Where.ge #24 December-January Issue

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your essential guide to Georgia

#24 December-January 2020 Publisher: George Sharashidze Editor in Chief: Katie Ruth Davies Executive Editor: Maka Bibilashvili Contributors: Katie Ruth Davies Maka Bibilashvili Sofia Bochoidze Ana Dumbadze Beka Aleksishvili Nini Dakhundaridze Tony Hanmer Elene Dzebisashvili Ketevan Kvaratskheliya Jason Pack Photographers: Aleksei Serov Designer: Ani Loladze Logo & Design Concept: Kevin Loftus Sales: Sofia Bochoidze Maia Tsereteli Mano Kutchukhidze Sesili Tikaradze Natalia Chikvaidze Tata Shengelia Georgia Today Address:1 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 229 59 19 www.georgiatoday.ge

Time is flying by! Three years have already passed since we launched WHERE.ge with the goal of making it Georgia’s leading English-language travel guide and online platform. Celebrating WHERE.ge’s three years of success would not have been possible without our strong editorial team led

by British editor Katie Ruth Davies, working alongside our brilliant partners and many readers.

Only through their continuous support have we been able to keep our promise these three years to be a leading travel guide in the English language providing the most accurate and updated George Sharashidze information for travelers from around the world, Publisher, WHERE.ge and of course offering something new for those expats living and working in Georgia.

I, as a publisher and founder, am proud of my team for their tireless work to answer the most-asked questions: Where to Go, Stay, Eat, Drink and Buy, exclusively for WHERE.ge readers.

New Year and Christmas celebrations are unique in Georgia. There are many reasons for it, but the one that stands out is the fact that Georgians celebrate both holidays twice in two weeks!

The Georgian New Year holiday is almost a month long, running from late December to mid-January. In Georgian, we call it “Akhali Tslebi” (New Year in plural). When someone here suggests meeting (or partying) “at New Years,” it can mean anything from December 31 to January 14, so be ready!

Find out more inside, in this WHERE.ge December-January issue, and be warned that you’re in for some non-stop fun this season!

Enjoy a beautiful winter season in Georgia, celebrate New Year (both “old” and “new”) and find out everything you need to know from WHERE.ge – your trusted and dedicated source for travel tips in Georgia – anytime, anywhere.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020!

And as per tradition, here is my personal choice for each of the WHERE.ge sections:

In partnership with the Georgian National Tourism Administration

Kokhta-Mitarbi Resort

Bakuriani Inn

Salobie Bia

Vino & Vino

City Mall

6 Arad BenkĂś Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Georgia

46 Joseph Anthony Boccuzzi Managing Partner, Georgian Support Services, Tbilisi InterNations Ambassador

78 Lali Papashvily Creative director, Gastronaut

100 Vato Kvachantiradze Bar Manager, Tsiskvili Group, Member of the Barmen’s Association

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Lena Kevkhishvili Owner & Managing Director, The Autograph Georgia

