Description

GezruliTea in Gezruli village near Chiatura in Georgia's Imereti region is an organic, family-run tea estate founded around 2016–2018 by Tournike (“Toko”) Shekiladze. Situated at an elevation of about 630–700m in a century-old mixed forest, the plantation benefits from exceptionally clean airno pollution within a 20km radiuscreating ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality wild and plantation teas.

Educational trips to China in 2018–and winning first prize at a Yunnan Tea University competition—have helped refine his production techniques and enhance Gezruli’s offerings . Here you will taste black tea, cultivated white, green, and black teas, and a caffeine‑free blueberry‑leaf tisane sourced from native Vaccinium arctostaphylos. The estate comprises around 7 hectares of rehabilitated plots and an additional forest area where wild tea bushes grow, and employs up to 15 seasonal pickers.

Toko has expanded the venture beyond tea production by opening a guesthouse and offering immersive tea‑tourism experiences. Visitors can explore the tea fields, pick leaves, participate in masterclasses, enjoy traditional Imeretian meals and tea ceremonies, stay overnight, and even take a “tea bath.” Additional activities include mushroom foraging, forest hikes with waterfall views, karst‑cave adventures, and wine tastings (Tsitska, Kakhetian Green, and Saperavi) in a traditional cellar with centuries‑old qvevri.

Services typically offered in a 1.5-hour Tea Cultural Tour:

·        Welcome and Introduction

o   Warm greeting by host or guide

o   Brief overview of tea culture and tour agenda

·        Tea Garden Walkthrough (if applicable)

o   Short guided walk through tea plants or garden area

o   Introduction to different types of tea plants

o   Explanation of cultivation and harvesting methods

·        Traditional Tea Ceremony Demonstration

o   Presentation of local or traditional tea brewing techniques

o   Cultural significance of the ceremony

o   Participation opportunity for guests

·        Tea Tasting Session

o   Sampling of various types of teas (e.g., green, black, oolong, herbal)

o   Guidance on tasting notes and differences

o   Discussion on health benefits and preparation tips

·        Cultural Storytelling

o   Narratives on the history of tea in the region

o   Folklore, rituals, and customs related to tea

·        Hands-On Activity (Optional)

o   Guests try brewing or serving tea themselves

o   Creating their own tea blend (if offered)

·        Q&A with Tea Expert

o   Interactive session with a tea master or guide

·        Souvenir or Gift Option

o   Small pack of local tea or cultural token

o   Photo opportunity in traditional attire (if provided)

 

A short journey of around 10–15km brings you to the Katskhi Pillar, a 40m natural limestone monolith hosting the medieval Katskhi Monastery atop its summit, home to a solitary monk. As you wander, hidden gems emerge: the railway depot where ageing locomotives shuffle manganese wagons by the Qvirila River, a football stadium scarred by earthquakes yet still in use, and an old swimming pool with Soviet‑era mosaics depicting mythical Jason and the Argonauts. Don’t miss the Chiatura Mining Museum in a reclaimed mine building, where dusty machinery and interactive exhibits tell the story of the valley’s manganese-rich roots.

Temple architecture continues with the Darkveti Church of St George on a mountaintop above Mghvimevi, a single-nave 10th–11th-century basilica with carved masonry that marks medieval Georgian sacred design. For those drawn to nature, a brief drive west brings you to Karst regions like Sataplia, with its dinosaur footprints and caves, but that’s venturing a bit further out.

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  • Gezruli Tea Company

Gezruli Tea Cultural Tour

    Gezruli Tea in Gezruli village near Chiatura in Georgia's Imereti region is an organic, family-run tea estate founded around 2016–2018 by...

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      Description

      GezruliTea in Gezruli village near Chiatura in Georgia's Imereti region is an organic, family-run tea estate founded around 2016–2018 by Tournike (“Toko”) Shekiladze. Situated at an elevation of about 630–700m in a century-old mixed forest, the plantation benefits from exceptionally clean airno pollution within a 20km radiuscreating ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality wild and plantation teas.

      Educational trips to China in 2018–and winning first prize at a Yunnan Tea University competition—have helped refine his production techniques and enhance Gezruli’s offerings . Here you will taste black tea, cultivated white, green, and black teas, and a caffeine‑free blueberry‑leaf tisane sourced from native Vaccinium arctostaphylos. The estate comprises around 7 hectares of rehabilitated plots and an additional forest area where wild tea bushes grow, and employs up to 15 seasonal pickers.

      Toko has expanded the venture beyond tea production by opening a guesthouse and offering immersive tea‑tourism experiences. Visitors can explore the tea fields, pick leaves, participate in masterclasses, enjoy traditional Imeretian meals and tea ceremonies, stay overnight, and even take a “tea bath.” Additional activities include mushroom foraging, forest hikes with waterfall views, karst‑cave adventures, and wine tastings (Tsitska, Kakhetian Green, and Saperavi) in a traditional cellar with centuries‑old qvevri.

