the 4th millennium BCE up to the present day. The museum presents archaeological, ethnological and archival materials such as bronze and iron weapons, vessels in metal, glass, faience and porcelain, jewelry, coins, flags and household goods. Also featured are pieces of national and applied arts and a rich

to buy

photo-collection. A number of unique works of graphic art are also preserved in this museum, like photos of Old Tbilisi, maps, sketches, and paintings, including the works of Lado Gudiashvili, Mose Toidze, Elene Akhvlediani and other artists. The ceramics collection from Avlabari and manuscripts from the Middle Ages are also part of the collection, along with weapons, musical instruments and clothing. Together with older works, the museum also exhibits pieces of contemporary art. Since 1986, many exhibitions of Georgian and foreign artists have been displayed there.

After entering the karvasla, it’s possible to view any temporary exhibition currently being held and the permanent exhibition as well. The first floor of the building holds the permanent exhibition of the Ioseb Grishashvili Tbilisi History Museum which offers a very interesting exposition of materials characteristic to Georgian history, life and culture. Also featured on the first floor is the Schuchmann Wine Bar & Restaurant which serves gourmet Georgian cuisine paired with famous Georgian wine.

Tbilisi has a rich culture that was centuries in the making, and this is only a small part of that culture available to give modern travelers a taste of old.

Choice of gourmets

Cheese

By Katie ruth Davies

For those who wander the supermarkets and bazaars in Georgia, cheese may appear uninspiring and limited in style and taste, but thanks to a recent initiative to bring back and promote ancient cheese-making methods, new-old cheese varieties are appearing on the shelves, at food fairs, and in numerous fridges in numerous kitchens across the region.

We have picked out some of the most unique varieties for you to discover.

tenili

Goat’S cheeSe Smelly but great for your health, this is not mass-market produced in Georgia and rarely comes cheap.

DamBal’Khacho

Only Mexico has something which can be compared to these thermally processed cheese threads that look very much like hair.

The stretched cheese is placed in a pot and boiled, then put in brine and stretched on ropes to dry, dipped in cream and put in pots. These pots are covered and put upside down for a number of weeks to allow all remaining water to drain out. The resulting Tenili can last over a year. Tenili and dambal’khacho have been granted the status of Intangible Culture Monument.

Svanetian marchvi One of the most popular Georgian cheeses, it originated in the Mtiuleti and Pshavi regions of north-east Georgia.

Dambal’khacho is a mildewed quark cheese which, in the past, was buried underground to mature.

It is kept wrapped in paper in clay pots. As a rule, dambal’khacho is cooked in melted butter before eating. It is also referred to as Erbo-Khacho (boiled butter quark).

Marchvi is one of the oldest Svanetian cheeses and is a favorite for the winter months. The Svans will crush it, dip it in butter and store it in wooden boxes to drain.

“molDy” cheeSe Moldy cheese was originally made in Georgia’s coastal region of Adjara. This type of cheese is made only in families

to buy

and is rarely seen on the Georgian market. It tastes similar to the French Camembert de Normandie.

Another delicious cheese made in Adjara is called “Shushvela”. It, too, is made only at home and is mostly unknown to the wider public.

Interesting legend: Meskhetians (people living in Meskheti region) are big fans of aged cheese, storing it and eating it only at celebrations. They say if a Meskhetian doesn’t like someone, he will not serve him cheese!

Buy cheese in Tbilisi at:

marleta’S 2a Z.Paliashvili Str. Tbilisi TEL 577 72 27 71 12 PM- 8 PM

cheeSe corner 163 Nutsubidze Str./ 6 N. Berdzenishvili Str., Tbilisi TEL 595 95 31 31 10 AM - 9 PM

137

New perspective

Listing: Where to Buy Accessories Kapa haBitat 4 Miminoshvili Str. Tbilisi, Georgia +995 32 2148282 www.kapahabitat.com

Kapa Habitat – Located in the heart of Tbilisi, close to Rustaveli Ave. 4 Miminoshvili Str. Place, where you can get everything to make your living space special, original and interesting. Since 2010 Kapa Habitat offers unique handmade home interior accessories, furniture, textile, hand painted ceramics, tableware, home décor, jewelry, etc. These unique products are brought from Bali Island, Indonesia. Each item is hand-made, exotic materials, different, original and exclusive. At Kapa Habitat you get the things that highlight your individuality and encourages you to be different. Kapa habitat is always trying to be against dullness. They always strive to make their “different views” available for everyone.

