In the basement of the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi, golden burial items catch my eye in the dim light, revealing a profound connection to this land.
An intricately crafted lion figurine, imbued with the symbolism of guiding souls through the afterlife, shines vividly beside an ornate beaded necklace boasting gold pomades. Against one wall, an amethyst ring lies in repose, its delicate gold inlays achieved with a degree of artistry that continues to intrigue experts.
Where clay vessels of grapes are planted in the "belly of the earth" – the Georgian belief in 'motherland' is a powerful one.
During my trip in late September, I was fortunate to encounter numerous national treasures and enjoy numerous glasses of wine.
If you’re enthusiastic to experience both on a trip to this stunning country in the Caucasus region, here are my essentials to consider.
Why is Georgian wine so distinctive and where is it possible to sample it?
Georgia, we're informed by our guide, is where wine production first originated in the world.
In the region, our guide Kartlos - founder of Inter Georgia Travel company - explains the labour of love that goes into making Qvevri wine.
A quote explains the wine-making process in Georgia by a local: "IT'S like a baby you're taking care of," he says, in a job lasting TWELVE months where reward is handed over when a guest says "wow, what a wine." Hospitality is an integral part of Georgian culture.
As a form of intangible cultural heritage; "so when you're tasting Qvevri wine you're sipping UNESCO," he notes.
For Georgians, what makes their winemaking so unique is not only its long history, but also the fact that the tradition has remained unbroken, even during the Soviet occupation, when it was forced largely underground.
Where are the top destinations for wine tastings in Georgia?
If you’re seeking a wine experience that is an almost-screening wine experience, Alaverdi monastery is the place to visit.
This 11th-century Orthodox cathedral - with sections dating back to the 6th century - is impressive in its own right. Bits of glass cast a serene, pale blue glow on its plain interior and old, faded frescoes.
Delicious red Saperavi and amber Rkatsiteli wines were also sampled, along with others.
Thirty kilometers away from Telavi city lies Shumi Winery, where another pleasant wine tasting experience awaits. It houses the world's largest collection of living vines and has a noble mission to revive old Georgian grape varieties.
The winery grounds are a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, featuring Disney-style decorations and a wide range of activities, such as grape-stomping and traditional 'shotis puri' bread-making.
Just a short drive away, the Tsinandali Estate hotel provides a very comfortable place to rest, offering luxurious amenities such as an infinity pool with a breathtaking view of the Caucasus Mountains.
The museum also includes a wine cellar where guests can savor excellent Georgian wine.
If you’re staying in the capital city, Tbilisi, the Wine Museum is also worth visiting, with another opportunity for a snack and wine tasting that will help you remember the viticulture lesson better.
Overlooking the city is the iconic Mother of Georgia statue - a figure holding a kwassa (a bowl of wine) in her left hand and a sword in her right. According to reliable sources, including Kartlos, this depiction accurately reflects the Georgian personality - warm and welcoming, yet fiercely protective if boundaries are crossed.
What are the top dining recommendations in Tbilisi?
If all of this discussion of beverages has sparked your desire for authentic Georgian cuisine, there are numerous options available.
There's something characteristic of the cuisine's generosity; the almost excessively delicious 'khachapuri' (cheese-filled bread), the richness of 'ajapsandali' vegetable stew, and the completeness of 'khinkali' dumplings.
Rigi restaurant is an upscale destination for a Georgian food variety, with the interior cleverly laid out like miniature streets so that guests can glimpse each food station individually.
I have come across an intriguing origin story about Barbarestan. It begins with the founder stumbling upon a cookbook that once belonged to Princess Barbare Jorjadze, a nineteenth century Georgian aristocrat often regarded as the country's first feminist, at a flea market in 2015. The family draws inspiration from hundreds of her traditional recipes when crafting their popular menu items.
For a tantalizing rooftop garden setting and another mouth-watering menu, Keto and Kote is also a must-visit. As is Stamba restaurant for an avant-garde interpretation of traditional Georgian cuisine in a spacious, cavernous interior.
-resided in a massive publication house from the Soviet era - where I stayed in a laid-back atmosphere of splendor.
on the coast.