WE FLY TO MORE COUNTRIES THAN ANY OTHER AIRLINE

● AMERICA ATLANTA BOGOTÁ BOSTON BUENOS AIRES CARACAS CHICAGO HAVANA HOUSTON LOS ANGELES MIAMI MONTREAL NEW YORK PANAMA SAN FRANCISCO SÃO PAULO TORONTO WASHINGTON DC ● EUROPE AALBORG AMSTERDAM ASTRAKHAN ATHENS BADEN-BADEN BAKU BARCELONA BARI BASEL BATUMI BELGRADE BERLIN BILBAO BILLUND BIRMINGHAM BOLOGNA BORDEAUX BREMEN BRUSSELS BUCHAREST BUDAPEST CATANIA CHISINAU CLUJ COLOGNE CONSTANTA COPENHAGEN DNEPROPETROVSK DONETSK DUBLIN DUBROVNIK DUSSELDORF EDINBURG EKATERINBURG FRANKFURT FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GANJA GENEVA GENOA GOTHENBURG GRAZ HAMBURG HANOVER HELSINKI IVANO-FRANKIVSK KAZAN KHARKIV KHERSON KIEV KOŠICE KRASNODAR LEFKOSA LEIPZIG LISBON LJUBLJANA LONDON LUXEMBOURG LVIV LYON MADRID MALAGA MALTA MANCHESTER MARSEILLE MILAN MINSK MOSCOW MUNICH MUNSTER NAKHCHIVAN NAPLES NICE NOVOSIBIRSK NUREMBERG ODESSA OSLO PARIS PISA PODGORICA PORTO PRAGUE PRISTINA RIGA ROME ROSTOV ROTTERDAM SAINT PETERSBURG SALZBURG SAMARA SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA SARAJEVO SIMFEROPOL SKOPJE SOCHI SOFIA STAVROPOL STOCKHOLM STUTTGART TALLINN TBILISI THESSALONIKI TIRANA TOULOUSE TURIN UFA VALENCIA VARNA VENICE VIENNA VILNIUS VORONEZH WARSAW ZAGREB ZAPORIZHIA ZURICH ● AFRICA ABIDJAN ABUJA ACCRA ADDIS ABABA ALEXANDRIA ALGIERS ANTANANARIVO ASMARA BAMAKO BANJUL BATNA BENGHAZI CAIRO CAPE TOWN CASABLANCA CONAKRY CONSTANTINE COTONOU DAKAR DAR ES SALAAM DJIBOUTI DOUALA DURBAN ENTEBBE FREETOWN HURGHADA JOHANNESBURG JUBA KANO KHARTOUM KIGALI KILIMANJARO KINSHASA LAGOS LIBREVILLE LUSAKA MAURITIUS MAPUTO MARRAKECH MISURATA MOGADISHU MOMBASA MORONI N’DJAMENA NAIROBI NIAMEY NOUAKCHOTT ORAN OUAGADOUGOU SEBHA SEYCHELLES SHARM EL-SHEIKH TLEMCEN TRIPOLI TUNIS YAOUNDÉ ZANZIBAR ● ASIA ABU DHABI ADEN AHVAZ ALEPPO ALMATY AL-QASSIM AMMAN ASHGABAT ASTANA AQABA BAGHDAD BAHRAIN BANGKOK BASRA BEIJING BEIRUT BISHKEK COLOMBO DAMASCUS DAMMAM DHAKA DOHA DUBAI DUSHANBE ERBIL GUANGZHOU HANOI HO CHI MINH CITY HONG KONG ISFAHAN ISLAMABAD JAKARTA JEDDAH KABUL KARACHI KATHMANDU KERMANSHAH KHUJAND KUALA LUMPUR KUWAIT LAHORE MADINAH MALE MANILA MASHHAD MAZAR-I-SHARIF MOSUL MUMBAI MUSCAT NAJAF NEW DELHI OSAKA OSH PHUKET RIYADH SAMARKAND SANAA SEOUL SHANGHAI SHIRAZ SINGAPORE SULAYMANIYAH TABRIZ TA’IF TAIPEI TASHKENT TEHRAN TEL AVIV TOKYO ULAANBAATAR YANBU ● TURKEY ADANA ADIYAMAN AĞRI AMASYA/MERZİFON ANKARA ANTALYA BATMAN BİNGÖL BODRUM BURSA ÇANAKKALE ÇORLU DALAMAN DENİZLİ DİYARBAKIR EDREMİT ELAZIĞ ERZİNCAN ERZURUM ESKİŞEHİR GAZİANTEP HAKKARİ HATAY IĞDIR ISPARTA İSTANBUL İZMİR KAHRAMANMARAŞ KARS KASTAMONU KAYSERİ KOCAELİ KONYA KÜTAHYA MALATYA MARDİN MUŞ NEVŞEHİR ORDU GİRESUN SAMSUN SİİRT SİNOP SİVAS ŞANLIURFA ŞIRNAK TOKAT TRABZON UŞAK VAN

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Where to Go for Winter Fun in Georgia . . . e c i o h C

Arad BenkĂś Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Georgia

Sofia Melnikova’S fantaStic Douqan This restaurant is well hidden behind the Literature Museum and offers a wide variety of Georgian but also international food. If the weather allows, take a seat under a roof of vine-leaves and enjoy the quiet atmosphere in the center of Tbilisi, just a few meters from the busy Rustaveli avenue. Beyond the yard is not only a shop with beautifully crafted Georgian art but also a small theater that you can even rent for staging plays or having a party.

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BatuMi When I first visited Batumi, it was refreshing to feel the humid breeze of the sea. The sea always opens your mind and broadens your horizon. Ajara is a beautiful gem in the Georgian crown. Batumi combines a certain Middle Eastern/Las Vegas touch due to the postmodern building activities and the calmness of its people. And all that against the background of lots of green. Travel eastward to Khulo and you will enjoy the stunning landscape of a region where autumn is the ideal time to see the mixed colors of blue sky and trees in change.