The shop is a great place for buying the gifts for families, friends, guests, etc.

The shop is opened daily from 11:30 20:30 You can also visit www.kapahabitat.com and shop online.

Kapa – your interesting habitat

138

monte Address: 3 King Erekle ll Str., Tbilisi, 12 Bambis Rigi Str ., Tbilisi, 13 Abano Str., Tbilisi, 2 kipshidze Str., Tbilisi 38 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 40 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 42 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 44 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 46 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta TEL 55 50 89 54, 555 31 13 76 www.asmonte.ge

chronoGraph Address: 2 Freedom Sq. TEL 250 50 00

arttime Address: Heroes Sq. TEL 233 27 35 Address: Freedom Sq. TEL 577 02 30 60 Address: D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., TEL 272 55 96 Address: City Mall Saburtalo, TEL 230 97 14 Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, TEL 577 12 70 10 Address: 24 K. Gamsakhurdia Str., Batumi TEL 422 22 48 08

Address:1 Parnavaz Mepe Str., TEL 570 70 65 28 Address: D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, TEL 230 73 90 Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point

vanDome Address: 23 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 292 33 66

cryStal Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, Near Akhmeteli Metro Station, Gldani Mall, D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 9 Pekini Ave. TEL 595 58 22 32

Da vinci Address: D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 42 Rustaveli Ave., Shopping Gallery Merani TEL 243 43 50

DelfoS

Address: Heroes Sq. TEL 233 07 02

Address: 19 Pekini Ave., 1 Kavtaradze Str., IG Mall, 34 Chavchavadze Ave. 108/110 Agmashenebeli Ave. 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, Near Akhmeteli Metro Station, Gldani Mall, 7 Dadiani Ave., Shopping Center Karvasla, 88 Gorgiladze, Batumi TEL 790 12 15 55

Baccarat

DiaDema

Swatch

Address: 1 Kavtaradze Str., IG Mall, TEL 229 55 20 Address:1 Khizabavra Str, TEL 230 62 02

to buy

Address: 18 Marjanishvili Str. TEL 295 76 71

and one more New dress

Listing: Georgian Designers chuBiKa

mariam GvaSalia

DalooD tBiliSi

Address: 3a Abakelia Str. TEL 579 43 13 19 https://www.chubika.com/

Address: 19 Kobuleti Str., Tbilisi TEL 592 13 00 00

Address: 23 Kostava Str., Tbilisi TEL 577 14 99 12, 599 33 78 74

faShion houSe materia

avtanDil

Address: 22 K. Apkhazi Str., Tbilisi TEL 299 68 18, 247 58 07 www.materia.ge

DotS GiGa tavDGiriDze – Gt hanDmaDe Facebook: GT handmade TEL 577447178

Sofio GonGli Enamel buyers.ge

Address: 22 K. Apkhazi Str., Tbilisi 2/4 Rustaveli Ave., Galleria Tbilisi, 40 Rustaveli Str., Hilton Batumi TEL 299 95 30 www.dotstbilisi.com

tamuna inGoroKva Address: 13a Tamarashvili Str., Tbilisi TEL 291 28 72, 577 15 99 55 http://ingorokva.com/

anuKa KeBuria

eloShi

Address: 81 I. Abashidze Str., Tbilisi TEL 599 28 88 85

Address: 108 T. Tabidze Str., Tbilisi TEL 591 19 79 10

faShion houSe aKa nanitaShvili Address: 43 Paliashvili Str., Tbilisi 7 Bambis Rigi Str., Tbilisi 19 Mazniashvili Str., Batumi TEL 590 99 55 99, 577 73 99 77 www.akananita.com

anouKi Address: 2 Tarkhnishvili Str., Tbilisi 6 M. Abashidze Ave., Batumi TEL 292 22 32, 0 422 22 32 12 www.anouki.com

Address: 29 K. Apkhazi Str., Tbilisi, 2/4 Rustaveli Ave., Galleria Tbilisi, D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 88 Gorgiladze Str., Batumi Mall TEL 291 33 29, 298 90 10 www.avtandil.com

GeorGe ShaGaShvili tinatin maGalaShvili weDDinG DreSSeS Address: 28/1 Al. Kazbegi Ave., Tbilisi TEL 218 13 21, 599 51 34 04

to buy

Address: 3 Tamarashvili Str., Tbilisi TEL 222 62 28, 593 31 61 77, 593 30 25 45

Salome GviniaShvili Address: 42 Abashidze Str., Tbilisi TEL 592 13 48 48

139

find new aroma notes

Listing: Where to Buy Wine chateau nelKariSi

Nelkarisi Estate offers a variety of tours and activities tailored to everyone’s requirements and tastes:

reServe 3, 9 April Str., Tbilisi TEL 599 31 33 44

A tour to the ancient city of Nelkarisi; Georgian cuisine workshop and tour; wine tasting tour and wine-friendly dinner tour.

