About Georgia

There are not many places in the world where you can ski in the morning and go for the swim in the see in afternoon, however Georgia is one of those phenomenal places. Georgia is bless be by the shores of Black Sea and Caucasus, two breath-taking sights in one country.

Mtsvane Kontskhi (green cape) is located in west Georgia, it is natural botanical garden and over looks black sea. Mtsvane Kontskhi is of the largest and richest botanical garden in the world. Kontskhi is not the only gift of nature in west Georgia, Batumi, Kvariati and Gonia are among the most beautiful cities by the coast in Georgia

Another part of Georgia that will take your breath away is Svaneti, Located in north Georgia, by the mountains of Caucasus Svaneti is one of a kind region with its greenery in summer and heavy cover of snow in winter.

Canyons Rivers, waterfalls and caves are also part of Georgia’s exceptional nature. In fact four of world’s deepest caves are located in Georgia, Cehi, Shakta Vjacheslav Pantjukhina, Sarma, Krubera-Voronja Cave

Georgia’s primary belief is Orthodox Christianity, I has been so since Saint Nino bought Christianity in Georgia from Kabadokia in 4^th Century. Religion has played a huge part in shaping of Georgia as a country, its culture and traditions.

Though the most of Georgian population are Christians, Georgia shows full religious freedom and tolerance, in Tbilisi orthodox and catholic churched, synagogue and mosque are all built side by side.

Orthodox religion is driven by kindness, hospitability, generosity, tolerance and so are Georgian people, orthodox churches are always open for everyone who wants to pray, admire, repent or just visit for some peace and quiet.

Among remarkable churches in Georgia are Gelati monastery, Bagrati Cathedral, Jvari monastery and of course Svetitsknoveli where it is believed that Shroud of Christ is buried underneath of.

Recently is was discovered that Georgia is in fact the first country to ever produce wine 8000 years ago. Wine and drinking has always been an essential part of Georgian culture, drinking in Georgia is not just for fun or feasts it is part of ancient traditions. Georgia’s hospitality is also huge part in its drinking culture, it is common and expected to be offered glass of wine when visiting someone’s home, which is host’s way of showing respect to the guest.  Georgia’s wine making technique and traditions are unique as well. The first step of winemaking is Rtveli, that is when the grapes are harvested, Rtveli is form of celebration, accompanied with singing and light-hearted jokes with locals. Then wine is pressed and kept in clay vessels called Kvevri. Kvevis are built underground in storage called Marani, to keep the wine cold while fermenting.

Georgians drink wine on all occasions, when celebrating, grieving or just having a dinner. Among remarkable Georgian wines are Khvanchkara, Saperavi, Kisi-tsolikauri, Kindzmarauli, Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli, Tvishi, etc.

Country’s cuisine can tell you a lot about its culture and history, Georgia’s cuisine is as rich and varied as its history. Georgian’s still cherish ancient recipes of dishes such as Khinkali (meat dumplings) and Khachapuri (Cheese pie), two trademark dishes of the country. Both of those dishes are fairly simple, with five or less ingredients, however combined together they are better than all their parts.

Though Georgian cuisine is heavily concentrated on meat, as hunting and farming was always huge part of Georgian culture and history, especially in mountains, Georgia also offers lots of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Georgia’s variety of vegan dishes is fairly large, that mainly is because of the fasting in orthodox religion, which means eliminating all animal products. Lobiani, variety of Pkhali and Adjafsandali are perfect example for Georgia’s vegan culture.

Food and eating is also huge part of Georgia’s culture. When celebrating something, Georgian’s have a feast called “Supra”, on Supra you will encounter assortment of Georgian dishes. Every region has it’s one dish that is star of the Supra, in Kakheti it’s Mtsvadi (Georgian BBQ), in Samegrelo it’s Ghomi (corn and cheese dish), in Svaneti Kubdari (meat pie)