GuDauri No Austrian can miss Gudauri. Not only is Marco Polo the first western-style hotel opened

by Austrians in the 1980s but you even find an Austrian hut at 2700 m altitude where you can stay overnight, enjoy the stars and be the first on the slopes at 8.00 am! Most ski-lifts are from Austria and the logistics company that brought them to Georgia is Austrian too. My personal highlight is to go up Mt Sadzele (roughly 3300m), take a 360-degree look over the mountain ranges, including Kazbegi, and ski slowly down to have a snack at Vitamin restaurant at the Soliko lift. On the drive up to Gudauri, take a look at Austrian built hydropower station Aragvi. It is located after the second turn on the left when you start the serpentines towards Gudauri: An elegant symbiosis how to do business in an environmental-friendly way.

oni anD tSaGeri The Austrian government is very active in helping Georgian regions to develop in agriculture and tourism. One of the regions is Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti.

When I first visited Oni, I was surprised by the different unexpected attractions it offers visitors: You have an impressive synagogue which shows that Oni used to have a sizable Jewish community and Shovi is a Balneological-climatic resort with sanatoriums that look like they have been beamed from the Austrian Alps! Not far from there is the town of Tsageri, the center of historical Lechkhumi since ancient times and residence of the rulers of this region hosting a highly interesting museum about the traces ancient invaders left – from the Arabs to the Mongols and many other relics even of prehistoric times. And don’t miss the mysterious Khvamli Mountain where Georgian mythological hero Amirani was chained in one of the pits.

kutaiSi Kutaisi is not only perfectly located to make excursions to Chiatura, the once-in-a-lifetime experience of riding a 1950s-era cable car built on the orders of Stalin himself or the spa resort at Tskaltubo. Bertha von Suttner, the Austrian Peace Noble Prize winner of 1905 used to leave in this city some 140 years ago. The capital of western Georgia is a pretty city wrapped in a constant autumnal glow boasting lots of charming cafes such as the Palaty next to White bridge. And don’t miss Gelati Monastery, a medieval cathedral with elaborate frescoes in the outskirts of Kutaisi.

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Three Must-See National Parks for 2020

Martvili canyon Destination – Martvili Canyon! Are you planning your trip to the Black Sea? Martvili Canyon is just 45 km from Kutaisi, and before discovering the Black Sea, experience a part of Georgia which used to be the favorite bathing spot of the royal Dadiani family.

The Martvili Canyon Visitor Center is located in the village Inchkhuri. A 700meter circular trail starts from the visitors’ center and passes along the Dadiani’s historic walkway. There are two bridges, three viewing platforms, and a 30-step historic staircase built from limestone.

Take a 300-meter, one-way boat-trip on a section of the Abasha river and enjoy the

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beautiful views of the canyon. It’ also a great place to enjoy diving and exploring beautiful places under the water. The canyon welcomes visitors weekdays and weekends, too.

okatSe canyon We have a surprise for extreme lovers.

Enjoy the hanging trail in Okatse Canyon and spend 2-3 hours walking in the sky.

The trail passes through Dadiani historic forests, 780 meters above ground, bringing you to a panoramic view, where visitors have chance to take photos with the smart camera installed on the area.

Okatse Canyon is in the village of Gordi, Khoni municipality, and makes the best destination for weekend days out.

ProMetheuS cave Prometheus Cave is often regarded as the postcard destination of Georgia. A magical cave full of stunning curtains of stalactites and stalagmites, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a fairy world.

Prometheus Cave is located in Tskaltubo municipality, Kumistavi village There are 22 halls but only six are open for tourists.

It is possible to walk through 1420 meters of cave territory, visit the halls and enjoy a quiet boat tour on the underground river, floating through colorfully-lit caves.

Discover real masterpieces of nature in the stalactites and stalagmites within Prometheus Cave.

We Create Memories

www.nationalparks.ge

News Where.Ge celeBrateD 3 yearS of SucceSS Georgia’s leading English-language travel guide and online platform WHERE.ge celebrated three years of success along with partners and readers with a tourism awards ceremony held at the newly opened Wyndham Grand Tbilisi.

The most popular tourist destinations recommended by readers were revealed in five nominations according to the sections of WHERE.ge. Among them, with an equal number of votes in the nomination “WHERE TO GO,” the following agencies were awarded: Department of Tourism and Resorts of Ajara, Georgian National Museum and National Agency of Protected Areas.

As the publisher of WHERE.ge, George Sharashidze, noted, the most frequently recommended tourist attractions were awarded at the ceremony, serving as great motivation for them to develop and offer more quality services to foreign tourists traveling in Georgia.

“In the summer of 2016, more than three years ago, when we launched Where.ge, we announced our mission to be the leading travel guide in the English language providing the most accurate and updated information for travelers from around the world, and of course for expats living and working in Georgia; to make sure that the most relevant answers to questions Where to go, stay, eat, drink and buy could be found only in where.ge,” Sharashidze said. “I am really happy today that we are on the right path thanks to our team, our readers and partners.