vinotel Shilda village, Kakheti region TEL: 571 15 32 07, 599 02 62 82 info@friendscellar.com The Friends’ Cellar is an endeavor of a group of friends united by their love and appreciation of Georgian wine. Preserving the uniqueness of Georgian winemaking traditions and keeping pace with the swiftly developing tendencies in the field is the company’s major goal. Friend’s Cellar has developed two brands: IKANO – a combination of local and international traditions, and NELKARISI - classic Georgian wines made in full compliance with Georgian wine traditions.

Nelkarisi Estate, home of Friends’ Cellar JSC, is located in the valley between Telavi and the foothills of the Caucasus, next to the ancient city of Nelkarisi, with a view of the Nekresi Monastery. The estate includes a modern winery and tasting room offering degustation of wines produced by the company, a Qvevri cellar where visitors can visualize the ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making method, and a restaurant offering delicious contemporary Georgian food.

140

4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi TEL 2 55 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

A new wine shop behind Parliament building offering more than 300 names of wines from small producers. Taste 48 wines and beverages stored at a constant temperature. Professional consultants will help you choose. Bring friends or associates for private degustation in our tasting room.

Daily: 11.00-20.00

chelti winery Vinotel wine cellar shop is definitely worth a visit. You’ll find the widest selection of varietals from different regions. They carefully select only the best of the artisan and mainstream wines from around Georgia.

62/18 Vazha Pshavela Str. Wine plant ‘Chelti’: Shilda, Kakheti region TEL 577 44 44 55

The Cellar is oriented on natural family professional winemakers. It also offers its own wine production from vineyards at affordable prices, other professional small wine and cellar products, and exclusive offerings with tax free service.

All the wine is kept at 13-15 degrees

to buy

Wine Company Chelti was founded in 2001. Located in the Kakheti region, in

in your favorite wine Shilda village near Kvareli, the winery offers a 7m-deep wine cellar with a temperature that does not exceed 12-16 degrees throughout the year- ideal for wine storage.

Chelti wine is produced from grapes harvested from sandy-gravel soil, and Gunashauri grapes grown in clay-loam soil. The wine company also produces Dry White Wine, Saperavi Rose and Kindzmarauli Red Semi Sweet made from the Rkatsiteli variety. The company Chelti also produces premium quality Qvevri Wine.

Wine is produced according to classical and traditional methods as well as with advanced technologies which make it possible to control the wine quality at any stage of its making.

menaBDe winery Shemokmedi, Ozurgeti, Guria TEL 593 33 23 17

The hotel offers five rooms to guests, while the new wine cellar provides tours in Gomi Mountain and to the coast, on request. The sea shore is approximately 30 minutes away and Gomi Mountain is about a 60-minute drive.

chateau aznauri Near Eniseli village and Gremi, Kakheti.

TEL 598 11 12 88

alaverDi monaStery Address: Village Alaverdi, Akhmeta, Georgia TEL 596 10 04 34 The wine cellar of Alaverdi Monastery is one of Kakheti’s most distinctive cellars.

Located within the monastery territory, on the site of the historical wine cellar (8th-10th centuries), it was recently rebuilt.

The cellar includes a classical wine hall, a large 6th century Qvevri warehouse, an ethnographic corner, a tasting room, and a souvenir shop.

Traditional white and red Qvevri wines produced in the Alaverdi Monastery wine cellar include Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Kisi, Khikhvi, Saperavi and Chacha.

Chateau Aznauri is a first-class complex located in the vineyards of Kakheti.

It manufactures wines using the traditional Kakhetian method, in clay amphora (Qvevri) buried deep in the earth, where the wine ferments over several months at soil temperature. Chateau Aznauri boasts 14 Qvevri of a total 25 tons.

JavaKhiShvili cellar Akhalsopeli, Kvareli, Kakheti TEL 577 06 89 40

wine cellar KaKhuri Address: 1 Tbilisi Highway, 2200 Telavi, Georgia TEL 599 10 70 35

The cellar is located on 2.5 hectares of land, where you’ll also find a Gurian house “Oda” (traditional house in Guria), cellar “Nalia” (traditional building for corn harvesting), Gurian barn, verandas, special places for rest (cabana, bonfire, playing places for children), fruit and nut orchards, and high and low hanging grape vines.

