Travelers looking for a deeply authentic experience that combines scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and delicious food will find the Green Gold of Georgia tour an excellent choice. For $135 per person, this 10-hour journey takes you into the heart of Georgia’s tea country, exploring historic plantations, Soviet-era factories, and charming villages. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll get a firsthand look at tea cultivation, processing, and tasting, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of local families.
What sets this tour apart are the stunning mountain landscapes where tea is still harvested and the opportunity to learn about Georgia’s unique tea history—a story that includes Chinese influence and Soviet-era experimentation. We especially appreciated the chance to pick tea leaves ourselves and participate in a traditional Gurian dinner, creating a truly immersive experience. An honest consideration is that this tour involves some walking and outdoor exposure, so comfortable shoes and sunscreen are a must.
This experience is best suited for curious travelers eager to see beyond Georgia’s well-known sights—those who appreciate scenic drives, local cuisine, and genuine cultural exchanges. If you’re comfortable with a full-day itinerary and have an interest in organic farming or tea research, this trip offers rich rewards.
Key Points
- Authentic Tea Experience: From plantation walks to tea picking, you’ll learn how Georgian tea is cultivated and processed.
- Historical Insights: Discover Georgia’s first tea plantations and Soviet-era research centers, enriching your understanding of local industry.
- Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of mountain tea fields and lush plantations that highlight Georgia’s natural beauty.
- Culinary Delights: Savor traditional Gurian cuisine and homemade jams during a relaxed picnic and a family dinner.
- Hands-On Activities: Participate in a tea tasting and brewing workshop, perfect for tea enthusiasts or curious travelers.
- Value for Money: At $135, this tour offers a comprehensive day filled with learning, tasting, and authentic cultural exchanges.
Exploring Georgia’s Tea Roots: Chaqvi and Lao Zeng Zhao’s Legacy
The journey begins with a scenic drive along Georgia’s Black Sea coast, heading toward Chaqvi, which earns its reputation as the birthplace of Georgian tea. Here, you’ll visit the residence of Lao Zeng Zhao, a Chinese tea master who played a pivotal role in establishing Georgia’s first tea plantations. This part of the tour is particularly engaging because it ties Georgia’s modern tea industry to its Chinese roots, giving you insight into a fascinating cross-cultural story.
As you walk around the historic plantation, expect to hear stories about how tea was introduced and cultivated in this region. It’s a chance to see how a foreign expert’s influence shaped Georgia’s tea industry, which is still thriving today.
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Visiting the Anaseuli Experimental Tea Factory: Soviet Heritage and Modern Developments
Next, the tour takes you to the Anaseuli Experimental Tea Factory, a site with deep Soviet roots. Covering over 130 hectares, this complex was once a major hub for tea research and production in the USSR. You’ll walk through vast plantations and the factory grounds, passing sculptures, mosaics, and architecture that echo the Soviet era.
Guides will point out photographs from the 1960s depicting Soviet workers, students, and visitors, providing a glimpse into the daily life of the time. You’ll see how different types of tea—black, green, white, yellow, and red—are processed, often on machines that look like they’ve been around since the last century. Visiting the tea laboratory, where tea qualities are tested, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the science that ensures quality.
Tea Picking in Mountainous Landscapes
One of the most memorable moments is stepping into the tea plantations in the mountains of Guria. Here, you’ll have the chance to see how tea leaves are hand-picked—a process that remains vital despite modern mechanization. The landscapes are stunning, with terraced fields winding up the hillsides, framed by lush forests.
Guides will teach you how to identify the best leaves and explain the nuances of modern cultivation practices versus traditional methods. We loved the way this segment connected us directly with the land and the labor that goes into producing the teas we love.
Tasting and Sampling: The Flavors of Georgian Organic Teas
Tea tasting is a highlight of the day, especially at the Nagomari Tea Plantation. Here, amidst the rejuvenated organic fields, you’ll indulge in some of Georgia’s finest teas—black and green varieties crafted in harmony with nature. The homemade jams, fresh bread, cheese, and vegetables served during the picnic complement the flavors beautifully, emphasizing local produce.