      Services typically offered in a 1.5-hour Tea Cultural Tour:

      ·        Welcome and Introduction

      o   Warm greeting by host or guide

      o   Brief overview of tea culture and tour agenda

      ·        Tea Garden Walkthrough (if applicable)

      o   Short guided walk through tea plants or garden area

      o   Introduction to different types of tea plants

      o   Explanation of cultivation and harvesting methods

      ·        Traditional Tea Ceremony Demonstration

      o   Presentation of local or traditional tea brewing techniques

      o   Cultural significance of the ceremony

      o   Participation opportunity for guests

      ·        Tea Tasting Session

      o   Sampling of various types of teas (e.g., green, black, oolong, herbal)

      o   Guidance on tasting notes and differences

      o   Discussion on health benefits and preparation tips

      ·        Cultural Storytelling

      o   Narratives on the history of tea in the region

      o   Folklore, rituals, and customs related to tea

      ·        Hands-On Activity (Optional)

      o   Guests try brewing or serving tea themselves

      o   Creating their own tea blend (if offered)

      ·        Q&A with Tea Expert

      o   Interactive session with a tea master or guide

      ·        Souvenir or Gift Option

      o   Small pack of local tea or cultural token

      o   Photo opportunity in traditional attire (if provided)

       

      A short journey of around 10–15km brings you to the Katskhi Pillar, a 40m natural limestone monolith hosting the medieval Katskhi Monastery atop its summit, home to a solitary monk. As you wander, hidden gems emerge: the railway depot where ageing locomotives shuffle manganese wagons by the Qvirila River, a football stadium scarred by earthquakes yet still in use, and an old swimming pool with Soviet‑era mosaics depicting mythical Jason and the Argonauts. Don’t miss the Chiatura Mining Museum in a reclaimed mine building, where dusty machinery and interactive exhibits tell the story of the valley’s manganese-rich roots.

      Temple architecture continues with the Darkveti Church of St George on a mountaintop above Mghvimevi, a single-nave 10th–11th-century basilica with carved masonry that marks medieval Georgian sacred design. For those drawn to nature, a brief drive west brings you to Karst regions like Sataplia, with its dinosaur footprints and caves, but that’s venturing a bit further out.

      Additional information about product and company

      General overview of our tea cultural route

      The term "European Cultural Route" refers to a road that crosses one or more countries or regions organized around a community whose historical, artistic or social interests are clearly European.

      Our cultural tea route "Georgia painted with Tea" covers Guria, Samegrelo, Imereti regions, the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and Tbilisi. The route tells the history of the development of tea culture in Georgia and its importance in both local and international markets.

      The participants of the route are: Georgian bio tea companies, associations, tea houses and museums, which will tell their stories and offer a variety of services to the visitors: tasting of several types of tea, historical excursion, getting acquainted with the picking and processing process

      Requirements for beneficiaries: First of all, they must have a story that sets them apart from others (Make your story, sell your story), "Farm to table" concept, interested persons will be able to visit tea companies and taste on the spot, with the help of various applications and sites (Cultural routes, Biliki, etc.). They also need to introduce international production standards, take on social responsibility, have a bio-certificate and adequate infrastructure for visitors.

      Information about company, address and contact

      Gezruli Tea is a small organic tea producer based in the Georgian village of Gezruli in the Imereti region. Established in 2018, the company revived old tea plantations that had grown wild for decades and turned them into a sustainable source of high-quality teas. Working in a clean, forested environment at high altitude, Gezruli specializes in hand-picked white, green, and black teas, along with wild forest varieties and local herbal blends.

      Its focus is on artisanal production, preserving the natural character of the leaves, and maintaining organic certification. Beyond production, the company also promotes tea culture through tourism, offering guest stays, plantation tours, and masterclasses. Though still modest in scale, Gezruli has begun exporting to European markets, positioning itself as a boutique brand that highlights both the heritage and unique flavor of Georgian tea.

      Address of Gezruli tea - Village Gezruli, Chiatura Municipality, Imereti, Georgia

      Location link on Google map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/TPEcCxEHx7YhyRYN6

      Mobile phone +995 551 23 37 23

      Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/TeaGezruli/?locale=ka_GE

      Email - torshekiladze@gmail.com

      Whats app number +995 551 23 37 23

      We invite you to visit Gezruli Tea, a place where Georgian tradition and nature come together to create truly unique teas. Nestled in the green hills of Imereti, our estate offers more than just tea—it offers an experience. Guests can walk through our organic plantations, join in harvesting leaves, and discover the art of tea making during guided tours, masterclasses, and ceremonies. The peaceful surroundings and our welcoming guesthouse make it the perfect escape for anyone who loves nature, culture, and of course, tea.

      Along with your visit, we welcome you to take the taste of Gezruli home. Our carefully hand-crafted white, green, black, and wild forest teas reflect the purity of the land and the care we put into every step of production. By buying Gezruli Tea, you support sustainable farming and enjoy flavors that cannot be found anywhere else. Come share a cup with us in Gezruli and let our tea become part of your story.

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