The Green Gold of Georgia
Georgia isn’t just about peaches and wine — it has a secret treasure: tea. This 10-hour tour offers a fascinating look at how Georgia has cultivated its “green gold,” blending scenic landscapes with stories of dedication and tradition. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply curious about Georgian culture, this experience promises a taste of authenticity you won’t find in tourist brochures.
What we love about this tour is how it combines stunning mountain views with engaging visits to historic plantations and factories. It’s a chance to see the roots of Georgian tea production and meet the local people who keep this tradition alive. Plus, the tasting sessions and homemade Gurian meal add a delicious, personal touch.
A potential consideration is the full day’s length — it’s quite packed, which might be tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to long hours on the road or walking. Still, the tour is thoughtfully organized, and breaks are built in to keep everyone comfortable.
This trip is ideal for travelers who love authentic cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and culinary delights. If you enjoy learning about local industries and tasting regional flavors, you’ll find this tour both enriching and enjoyable.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Authentic Georgia: Discover the country’s lesser-known tea culture with visits to historic plantations and factories.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy views of lush mountain landscapes and the Black Sea coast.
- Hands-on Experience: Participate in tea picking and learn how Georgian teas are processed and brewed.
- Culinary Delights: Savor homemade Gurian cuisine paired with local teas.
- Educational Insights: Hear stories about Georgia’s first tea plantations and Soviet-era research.
- Value for Money: Includes transportation, an expert guide, tastings, and entrance fees, making it a comprehensive experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Caucasus Mountains Georgia.
A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience
Starting Point and Journey to Chaqvi
The tour kicks off from 31 Memed Abashidze Ave in Batumi, making it convenient for travelers already based in the city. The drive along the Black Sea coast is a highlight in itself — scenic, relaxing, and a perfect way to set the mood. As we head towards Chaqvi, Georgia’s unofficial tea birthplace, you’ll quickly realize that this isn’t just a sightseeing trip but an immersion into a living tradition.
Visiting Lao Zeng Zhao’s Residence
The first notable stop is a visit to the home of Lao Zeng Zhao, the Chinese tea master credited with establishing Georgia’s first tea plantations. This site connects Georgia’s tea story to its broader cultural exchanges with China, giving insight into how tea arrived and took root in this region. The stories shared here add depth to the experience, making it clear that Georgian tea isn’t just about plants — it’s about people, history, and cross-cultural connections.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring the Anaseuli Experimental Tea Factory
Next, we visit the Anaseuli Experimental Tea Factory, once a Soviet-era hub for tea research and production. Covering over 130 hectares, the complex illustrates Georgia’s ambitions to develop quality tea. The factory tour is especially interesting for those curious about the science behind tea quality, as we see how different teas — black, green, white, yellow, and red — are processed.
Photographs from the Soviet era provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, showing workers, machines, and everyday life in the 1960s. The factory’s mosaic artworks and scenic park make for a relaxed walk, and the stories about Soviet researchers and students add a layer of cultural history you won’t find in typical tours.
Tea Plantations and Curing the Leaves
Walking through the plantations, we see modern cultivation methods and learn how tea is picked and processed today. The guide emphasizes the importance of quality leaves and teaches how to identify premium tea leaves — a practical skill that any tea lover will appreciate. The changing landscape from dense green bushes to panoramic mountain vistas makes it a visual treat.
Lunch in Nagomari and Tea Tasting
Our midday stop in Nagomari offers a picnic amid the tea plantations, giving you a chance to relax and mingle. The meal features locally-made jams, bread, cheese, and fresh vegetables, paired with freshly brewed black and green teas. Many reviews praise the delicious food and the chance to sip tea while surrounded by lush landscapes, creating a true sense of place.
Post-lunch, we enjoy a leisurely walk through the tea fields, observing the plants up close. Here, you’ll learn about modern tea cultivation techniques and see how quality leaves are hand-picked — a key factor in producing the fine teas Georgia is known for.
Gurian Farm and Tea Workshop
In the evening, the tour concludes at a traditional Gurian family farm in Bakhvi. This farm is a microcosm of local agriculture, with organic tea gardens, vegetable fields, and vineyards. A guided walk reveals the organic methods used to grow tea and other crops, offering insight into sustainable farming practices.
The highlight here is a tea tasting and workshop led by a local tea master. You’ll learn how to brew the perfect Georgian black, green, and white teas — a practical skill that elevates your appreciation of this beverage. The flavors are memorable, and the workshop offers a personal, hands-on element that many travelers find rewarding.
Evening Dinner and Herbal Tea
The day wraps up with a warm Gurian family dinner in Grandma’s kitchen. The menu features hearty, traditional dishes like Shetutuli Qatami (chicken in walnut pesto), Kirkvali Lobio (black bean soup), and Chakindzuli (veal in spicy wine sauce). These authentic flavors deepen your understanding of Gurian cuisine.
A freshly picked herbal tea helps with digestion as you reflect on the day’s impressions. It’s a fitting end to a rich, full experience that combines nature, history, culture, and culinary delights.
Practicalities: What to Expect
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, and transportation is in comfortable vehicles — whether car or minibus. The group is private, meaning a more intimate experience without large crowds. Guides speak English and German, providing clear and engaging commentary throughout.
The itinerary includes a mix of guided visits, scenic walks, and tasting sessions, making it a balanced experience. The entrance fee to the Anaseuli Experimental Tea Factory is included, but guests should budget around $15 USD for optional dinner and additional drinks.
It’s worth noting that the tour is not suitable for children under 7 or wheelchair users, due to walking and accessibility considerations. Travelers should come prepared with comfortable shoes and sunscreen, especially for walking through plantations and factory grounds.
Value and Booking
The experience offers excellent value by combining transport, expert guidance, tastings, and visits into one day. Booking is flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, with a full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours ahead.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a well-rounded journey into Georgia’s tea heritage, blending natural beauty, history, and tasting experiences. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy authentic cultural encounters and want to understand a unique side of Georgia’s agricultural tradition. The pace is steady but manageable, and the sights and stories shared make it more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s a story of dedication, tradition, and regional pride.
If you’re a fan of scenic landscapes, flavorful teas, and hearty local cuisine, this day trip promises a meaningful and delicious adventure. It’s especially good for those who value learning by doing — picking tea leaves, brewing tea, and sharing a family meal. Whether you’re a serious tea lover or simply curious about Georgian culture, this tour will leave you with a new appreciation for this humble yet vital crop.
FAQ
Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, you’ll be transported in comfortable vehicles, whether a car or minibus, all organized by the tour provider.
What’s the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts around 10 hours, with starting times varying depending on availability.
Are meals provided? Yes, a picnic lunch is included, featuring homemade jams, bread, cheese, and fresh vegetables paired with tea. There’s also an option to purchase dinner afterward.
Is the tour suitable for children? It’s not recommended for children under 7 due to walking and activity levels.
Can I book the tour now and pay later? Absolutely, you can reserve your spot now and pay nothing upfront, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before departure.
What should I bring? Pack sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a hat. You’ll be walking through plantations and factory grounds.
Are there any language options? The tour is conducted in English and German, making it accessible for most travelers.
Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users? No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain and walking involved.
To sum it up, The Green Gold of Georgia tour offers a rich tapestry of scenery, history, and taste. It’s a fantastic way to discover Georgia’s lesser-known tea culture, connect with local traditions, and enjoy a day of scenic beauty and authentic flavors. Perfect for those who appreciate meaningful travel experiences that go beyond the usual sights.
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