Later, at the Gurian farm, a tea master guides a tasting and brewing workshop. You’ll learn how to prepare perfect cups of Georgian black, green, and white teas—a skill that will enhance your future tea experiences. The warmth of the family-run farm, combined with their hospitality, makes this a truly memorable part of the day.
More Great Tours NearbyGurian Cuisine and Family Dinner Experience
The day culminates with a hearty dinner prepared by a local family in Bakhvi. The menu features Shetutuli Qatami (chicken in walnut pesto), Kirkvali Lobio (black bean soup), and veal in spicy wine sauce, alongside traditional Gurian pkhali (vegetable minced dishes) served with corn bread. The flavors are robust, and the setting intimate, providing a genuine taste of rural Georgia.
We particularly enjoyed the freshly picked herbal tea served after the meal, helping with digestion and offering one last moment of relaxation before heading back to Batumi. The family’s warm welcome adds a personal touch to this authentic dining experience.
Practical Considerations and Tips
While the tour is packed with sights and activities, a few tips can help you make the most of it. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking in uneven plantation terrain. Bring sunscreen and a hat, especially if the weather is sunny, as much of the day is outdoors. The total duration of 10 hours means you’ll want to stay hydrated and prepared for some outdoor exposure.
The tour operates as a private group, with guides speaking English and German, making communication smooth and personalized. The price of $135 covers all transportation, entrance fees, the picnic, and tea tastings, offering good value considering the depth of experience.
Note that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 or those in wheelchairs, mainly due to the physical nature of some activities and terrain. Also, the group only departs if at least six travelers are booked, so plan accordingly.
Authenticity and Cultural Value
What makes this tour particularly valuable is its focus on authentic, local experiences. Visiting a family farm, participating in traditional tea picking, and tasting home-cooked Gurian dishes create meaningful connections to Georgia’s culture. The stories about the Soviet-era factory and the Chinese influence lend depth to the understanding of Georgia’s diverse history in tea cultivation.
Many travelers have commented on the friendly, welcoming hosts, and the opportunity to taste delicious, organic teas that you wouldn’t easily find elsewhere. The combination of scenic beauty, historical context, and genuine hospitality makes this a memorable journey.
This experience is ideal for cultural enthusiasts, food lovers, and nature admirers who appreciate learning about local industries and traditions. If you have a curiosity for history, especially Soviet-era enterprises, you’ll find it fascinating. The tour also suits those who enjoy scenic drives and outdoor activities like tea picking and plantation walks.
However, if you’re looking for a quick, light sightseeing trip, this might be a bit full-on. It’s best for travelers willing to dedicate a full day, walk uneven terrain, and engage actively with the environment and local people.
The Green Gold of Georgia tour offers a rare window into the country’s tea heritage, combining beautiful landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, and delicious local cuisine. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances history, nature, and gastronomy, making it perfect for travelers wanting more than just sightseeing.
For around $135, you gain a comprehensive day that highlights Georgia’s lesser-known but deeply meaningful tea industry. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur or simply curious about how Georgia’s mountains produce this “green gold,” this tour delivers memorable moments, authentic stories, and the chance to taste some of the best teas Georgia has to offer.
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation in a comfortable vehicle is included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 10 hours, from departure to return, providing ample time to see multiple sites and enjoy activities.
Can I participate in tea picking?
Absolutely. You’ll have the opportunity to pick tea leaves yourself, which makes for a hands-on and memorable experience.
What types of tea will I taste?
You’ll sample Georgian black, green, and white teas, as well as teas processed at the factory, offering a good variety of flavors.
Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 7, mainly due to the outdoor walking and terrain involved.
Are meals included?
A picnic lunch is provided during the day, featuring local produce, and you’ll enjoy a traditional Gurian family dinner in the evening.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a camera—there will be plenty of scenic spots to capture.
Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, due to the terrain and activities involved, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and German, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.
In all, the Green Gold of Georgia offers an enriching full-day adventure into the country’s tea culture, history, and countryside—perfect for those eager to see a different side of Georgia beyond its mountains and city streets.
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