Kakhuri is located on the main road of Telavi on a territory housing a demonstration vineyard, a wine-tasting room and an ethnographic corner. Visitors can participate in the grape harvest, bake bread, and make wine and churchkhela. The company produces several varieties of PDO and table wines: Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Kindzmarauli, Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhetian, etc., as well as Chacha.

to buy

The Javakhishvili wine cellar is the best place for family wine degustation and to get a taste of traditional Georgian dishes.

Here, you can enjoy a large wine cellar, two gazebos and a large wine shop. The cellar is big enough to host events.

141

SERVICE HALL 9 APRIL PARK

RIKE

Tbilisi Map. Designed at the request of the Georgian National Tourism Administration for non-commercial purposes.

9 MARCH PARK

DEDAENA PARK

PUBLIC SERVICE HALL 9 APRIL PARK

RIKE

BOTANIC GARDEN

Dubai

Modi – The Highest Georgian Restaurant in the World Experience Georgia without leaving Dubai at the newly launched MODI Dubai, United Arab Emirates – September 2018 – Announcing the opening of Modi the highest Georgian restaurant in the world, located on the 31st floor of the Sofitel Dubai Downtown. Imagine enjoying the finest traditional Georgian cuisine with mouthwatering organic and authentic products (including traditional wines) directly flown in from Georgia twice per week. Be served by international professional dancers, listen to a live folk music band, savor the oldest wine in the world, while overlooking the stunning Dubai cityscape through the floor-to-ceiling windows. This is the promise of Modi Georgian Cuisine.

Modi aims to showcase the best in Georgian hospitality with friendly familiar faces and an incredible traditional menu. Enjoy signature dishes such as Penovani Khachapuri and Khinkali, among other famous Georgian pastries, an assortment of meat, fish and vegetable starters and traditional salads, authentic cheese such as the Sulguni and Gebzhalia, famous soups such as Chikhirtma, kharcho and Sokos tsviani; an assortment of Mtsvadi and Josper, charcoal grilled organic and halal meat from the Georgian mountains.

146

dubai

Guests can also enjoy over 12 traditional main dishes that range from Khbos chashushuli, stew calf meat with fresh tomato, Georgian herbs and spices to Lobio kotanshi, Georgian dry beans with tomato, onion, savory Georgian herbs and garlic prepared in a traditional clay pot and the Qatmis ghvidzli yaurma, chicken liver, pomegranate, onions, fresh tomato and Georgian herbs.

There is something for everyone, including a variety of Georgian desserts like Gozinaki and Churchkhela.

to kickoff a week of events celebrating the Franco-Russian week, and is considered a top TV influencer in Georgia.

Guests can enjoy authentic Georgian art displayed around the restaurant and circulated with new Georgian artists every three months. Modi is the highest Georgian restaurant in the world.

Open daily from 12 PM to 4 PM for lunch and 7 PM to 1 AM for dinner.

TEL (+971) 4 503 6128 Sofitel Dubai Downtown, 31st Floor *Photos provided by White Label www.whitelabelmedia.me

Award-winning and Celebrity Georgian Chef Guram Baghdoshvili speaks 5 different languages and is a true artist at heart. Being a professionally trained singer and chef, he considers food an art and is thrilled to bring Georgian cuisine to Dubai.

Chef Guram has previously been seen on the My Kitchen Rules Georgia Jury 2018, the front cover of the City Magazine Georgia, Head Chef of Nikki Beach PT, Executive Chef of NoSoloÁgua, Executive Brand Chef of Vinotel and Owner/ Executive Chef of Restaurante Anona GEO. In 2011, he opened his own seaside tapas and wine bar restaurant titled NoSoloÁgua in Portimão, the coastal town of Algary in South Portugal. There he specializes in experimental cuisine, with dishes of local Portuguese tradition added with a discrete inspiration from other countries.

