Georgia

Welcome to Georgia! Georgia is nestled in the majestic Caucasus Mountains and has a rich cultural heritage. Go from the winding alleys of Tbilisi's old town to the 'Switzerland of the Caucasus' region of Svaneti. 

Before embarking on your adventure, it's essential to pack appropriately for the unpredictable weather. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes and a rain jacket if you plan hiking in the Caucasus region (recommended), and keep in mind the country's conservative dress norms (bring clothes to cover your knees and shoulders, but that still keeps you cool in the hot summer). Moreover, check the visa requirements. For citizens in the European Union, no visa is required for short tourism stay.

When it comes to Georgian cuisine, prepare to be delighted by savory cheese-filled bread known as khachapuri to the juicy dumplings called khinkali. And don't forget to sample the country's world-renowned wines, such as the bold and robust Saperavi  (learn more below).

Georgian history

Georgian has a fascinating and diverse past that stretches back over 3,000 years. Here is a brief overview of some key events and periods in Georgian history:

1. Ancient Georgia: The earliest recorded history of Georgia dates back to the 8th century BCE, when the ancient kingdom of Colchis was established in western Georgia. The Greeks and Romans knew this area as the land of the Golden Fleece. In the 4th century CE, the kingdom of Iberia emerged in eastern Georgia, with Tbilisi as its capital.

2. Medieval Georgia: In the 11th century, King David IV (David the Builder) established a united Georgian kingdom, which reached its peak under Queen Tamar in the 12th and 13th centuries. During this time, Georgia was a major regional power, with a vibrant culture and thriving trade.

3. Mongol Conquest: In the 13th century, the Mongols invaded Georgia and devastated much of the country. Georgia fragmented into several smaller kingdoms and principalities and was ruled by various conquerors, including the Persians and Ottomans.

4. Russian Occupation: In the early 19th century, Russia annexed Georgia and incorporated it into the Russian Empire. Georgia remained under Russian rule until the collapse of the empire in 1917.

5. Soviet Georgia: In 1921, Georgia became a part of the Soviet Union. During the Soviet period, Georgia experienced rapid industrialization, but also repression and political purges.

6. Independence: In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia declared its independence. Since then, the country has experienced significant political and economic changes, including the Rose Revolution in 2003, which saw the ousting of the long-time leader (and second president) Eduard Shevardnadze.

Georgia's names

• "Georgia" is the modern-day name for the country, derived from the ancient Greek word "georgios," meaning "worker of the land" or "farmer." It is also believed to be connected to the Greek mythological figure of the god Apollo, who was associated with the sun.

• "Gurjistan" is the Persian name for Georgia, meaning "country of the wolf." 

• In Eastern countries and Russia, the name is often abbreviated to "Grussia."

Georgian wine

Did you know that Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, with a history of winemaking that dates back over 8,000 years? What's even more fascinating is that Georgian wines are still made using traditional methods, such as fermenting the grapes in qvevri, which are clay vessels buried underground.

One of the reasons Georgian wines are so unique is because they are influenced by the grape varieties and terroir of the region. Some of the most popular grape varieties used in Georgian winemaking include Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Kisi. Saperavi, for example, is a dark-skinned grape variety that is used to make full-bodied red wines with high tannins and acidity. On the other hand, Rkatsiteli is a white grape variety that is used to make crisp and aromatic white wines with floral and citrus flavors. Kisi is another white grape variety that is used to make dry white wines with a distinct mineral character.

The traditional Georgian method of making wine is called Qvevri, and it has been used for thousands of years. This process involves fermenting grape juice and grape skins in large earthenware vessels called "qvevri," which are recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Here are the basic steps of making wine using the Qvevri method: First, the grapes are harvested and crushed to release their juice. Then, the juice is poured into a large, egg-shaped qvevri made of clay and buried underground up to its neck. Grape skins, seeds, and stems are also added to the qvevri to ferment with the juice. The fermentation process usually lasts for several weeks. Once the fermentation is complete, the grape juice is pressed out of the skins and transferred to another qvevri for aging. The wine is then left to age in the qvevri for several months to several years, depending on the type of wine being made and the preference of the winemaker. Finally, once the wine has aged to the desired level, it is bottled and ready for consumption.

So, the next time you enjoy a glass of Georgian wine, remember the long history and unique traditional methods that went into making it.