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, etc.
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.
Komli in Tsitelmta, Guria region, is much more than a small tea garden—it’s a warm-hearted family ecosystem run by Lika Megreladze. Komli’s home is the historic Gurian oda (wooden room) and an eccentric “Diogenes barrel” guesthouse, where visitors can stay overnight in charming glamping-style rooms. Hidden in subtropical woods above Ozurgeti with panoramic views of the Caucasus, the small garden plot of ancestral tea bushes is part of a broader farm that includes a vineyard, bamboo grove, vegetable gardens, hazelnuts, and a babbling stream .
The core of Komli’s experience is a lovingly curated tour: through the tea plot and house-turned-museum, an explanation of Georgian tea history, a live demonstration of hand-rolling and drying leaves, and finally a tea tasting ceremony—usually of their own green and black teas—served on the veranda along with fresh snacks and home-cooked Gurian dishes.
Agricultural activities extend beyond tea: guests can lend a hand with grape harvesting, harvesting garden produce, or just explore the bamboo grove and hillside paths. Plans are in motion to expand with a tea house near the plot, additional barrel cabins, treehouses, hobbit-style structures, and outdoor kitchens—all with the aim of creating a vibrant eco-village in harmony with Gurian traditions .
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)
Around Komli Tea in Guria, you’ll find a landscape that perfectly blends nature and history. Nearby lies Ozurgeti, the region’s capital, where you can explore its charming center, bustling market, and the elegant Guria Drama Theatre. Not far off is the Shemokmedi Monastery, a historic 16th‑century complex perched on a hill, offering serene views and old frescoes. If you appreciate scenic drives, the winding road up to Gomi Mountain will take you to pastures above the clouds, dotted with wooden cabins and panoramic vistas all the way to the Black Sea.
The coastal towns of Ureki and Shekvetili lie a short trip west, where you can sink your feet into the famous magnetic sands, visit Tsitsinatela amusement park, or wander among the eucalyptus groves at Shekvetili Dendrological Park. Heading eastwards into the hills, you may also come across lovely spots like Chokhatauri and Bakhmaro with their lush forests, clean streams, and hiking trails that reveal Guria’s rustic beauty. Together, these sights make the area around Komli Tea a rich destination of history, nature, and authentic Gurian culture. Let me know if you’d also like me to plan a short trip itinerary with timings and travel tips!