Chef Guram is famous for having prepared food for three Georgian presidents. He was given a prestigious honor by the JW Marriott Cannes

dubai

147

Introducing Rixos Saadiyat Island: Abu Dhabi’s First Ever All-Inclusive, All-Exclusive Resort Pushing the boundaries of luxury on Abu Dhabi’s ultra-chic Saadiyat Island, Rixos Hotels announces its fourth UAE opening and its first fully integrated resort in the region

The award-winning Turkish-grown hospitality brand Rixos Hotels opened the first all-inclusive, all exclusive resort in Abu Dhabi. Opening its stylish doors on 15th October, Rixos Saadiyat Island invites guests to experience pure luxury in an

148

opulent setting inspired by the palace of the Ottoman Empire. Situated on the pristine white sands of Saadiyat Island, what really sets it apart is its unique positioning as the most successful fully integrated resort in the Emirates.

dubai

With panoramic views overlooking a sprawling private beach and out into the endless blue of the Arabian Gulf, the 378-key resort comprises 366 faultlessly designed rooms and suites, plus 12 three and four-bedroom villas with private pools

and direct access to the beach. Conveniently located less than 30 minutes away from all of Abu Dhabi’s most thrilling attractions, guests can indulge in the feeling of hiding away in an exclusive island enclave while having close proximity to city highlights including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Ensuring that guests are taken on a true culinary journey, Rixos Saadiyat Island has a total of ten restaurants and bars delivering flavours from across the globe.

Highlight culinary offerings include authentic Turkish cuisine at Turquoise, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant, haute seafood dining and exquisite coastal views at Mermaid and comforting Italian classics at L’Olivo. Guests can also head to the far east for Teppanyaki and sushi at Japanese restaurant Aja, step back in time to true Rixos heritage with the tastes of Oriental Turkish cuisine at Orient or eat-on-the-go from one of many Food Carts dotted around the resort. A series of beach bars, tea and shisha lounges and the Club House – an exclusive restaurant reserved for villa guests – complete the offering.

Giving guests another reason to stay on the island, the resort also boasts a water park complete with wave pool for all ages and children’s aqua park. Nestled away within the resort’s verdant gardens, Rixos Saadiyat’s Spa is inspired by the age-old wellness customs of Turkey, with the dramatic Ottoman architecture. A series of signature arches leading to spectacular tiled treatment rooms and a traditional Turkish Hammam create a true sanctuary, with expert therapists on hand to restore balance for mind, body and soul. A state-of-the-art gym and Rixy Kids Club, plus a wide range of

in-resort activities – from sunset paddle boarding to yoga on the sand – will keep every guest happy, from adrenaline junkies to budding sports fans.

Boasting a heavenly island venue ideal for picture-perfect celebrations, Rixos Saadiyat Island makes an ideal spot for weddings and events. Masterminded by a dedicated events team and tailored to any occasion, the resort can host up to a staggering 1,000 guests – with a stunning

ballroom and expansive beach draped with lush palm trees and flanked by azure water.

“We are thrilled to be expanding Rixos Hotels into Abu Dhabi, showcasing our

dubai

first all-inclusive, all-exclusive resort in the capital. This concept means that having paid once for the staying, guests receive unlimited excess to all hotel services including food & beverages available 24 hours a day. Thus, our guests can fully focus on relaxation and rest in the atmosphere of ultra-luxury, without putting any limitations on themselves. We are extremely proud of our new resort and of the team, and are happy to welcome the firsts guests to Rixos Saadiyat Island,”

comments Fettah Tamince, Founder and Chairman of Rixos Hotels.

For bookings or more information please visit www.rixossaadiyatisland.com

149

Business Listing BANKS

BanK of GeorGia

teraBanK

Address: 29a Gagarin Str.

Address: 3 Queen Ketevan Ave.

paSha Bank

TEL 244 44 44

TEL 255 00 00

Address: 15 Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi

www.bankofgeorgia.ge

www.terabank.ge

TEL 226 50 00

liBerty BanK Address: 74 Chavchavadze Ave.

finca BanK GeorGia

TEL 255 55 00

Address: 71 Vazha-Pshavela Ave.

www.libertybank.ge

TEL 224 49 49

www.pashabank.ge

BaSiSBanK Address: 1 K. Tsamebuli Ave. TEL 2921 921, 292 29 22 www.basisbank.ge

vtB BanK GeorGia Address: 14 G. Tchanturia Str. TEL 250 55 05 www.vtb.com.ge PASHA Bank is a Baku-based financial institution operating in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, providing corporate

tBc BanK

www. nca.ge

FUEL COMPANIES Gulf Address: 34 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 249 64 4 4 www.gulf.ge

wiSSol Address: Opposite side of Tbilisi International Airport

Address: 7 Marjanishvili Str.

