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When you think of Georgia, you might think of peaches. But if you’re from the former Soviet Union, you probably think of grapes instead. There’s a Yakov Smirnoff joke in there somewhere.
And yes, I love THIS country, but all four of us quickly grew to love THAT country also. I’m talking about the Republic of Georgia, of course.
From the moment you arrive in the capital of Tbilisi, you’re smitten. Given its unique global situation right on the cusp of both Europe and Asia, it’s somewhat difficult to visualize what you’re in for in advance.
Expectations are exceeded in every way; from the scenery, to the people, to the architecture and the food. Oh my goodness, oh my goodness…the FOOD. It had been an innocent (read: “ignorant”) case of interloping into a Georgian restaurant in St. Petersburg the year before that had launched Georgia to near the top of our bucket list. Like what you may experience in other former SSRs like Ukraine and the Baltic states, there seems to be homespun love baked into every dish.
The urban area of the capital has an overwhelmingly European feel to it. Get out in the country, however, and you realize the lifestyle hasn’t changed much since the Soviet era.
Georgia has experienced well-publicized political strife in recent decades, which is unfortunately what most Westerners think of first. That’s a shame, because this is one of the most beautiful, culturally rich and flat-out interesting places we’ve ever visited. Factor in the wonderfully friendly and hospitable people and how easy the place is on the budget, and you might laugh yourself to sleep at night wondering how so few have discovered it as a travel destination.
I mentioned the food, but the wine is perhaps even more remarkable. Considered by many to be the birthplace of wine making, Georgians claim their craft is 8000 years old. Indeed, the Kakheti Region of the country was the Napa Valley of the Soviet Union, known for its unique and tasty Saparavi varietal. For a fitting introduction to Georgian wine, try the wonderfully grapey yet complex Marani Alazani Valley Red…if you can find it.
If you’re a oenophile, you’re in for one of the most unique and exciting experiences you can imagine, sure to earn you a guest speaking gig at your next Wine Club meeting. Burgundy and Napa degustation tours? Those are for newbies! This is a true adventure, complete with tunnels, weird “candy” making and staffers’ casual attempts at getting your 8-year-old son plastered.
Speaking of kids, we took them and they loved it…especially the khinkali soup dumplings. The history is rich and the Caucasus mountains are beautiful.
Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t throw down a “beer wall” picture, given how much we talked about it in the podcast. Take this picture with you if you ever go to Tbilisi, because cab drivers typically have no idea what you’re talking about until you give them a visual.
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