š„ Komli means hearth or home with smoke rising from the fire, is a family-run agro-tourism guesthouse and tea destination in the village of Tsitelmta, near Ozurgeti in Guria. Itās led by Lika Megreladze and her family, who combine hospitality, tea heritage, and local culture into an immersive visitor experience and it's much more than a small tea garden - itās a warm-hearted family ecosystem run by Lika Megreladze. Komliās home is the historic Gurian oda (wooden room) and an eccentric āDiogenes barrelā 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.
šµ The core of Komliās 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.
š± 1. Guided Tea Garden Visit: The tea tour begins with a walk through Komliās small tea garden, set in the backyard of the property. Although modest in size, this cozy garden provides the perfect setting for learning about traditional Georgian tea cultivation, how leaves are grown and picked, and the subtropical climate that makes Guria ideal for tea production.
š 2. Tea History & Cultural Storytelling: A highlight of the Komli experience is the personal storytelling woven through the tour. Lika often shares not just practical insights into tea production but also the history of tea in Georgia, family heritage, and the broader context of Guriaās tea culture - enriched by her mother Meriās background in tea science.
šµ 3. Tea Tasting on the Veranda: After exploring the garden, visitors sit down on Komliās spacious wooden veranda to taste freshly brewed black and green teas, typically paired with home-made treats. This tasting offers a sensory connection to the terroir and tradition of Gurian tea, allowing guests to savor the regionās unique flavors.
𤲠Hands-On Involvement (Seasonal): Depending on the season, guests may also be invited to participate in tea leaf picking or hand-rolling - a hands-on experience that adds depth and appreciation for the craftsmanship behind traditional tea making.
š 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 .
š” Beyond the Tea Tour: Komli is more than just a tea stop - itās a living cultural homestead where visitors can: Stay in unique accommodations, including barrels transformed into glamping rooms or traditional wooden spaces, enjoy authentic Gurian meals made from organic garden ingredients, take part in Gurian cooking masterclasses or wine tastings and explore the surrounding nature, including bamboo forests and a small river, or take walks toward nearby Gomi Mountain.
š± Why Visit Komli: The Komli tea tour is not just about tasting tea - itās about immersing yourself in Georgiaās tea revival, connecting with local history, and experiencing the warmth of traditional Gurian hospitality passed down through generations. Whether youāre a tea enthusiast, culture lover, or traveler seeking rural experiences off the usual path, Komli in Tsitelmta offers a meaningful, authentic look into Georgian tea and village life.
š Recommendations: Around Komli Tea in Guria, youāll find a landscape that perfectly blends nature and history. Nearby lies Ozurgeti, the regionās capital, where you can explore its charming center, bustling market, and the elegant Guria Drama Theatre. Not far off are Green Gold tea company, Anaseuli tea factory and Anaseuli Tea University. On the other hand is 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.