In the fast-paced rhythm of life and technological chaos, we increasingly search for places where time seems to stand still and nature fills us with energy. If you head towards western Georgia, the Guria region will surprise you with much more than just its mountains and sea. Here, on the lush green rolling hills, the "Tea Route" begins—a tourist itinerary that unites century-old history, an ecologically clean environment, and genuine Gurian hospitality.

The Golden Age and Deep-Rooted History

The history of tea culture in Georgia began exactly 200 years ago, initiated by the last ruler of the Principality of Guria, Mamia V Gurieli (1803-1826). Following the recommendation of French botanists, the Michaux family, and with the help of Scottish agronomist Jacob Marr, the first exotic plants were planted in the prince's botanical garden.

The cultivation of this once-unknown plant laid the foundation for an industry that reached its peak in the 1980s. Imagine the scale: Georgia had tea plantations spread across 70,000 hectares and 140 primary production factories employing 190,000 people. The country produced 133,000 tons of ready-made tea, making Georgia the fifth-largest producer in the world after India, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Through generative selection, Georgian scientists developed more than 16 unique, frost-resistant varieties that remain perfectly adapted to our climate today.

The Renaissance of Georgian Tea and a New Life

After difficult times and the abandonment of plantations, Georgian tea began to experience a rebirth. The turning point in this process was 2010, when the Georgian brand "Gurieli" appeared on the market.

Today, "Gurieli's" raw material base covers up to 500 hectares in the mountainous zones of Guria, Samegrelo, and Imereti. The fresh mountain air, crystal-clear rivers, and ideal temperature amplitude ensure that the plantations do not require pesticides or herbicides. This is exactly why Georgian ecologically clean products are successfully exported to the USA, Canada, Germany, France, and other leading countries today.

Tourist Experience: Touch, Taste, Discover

For the modern tourist, traveling to Guria no longer means just touring a factory - it is a fully-fledged gastronomic and cultural adventure.

One of the most impressive stops on the Tea Route is "Skiji," a family enterprise located in the village of Khidistavi, Chokhatauri Municipality. This is a place where tradition and natural flavors unite inside a 200-year-old Gurian oda (traditional wooden house).

While visiting "Skiji," you become part of a traditional Gurian family:

  • Direct Involvement: You can personally participate in fruit picking, drying fruit (chiri), and packaging the product using natural materials.
  • Unique Flavors: Taste black and green tea blends (featuring blueberry leaves and various fruits), as well as sugar-free dried fruit mixes and candies.
  • Eco-Friendly Space: The entire production process fully complies with the highest HACCP standards and actively utilizes solar panels.

In Guria, you will also discover places (such as "TabaTea" and "Anaseuli") where you can watch handmade tea being prepared and see how a freshly picked leaf turns into a fragrant beverage. All four seasons are interesting here: in spring, nature awakens; in summer, berries ripen and the tea-drying process is in full swing; while autumn is crowned with an abundant harvest.

Pack your bags, because it is time to leave the city noise in the past and follow the fragrant trails of Guria, where every cup of tea holds one great, living history.

Used and Recommended Sources:

  • Official history and statistical data of the "Gurieli" company.
  • Family enterprise "Skiji" - informational material on local production and gastronomic experiences (Chokhatauri, village Khidistavi).
  • Historical records regarding Mamia V Gurieli and the development of tea culture in Georgia.

Author: Mari Kikvadze - Founder of Upcomrise | Strategic and Environmental Communications Expert