“By meeting the demand for an essential travel guide about Georgia, we do our best to contribute to the development of the Georgian travel industry and to the development of the Georgian economy, as tourism plays a significant role in the development of our country,” he noted.

At the ceremony, the hotel ‘Radisson Collection Hotel Tsinandali Estate Georgia’ was awarded in the nomination WHERE TO STAY, the restaurant chain ‘Tsiskvili Group’ in the nomination WHERE TO EAT, the wine shop chain ‘8000 Vintages’ in the nomination WHERE TO DRINK, while the winner of the nomination WHERE TO BUY was David Kakabadze & Pokany Gallery.

Sopho Gordadze, head of the Event Department of the Tsiskvili Group restaurant chain, the winner of the nomination WHERE TO EAT, noted that the Tsiskvili Group has maintained its quality for 19 years as a result of the hard work of her colleagues.

“In its 19 years, the ‘Tsiskvili Group’ has maintained its quality as a result of the hard work carried out by a lot of people, so I would like to express my sincere gratitude and respect to all my colleagues,” Gordadze said.

The guests of the event had an opportunity to attend a mini-performance of the popular musical Welcome to Georgia, which received a special award from WHERE.ge.

As director, actor and choreographer Archil Sologashvili said, he is happy to receive the award, as musical performance contributes to the development of the country’s culture and “it is a very pleasant feeling when this work is appreciated.”

“It was a special award that we didn’t expect at all. Honestly, we are very happy because we believe we are doing a good job for our country and for our culture and it is a pleasure when this contribution is appreciated. It is a great responsibility to participate in this

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Shopping and Entertainment City

Tbilisi, Kakheti Highway , 2 AI. Tvalchrelidze st

project. During this two-hour performance, the audience can learn more about the important features and distinctive characteristics of Georgia that we are most proud of,” he said.

WHERE.GE hosted the guests of the event with unique Georgian wine ‘Kardenakhi Winery N1’. The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations, the Government of Georgia and the travel business.

WHERE.ge is the winner of the 2017 National Tourism Award in the nomination ‘Best Tourism Marketing Campaign.’ Its goal is to popularize Georgia’s tourism potential around the world and to provide qualified and helpful information to tourists.

WHERE, an essential guide to Georgia, is available in major hotels and restaurants, giving travelers the low down on the most famous tourist destinations throughout the country.

Each section of WHERE is opened by special celebrity guests sharing their unique experience and knowledge about WHERE to Go, Stay, Eat, Drink, Buy. In addition, the travel magazine allows its readers to discover and learn some things that even their tour guide might not know!

GeorGia WinS eMerGinG DeStination aWarD aS toP 30 Place to travel in 2020 Georgia has been voted one of the top 30 emerging travel destinations on the planet for 2020. The annual awards honoring trending destinations were published on the site TravelLemming.com, which promotes emerging destinations around the world as a solution to over-tourism.

Georgia was nominated for the award by the Georgian National Tourism Administration.

Winners were selected after voting by 30 of the most popular travel bloggers in the industry, who collectively sport more than 12 million followers on social media.

In describing why Georgia was selected, the article reads: “Possibly the world’s greatest hidden travel gem, Georgia packs a shocking amount to do inside a compact country. The stunning Caucasus mountains give the Alps a run for their money, Tbilisi’s bohemian Old Town makes Prague’s seem positively pedestrian, and Georgia’s wine scene is having a moment of global recognition (about time too, as wine was invented here). Plus, Georgia is an extraordinarily affordable destination - where else can you enjoy a European-style vacation on a South East Asian vacation budget?”

“Georgia has SO much to offer - one of the funkiest capital cities around, gorgeous mountain scenery, and truly outstanding food and wine. All that and it’s fantastic value for money. I fully expect Georgia to be one of the world’s hottest destinations within a few years,” said Kate McCulley, one of the judges and the travel blogger behind Adventurous Kate.

“The most stunning landscape I’ve ever seen (think Switzerland but more rugged), combined with incredible people, a super low cost of travel and ubiquitous khachapuri make Georgia my favorite country in the world,” added judge Travis Sherry, host of the travel podcast Extra Pack of Peanuts.

The site also invites readers to cast votes for their favorite destination, with winners on each continent being crowned with the annual “Readers’ Choice” Award.

Travel Lemming is a travel blog founded by Nate Hake, an American who has been traveling the world full-time since 2016. The site’s mission is to help highlight emerging and underappreciated destinations as a way to fight over-tourism.