TEL 218 46 28

and investment banking services to large

TEL 227 27 27

www.wissol.ge

and medium-sized enterprises.

www.tbcbank.com.ge

PASHA Bank has been operating in Georgia since 2013 and during the short

rompetrol GeorGia Address: 3 Vl. Vekua Str.

time of operation it has received positive

TEL 291 07 27

feedback from its customers due to the

www.rompetrol.ge

high-quality service and exclusive business approach.

procreDit BanK Address: 21 Al. Kazbegi Ave. TEL 220 22 22 www.procreditbank.ge

150

halyK BanK Address: 74 Kostava Str. TEL 224 07 07 www.hbg.ge

Socar GeorGia petrolium Address: 24 300 Aragveli Str. TEL 243 92 75, 243 97 77 www.sgp.ge

PHARMACIES

Geocell

orBi Group

Address: 3 Gotua Str.

Address: 12a Kazbegi Ave.

evex meDical corporation

TEL 277 01 77

TEL 555 35 00 00, 555 31 00 00

Address: 40 Vazha-Pshavela Ave.

CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE COMPANIES TBILISI

TEL 255 05 05 www.evex.ge

pSp Group Address: 148/3 D. Agmashenebeli Ave.

www.geocell.ge

TEL 240 20 20, 218 51 11

Seu Development

www.psp.ge

Address: 12 Jikia Str.

averSi

TEL 596 70 70 70, 596 70 00 07

terraSSa Group Address: 7a B. Zgenti Str. TEL 551 56 11 00, 204 40 44

Address: 148 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 298 78 60 www.aversi.ge

Gpc Address: 6 Sanapiro Str.

axiS

TEL 294 07 40

Address: 24 Al. Kazbegi Ave.

www.gpc.ge

TEL 224 17 17/18

COMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES maGticom Address: 7 A. Politkovskaya Str. TEL 217 00 00

DirSi Address: 24 Sh. Nadirashvili Str. TEL 274 04 04

Dux Development

archi Group

Address: 23 Paliashvili Str.

Address: 15 Kipshidze Str. TEL 260 26 02

Beeline

www.archi.ge

Address: 8 Gorgasali Str.

maQro conStruction

TEL 220 06 06 www.beeline.ge

TEL 250 00 32

Address: 22 Panjikidze Str. TEL 200 10 10 www.maqro.ge

151

reDco TEL 577 22 02 20

american chamBer of commerce in GeorGia

www.redco.ge

Address: 36a L. Asatiani Str.

Address: 1 T. Abuladze Str.

liSi Development Address: 2 Tiripebi Str. TEL 200 27 27 www.lisi.ge

reDix Address: 71 Vazha-Pshavela Ave. TEL 220 11 22

TEL 222 69 07 www.amcham.ge

iSrael-GeorGia chamBer of BuSineSS Address: 4 Freedom Sq. TEL 299 70 35, 299 70 36

Address: 29 Chavchavadze Str

the chamBer of commerce anD inDuStry france-GeorGia

TEL 244 41 11

Address: 61 Agmashenebli Ave.

www.m2.ge

TEL 222 69 40

www.redix.ge

m2

metra Development Address: 6 Z. Sakandelidze Str. TEL 260 44 45 www.metra.ge

hauSart Address: 11b Vazha-Pshavela Ave. TEL 222 00 88 www.hausart.ge

CHAMBERS IN TBILISI icc

www.ccifg.ge

GeorGian chamBer of commerce anD inDuStry Address: 29 N. Shataidze Str. TEL 269 47 47 www.gcci.ge

the BritiSh GeorGian chamBer of commerce Address: 1 Tabidze 1 Building,

Address: 3/29 P. Kakabadze Str.

2 Leonidze Str., Regus office

TEL 298 81 76

TEL 599 465 364

www.icc.ge

152

contact@bgcc.org.uk www.bgcc.org.uk

INSURANCE COMPANIES GloBal Benefit GeorGia Address: 7a P. Kakabadzr Str. TEL 250 00 01

alDaGi Address: 3 Pushkin Str. TEL 244 49 99 www.aldagi.ge

arDi Address: 3 Vazha-Pshavela Ave. TEL 210 10 10 www.ardi.ge

Gpi holDinG Address: 67 Kostava Str. TEL 250 51 11 www.gpih.ge

ic Group Address: 24 Mosashvili Str. TEL 220 88 88 www.icgroup.ge

imeDi l Address: 9 Anna Politkovskaia Str. TEL 292 22 22 www.imedil.ge

GiDmeDi pluS Address: 3 R. Chkheidze Str. TEL 220 25 15, 291 32 19

Advanced Pediatric Care

The right pediatrician for your child!

new hoSpitalS Address: 12 Krtsanisi Str. TEL 219 01 90

toDua clinic Comprehensive healthcare for infants, children and adolescents

Address: 12. Krtsanisi Str.

