Georgia: The Caucasus' Best-Kept Secret
Medieval villages, the Caucasus Mountains, traditional wines, and legendary hospitality: Georgia is a deeply authentic destination best experienced with local guides.
Georgia is one of Europe’s hottest destinations right now, and for very good reasons. At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, this country of 4 million people offers surprises at every turn and a culinary scene that alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Tbilisi, the capital, is one of Europe’s most charming cities. From the Abanotubani district and its domed sulfur baths—in operation since the 5th century—to the narrow streets of the old town with their carved wooden balconies, the Dezertirebi market where Tbilisi locals do their shopping—your local guide will take you to the natural wine cellars of the Marjanishvili district, to Georgian calligraphy workshops, and to a traditional restaurant run by a grandmother who cooks for 10 people a day and whose khinkalis are famous throughout the neighborhood.
Kakheti, a wine-growing region at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, is the cradle of the world’s wine; Georgians have been making wine in buried clay amphorae called kvevris for 8,000 years. Your local winemaker guide welcomes you to his cellar, explains the difference between the Rkatsiteli and Saperavi grape varieties, and lets you taste orange wine straight from the barrel. The lunch that follows, featuring smoked sulguni, churchkhela, and homemade chacha, lasts until sunset.
Ushguli, in the Svaneti region, is the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe, at 2,200 meters, with medieval towers rising from the snow and the Caucasus peaks all around. Your local Svan guide knows the hiking trails connecting the villages, the families who welcome visitors into their homes, and the history of the Svan clans that have resisted all invasions for centuries.
Georgia is the best destination you’ve never heard enough about. Find your So-Guide.
