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.
Lazi tea factory is located in Tsalenjikha. People who come here can get information about the Tea Industrial-Commercial and Cultural-Tourist Complex project, they will also visit the plantations of the company and “Lazi” tea factory. Lazi Premium Tea is harvested from their plantation in Kolkheti, an unspoiled growing region in western Georgia. Made from young tea shoots, leaves are carefully dried using traditional Georgian and ancient Chinese tea making processes, preserving all of the healthful benefits this tea has to offer. Nearby is the Enguri HPP and unique complex of Tobavarchkhil Lakes (Silver Lake).
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)
Also in Samegrelo, tea lovers will visit the Dadiani House Museum, Botanical Garden and café “Aq dadian”, where they will be able to taste different types of Georgian tea. They will also get acquainted with the history and cultural heritage of Samegrelo. Martvili tea and Megrelian tea producers will be visited in Martvili. They will get acquainted with the activities of the Tea Producers Association and tea tasting will be organized.
Here they will visit Martvili Canyon, then in Tsalenjikha, they will visit the unique Enguri dam, and from there, if they wish, they can also visit the unique lakes of Tobavarchkhil and temporary "border" with Abkhazia, that is occupied part of Georgia.