Routine checkups, Immunizations, ะกounseling and Healthcare Packages

amc tBiliSi

TEL 234 81 19, 234 28 30

Address: 11 D. Arakishvili Str. Hotline: 250 00 20

24/7 On-Call Pediatrician and Home Visits

Kuzanov clinic Address: 5 Pekini Str. TEL 242 40 05, 555 40 20 20 Call today for a free phone consultation or schedule your visit:

GeorGian-German clinic meDhouSe

+995 (32) 250 00 20 www.amcenters.com

Address: 7 M. Abashidze Str. Kyiv Odessa Lviv Tbilisi Batumi Almaty Astana

TEL 570 10 22 66, 568 05 03 03

carapS meDline Address: 48 Ljubljana Str.

CLINICS IN TBILISI

DaviD tatiShvili meDical center

meDical centre extra

Address: 7 Abuladze Str.

meDihelp

TEL 291 31 19, 291 32 42

Address: 39 Chavchavadze Ave.

Address: 68 Chubinashvili Str.

TEL 251 60 60

TEL 243 43 10, 596 11 43 43

TEL 222 21 55

GeoSwiSS meDical center

chachava clinic

meDinveSt

Address: 5 Pekini Str.

Address: 38 Kostava Str.

TEL 236 33 64, 225 08 38, 225 18 90

TEL 295 33 11, 298 73 39

Address: 44/5 Paliashvili Str. TEL 225 19 60

153

TOURISM INFORMATION CENTERS tBiliSi touriSm information center Address: Pushkin Sq. TEL (+995 595) 215 86 97 Working days: Every day Working hours: 9:00 – 21:00

tBiliSi touriSm information center (tBiliSi international airport) Address: Tbilisi International Airport TEL (+995 32) 231 00 07 Working days: Every day / 24/7

meStia touriSm information center Address: 7 Seti Sq. TEL (+995 5 51) 08 08 94 Working days: Every day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 9:00 – 18:00 (summer)

KutaiSi touriSm information center Address: 8a Rustaveli Str. TEL (+995 431) 241103 Working days: Every day

Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 9:00 – 18:00 (summer)

Gori touriSm information center Address: 23a Kutaisi Str. TEL (+995 370) 270776 Working days: Every day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 10:00 – 18:00 (summer)

mtSKheta touriSm information center Address: 3 Arsukidze Str. TEL (+995 32) 2512128 Working days: Every day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 10:00 – 18:00 (summer)

Kvareli touriSm information center Address: 8 Rustaveli Str. TEL (+995 352) 221340 Working days: Every day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 10:00 – 18:00 (summer)

SiGhnaGhi touriSm

information center Address: 10 Kostava Str. TEL (+995 355) 232414 Working days: Every day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 9:00 – 18:00 (summer)

telavi touriSm information center Address: 9 Erekle II Str. TEL (+995 350) 275317 Working days: Every day Working hours: 9:00 – 18:00

BorJomi touriSm information center Address: Rustaveli Str. TEL (+995 367) 221397 Working days: E very day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 9:00 – 18:00 (summer)

aKhaltSiKhe touriSm information center Address: 1 Kharischirashvili Str. TEL (+995 365) 22 50 28 Working days: Every day Working hours: 09:00 - 18:00

154

amBrolauri touriSm information centre

Batumi touriSm information center

Address: 17 Vazha-Pshavela Str.

(Central entrance of Boulevard)

TEL (+995 439) 22 16 18

TEL (0422) 29 44 12, 577 90 90 91

Working days: Every day

Working days: Every day

Working hours: 10:00 - 18:00

BolniSi touriSm information center

Address: 2 Ninoshvili Str., Batumi,

Batumi touriSm information center Address: Ski-lift surrounding area TEL (0422) 29 44 10, 577 90 90 93

TEL (+995 358) 22 23 19

Working days: Every day

Working hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (winter),

TIME ZONE Gmt + 4 currency Georgian Lari (GEL). One Lari is divided

Address: 115 Sulkhan-Saba Str. Working days: Every day

ESSENTIALS

Sarpi touriSm information center

into 100 Tetris.

emerGency - 112 112 can be dialed free of charge from most mobile telephones and landline telephones in order to reach emergency services (ambulance, re and rescue, police).

