π Anaseuli Tea Tour β Tea Culture & History in Guria ποΈ: The Anaseuli Tea Tour centers on the Anaseuli Tea Company π, nestled in the lush hills πΏ near Ozurgeti π in the beautiful subtropical region of Guria. This area is one of Georgiaβs traditional heartlands of tea growing π΅ and has played a major role in the development of Georgian tea culture since the early 20th century π°οΈ.
π± Who Runs It: The tour is typically offered by Anaseuli Tea Company / Tea Institute of Anaseuli π’, a historic producer that continues crafting high-quality organic teas π±, especially robust black teas β« that reflect Guriaβs distinctive terroir π. Founded during the Soviet era ποΈ, the factory and experimental tea center served as a major research and production facility π¬ in the region β today visitors can explore both its past π and present π°οΈ.
πΏ The factory owns 60 hectares of tea plantations π±, of which 10 hectares are cared for organically π±. The company produces up to 10 tons of bio π and 70 tons of ordinary tea a year. In addition to raw materials from its own plantations ποΈ, the factory also processes tea leaves brought by the population π₯. 85% of the company's products are tea made under the brand βAna Batonishviliβ π·οΈ, and 15% are single packages produced under βAnaseuliβ π·οΈ.Β π΅ What to Expect on the Tour:
π£ 1. Walk Among the Tea Plantations: Your tour begins with a walk πΆβοΈ through lush tea gardens πΏ planted around Anaseuli. Learn how subtropical climate π and fertile soil π± support tea cultivation, and discover how leaves π are grown and selected for different tea styles π«.
π 2. Visit the Experimental Tea Factory: Explore the historic Anaseuli Experimental Tea Factory ποΈ, a sprawling complex that once anchored tea research across the Soviet Union π°οΈ and remains a symbol of Georgiaβs tea heritage π. Here youβll:Β See traditional and modern tea processing methods βοΈΒ Observe machinery and equipment π οΈ used for black β«, green π, white βͺ, yellow π, and red π tea production;Β Visit the tea testing laboratory π¬, where each varietyβs quality β
is carefully evaluated
πΈ Amid the grounds, find old buildings ποΈ, parks π³, and visual exhibits πΌοΈ β including Soviet-era photographs π°οΈ showing tea workers π©πΎπ¨πΎ and plantation life.
π 3. Tea Picking & Picnicking (Optional): Participate in hands-on tea picking β in nearby plantations π±, and learn how tender leaves π are selected. Some tours combine this with a picnic π§Ί among the fields, featuring local foods π₯π§ and refreshing organic teas π΅.
π΅ 4. Tasting & Cultural Insight: Enjoy a tea tasting session π« β often guided by a local tea expert π©π«. Sample several varieties of Georgian tea π, understanding how processing techniques π¬ and leaf types π influence flavor π
and aroma π.
π‘ Why Itβs Special: Historic Depth: Anaseuliβs tea infrastructure π was once a major hub of Soviet-era tea research π°οΈ and production; Hands-On Learning: Participate in tea picking β and tasting π« from field to cup β Scenic Setting: Guriaβs rolling hills π and subtropical landscape πΏ create a beautiful natural backdrop
π« How It Fits Into Georgiaβs Tea Revival: Guriaβs tea heritage π¬πͺ declined after the fall of the Soviet Union ποΈ but has been experiencing a revival β¨ through cultural tourism π§³ and artisanal producers π±. The Anaseuli Tea Tour offers a glimpse into this rich history π and the ongoing renaissance πΏ of Georgian tea culture π΅.
π Summary: The Anaseuli Tea Tour in Guria offers a rich, educational π, and sensory journey ππ
through Georgian tea farming π± and production π β from historic experimental fields πΏ and factories ποΈ to hands-on picking β and authentic tea tastings π΅ set amidst scenic subtropical landscapes π.
π Recommendation: Around Anaseuli Tea Company πΏ, discover a landscape blending nature π³ and history π. Nearby lies Ozurgeti ποΈ, the regionβs capital, where you can explore its charming center ποΈ, bustling market π, and elegant Guria Drama Theatre π. Not far is Shemokmedi Monastery βͺ, a historic 16th-century complex π° perched on a hill π with serene views π and old frescoes πΌοΈ. Scenic drives π£οΈ to Gomi Mountain ποΈ lead to pastures above the clouds βοΈ with wooden cabins π and panoramic vistas π to the Black Sea.
ποΈ Coastal towns of Ureki ποΈ and Shekvetili ποΈ lie a short trip west, where you can enjoy magnetic sands ποΈ, Tsitsinatela amusement park π’, or wander among eucalyptus groves π³ at Shekvetili Dendrological Park. Eastwards into the hills ποΈ, visit Chokhatauri π² and Bakhmaro π with lush forests π³, clean streams π§, and hiking trails π₯Ύ showcasing Guriaβs rustic beauty. Together, these sights make the area around Komli Tea π΅ a rich destination of history π, nature πΏ, and authentic Gurian culture π‘.