Georgia, a “back garden” favored by God, boasts majestic snow-capped mountains, ancient castles, mysterious churches, and warm-hearted people. It combines European charm with grand natural landscapes, making it one of the favorite hiking routes for Europeans and Americans. With the deep blue Black Sea and mountain views that rival those of Western Europe, Georgia is also the birthplace of wine.
Must-Visit Attractions
Holy Trinity Cathedral
One of Georgia’s iconic buildings, renowned for its grand exterior and intricate interior decorations.
Freedom Square
The main square in the center of Tbilisi, surrounded by many significant historical buildings and shopping centers.
Mother of Georgia Statue
Located in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, this massive statue symbolizes the spirit and historical achievements of the Georgian people. Erected in 1963, it commemorates Georgia’s contributions to world civilization throughout history.
Ali and Nino Statue
This statue symbolizes love and friendship and is one of Batumi’s landmarks.
Tbilisi Sea
A lake in the city center, a great place for citizens to relax and have fun, where you can swim and boat in the summer.
Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God
An important religious site in Batumi, attracting tourists with its exquisite architecture and interior decorations.
Sighnaghi
Known as the “City of Love,” it attracts visitors with its romantic atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery. Tourists can visit the old town of Sighnaghi, a well-preserved ancient city known for its unique architectural style and rich cultural history.
Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino
The Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino is a complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries and the residence of the Bishop of Bodbe, located 2 kilometers from Sighnaghi town in Kakheti, Georgia. It was initially built in the 9th century and underwent significant reconstruction, especially in the 17th century.
Mtatsminda Park
A scenic park on Mtatsminda Mountain, overlooking the capital city of Tbilisi, Georgia. The park features carousels, water slides, roller coasters, dark rides, and a cable car. There’s also a gigantic Ferris wheel by the mountain’s edge, offering breathtaking city views.
Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery
These are historical religious structures, attracting visitors with their exquisite frescoes and architectural styles.
Kazbegi
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains, it’s a paradise for hikers and skiing enthusiasts. Visitors can explore sights like the Gergeti Trinity Church.
Gergeti Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity Church, also known as “Gergeti Trinity Church,” is located near the village of Stepantsminda in Georgia, at an elevation of 2,170 meters, on the right bank of the Chkheri River, beneath Mount Kazbek.
Must-Try Cuisine
Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread)
It is one of the representatives of Georgian cuisine and a favorite among many tourists. Khachapuri is an oval-shaped baked bread topped with cheese, butter, and egg.
Tonis Puri
This is a baked flatbread, similar in shape and preparation to Xinjiang naan from China, with a crispy exterior and soft interior, full of flavor.
Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings)
Resembling Chinese soup dumplings in appearance but with a unique taste, typically filled with beef, pork, lamb, or vegetables, seasoned with various spices.
Lobio
A stew made from red kidney beans, cooked with various spices, often including onions, cherries, plum puree, and walnuts for flavor, offering a delicious taste.
Churchkhela (Sweet Candle)
Often playfully referred to as a “sweet candle,” this is a dessert made by threading nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts) onto a string and dipping them into a thick grape juice syrup or chocolate, resembling sausage on the outside but filled with an intoxicating sweet taste.
Mtsvadi (Traditional Meat Skewers)
A traditional meat skewer, grilled over charcoal, offering a smoky flavor. You can choose beef, pork, or lamb skewers, tasting according to personal preference.
Ajapsandali
A dish similar to a French ratatouille, where eggplants, sweet peppers, and tomatoes are stewed together with garlic, basil, and cilantro, making it a hearty choice for vegetarians.
Dolma
A distinctive dish with leaves on the outside and meat filling inside, which can be eaten with the leaves, dipped in yogurt sauce for a unique flavor.
Georgian Red Wine
Historical Background
Georgia is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions, with its winemaking history dating back to around 6000 BC. Archaeologists have discovered 10 grape seeds at the Shulaveri mountain settlement, dating back to 6000-7000 BC.
Georgia boasts a rich winemaking tradition and unique winemaking techniques, particularly the Qvevri method, which is a distinctive feature of its wines.
Grape Varieties
Georgia has one of the world’s most diverse collections of grape varieties. According to the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), Georgia has 524 grape varieties.
Major red grape varieties include Saperavi, capable of producing high-quality red wines with excellent aging potential, and it’s the primary ingredient for most top-tier Georgian wines.
The main white grape variety is Rkatsiteli, also known as White Feather, which can produce European classic-style wines as well as traditional Kakheti Qvevri wines.