Address: Sarpi Custom House

tBiliSi international airport

TEL (+995 577) 90 90 93

TEL 231 03 41

TEL (+995 5 95) 08 82 19

KoBuleti touriSm information center

KutaiSi international airport

Working days: Schedule determined

Address: 1 Agmashenebeli Str.

by flights

TEL 0422 29 44 13

9:00 - 18:00 (summer)

KutaiSi touriSm information center (KutaiSi airport) Address: Kopitnari settlement

Batumi touriSm information center (Batumi international airport)

Working days: Every day

TEL 0431 23 70 00

GeorGian railway TEL 1331, 219 90 10

Khulo touriSm information center

GeorGian national touriSm aDminiStration

Address: 29 M. Abashidze Str.

ADDRESS: 4 SANAPIRO STR.

Address: Batumi International Airport

TEL (+995 577) 90 90 15

TEL 243 69 99

TEL (0422) 29 44 14

Working days: Every day

Working days: Schedule determined

DialinG coDe:

by flights

+995 32

155

ორბი ჯგუფი ORBI GROUP THE WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION OF ORBI GROUP!

The "Twin Tower" aparthotel named as the World’s best project for investment!

Only the best projects on the planet deserve “The Real Estate Oscar” – Prix d'Excellence Award by FIABCI International Real Estate Federation. And ORBI GROUP won that award: the committee, consisting of 70 most competent experts from over than 40 countries, recognized ORBI Twin Tower as the World's Best Project for Investment of 2016 (www.orbi.ge).

During the promotional sales, it is possible to acquire the apartment for GEL 65 500. Price includes the interior works, furniture, and home appliances. It is possible to get an instant mortgage for citizens of any country: down payment amounts starts from 10%! All apartments have the stunning sea view.

Apartments are your real estate property and a protable business at the same time. ORBI GROUP is offering a stable income for the apartment owners. On demand, ORBI GROUP is operating the apartment for the owner, while he has access to the exclusive online system to control his property. The income is enough to have a full investment payback within four years.

ORBI Twin Tower is an amazing project, located in the touristic center of Batumi only 50 meters from the sea. It will have an outstanding infrastructure and service: џ Services: reception, security, concierge, cleaning, CCTV, 24/7 tech., personnel, parking, etc. џ Infrastructure: swimming pools, SPA, casino, tness, playgrounds, restaurants and cafes, relaxation areas, medical center, market, shopping mall, etc. - everything in one space!

Международное признание ORBI GROUP!

Проект грузинской компании “ORBI GROUP” — ORBI Twin Tower признан лучшим в мире!

“Оскар в сфере недвижимости” — так называют приз Prix d’Ecxellence, который вручается на ежегодном конкурсе международной федерации недвижимости FIABCI. Его удостаиваются только лучшие проекты в мире! ORBI GROUP получила данный приз за проект ORBI Twin Tower, который был признан лучшим инвестиционным проектом! Апартаменты «под ключ» можно приобрести за 65 500 лари. Первоначальный взнос составляет от 10%! Апартаменты сдаются с евроремонтом, мебелью и бытовой техникой. Это ваша собственность и бизнес, приносящий прибыль. В апартаментах вы можете не только жить и отдыхать, но и через ORBI GROUP обеспечить их сдачу, получая гарантированный доход и отслеживая процесс сдачи в онлайн-режиме. Срок возврата инвестиций составляет до 4 лет!

ORBI Twin Tower — это грандиозный проект в туристической зоне Батуми в 50 м от моря с разветвлённой инфраструктурой и высококлассным обслуживанием: • Пакет услуг: КРУГЛОСУТОЧНО — ресепшн, охрана, консьерж-сервис, уборка общественных пространств, система видеонаблюдения, технический персонал, парковка и т.д.

• Инфраструктура: бассейн, СПА, фитнес-центр, казино, рестораны, кафе, детские досуговые центры, террасы для отдыха, магазины, медицинский центр, торгово-развлекательные объекты — всё в одном комплексе.

Sales ofces: Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, USA, Germany, Israel

Офисы продаж: Грузия, Россия, Украина, США, Германия, Израиль

ORBI Twin Tower Batumi, Georgia

FIABCI Prix d’Excellence

WORLD GOLD WINNER

ÀÏÀÐÒÀÌÅÍÒÛ ÏÎÄ ÊËÞ×

65 500 ₾ TURN-KEY APARTMENTS

✆ +995 555 31 00 00

www.orbi.ge