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traMS DecorateD With GeorGian alPhaBet launcheD in StraSBourG By ana Dumbadze To celebrate Georgia taking on the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe, trams in Strasburg have been decorated with posters of the Georgian alphabet. The trams will run for 6 months with said decoration.

Georgian FM David Zalkaliani, CoE secretary-general and the President of the European Court of Human Rights, took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and took a trip on a tram.

Until May 15, 2020, Georgia will chair the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE), a decision-making body composed of the ministers of foreign affairs of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe or their permanent representatives in Strasbourg.

Georgia takes over the chairmanship from France.

The Council of Europe is a leading organization for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, founded in 1949.

Georgia became a member of the Council of Europe on April 27, 1999.

aBta PutS GeorGia on liSt of 2020 travel DeStinationS

By Beka aleksishvili The Association of British Travel Association, (ABTA) launched Travel Trends 2020 and its 12 tourism destinations to watch throughout the year.

As ABTA says, Georgia, Grenada, The Netherlands, Singapore and Uruguay all offer a very diverse range of experiences, providing perceptive travelers with a fantastic holiday over a short period of time.

“Georgia is a delightful and surprising destination, easily accessible from the UK with direct flights into its capital Tbilisi taking just under five hours. Tbilisi is a lively, fun city with a growing club scene, great restaurants and many impressive wine bars, and Georgian wines are often of a very high standard and good value for money. The Georgian countryside is very green and largely unspoiled, with 70% covered in forests. Georgia is home to UNESCO world heritage sites, including the atmospheric Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. Perhaps the country’s greatest draw is its open and friendly people who regard visitors as welcome and honored guests,” ABTA remarked.

The list is assembled unconventionally by a group of ABTA agents and specialists which includes countries, cities and regions. ABTA has been a trusted travel brand for more than 65 years, advising and guiding the travelling public, as well as promoting responsible tourism at home and abroad.

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Welcome to Georgia!

National Tourism Awards 2019 By nini Dakhundaridze

dedication to the country’s touristic development. The new nominations were: “The Best Airline Company”, “The Best Traditional Craft”, “The Best Niche Tourism”, “The Best Rural Tourism”, “The Best Small Winery”, and “The Best Responsible Tourism”.

Natia Turnava, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, attended the Awards and addressed the guests, expressing her gladness for the ceremony’s 5 years of success and thanking the nominees for their dedication to showing Georgian hospitality to tourists. She also touched on next year’s plans, announcing that in 2020, the Georgian National Tourism Administration will direct its marketing campaign mainly to international platforms like CNN, National Geographic, Bloomberg, Google, and others.

On December 6, the fifth annual ceremony of Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards took place in Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace. Co-organized by the Georgian National Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Economics and Sustainable Development of Georgia, it has successfully established itself as a

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unique platform to develop the country’s tourism sector. This year, the ceremony awarded winners and finalists of 26 different nominations out of over 380 nominees, one of them being the ‘Spend Your Summer in Georgia’ campaign.

This year was more festive than ever for the National Tourism Awards, being its fifth anniversary. So additionally the organizers added new nominations to cover a broader spectrum of the Georgian tourism and hospitality sector, awarding participants for their hard work and

The National Tourism Awards hosted up to 700 guests. The attendees were owners and general managers of the best hotels, restaurants, wineries, market-leading developers, representatives from the main businesses of the country, government officials, national and local authorities, representatives of the largest hotel operators, travel agencies and tour operators, mass media and industry press and filmmakers.

Here’s the list of this year’s winners:

1. Special award for Development of the tourism industry – Spend Your Winter In Georgia 2. concept accommodation award – Moxy Tbilisi; Glamping Georgia 3. concept café/restaurant award – Puri Guliani 4. the Best traditional Georgian restaurant award – Ethno-Tsiskvili 5. the Best Wine tourism award – Winery Khareba; Chateau Mukhrani 6. the Best Sea accommodation award – Sheraton Batumi Hotel 7. the Best value Premium accommodation award – Tbilisi Marriott Hotel 8. the Best value Standard accommodation award – Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi 9. the fastest Growing company of the year in the Same Segment award – Best Western Tbilisi City Center 10. icreate - the Most Successful Georgian Brand in the tourism industry award – Georgia Palace Hotel & Spa Kobuleti 11. the Best Woman entrepreneur in the tourism industry award – Keti Mikashavidze 12. responsible tourism award – Marriott Hotels in Tbilisi 13. the Best festival or event award – Tbilisi Open Air / AlterVision 14. the Best rural tourism award – Wine Yard N1

15. the Best Ski accommodation award – Gudauri Loft 16. the Best incoming tour operator award – Holiday Factory 17. the Best adventure tourism award – Mountain Freaks - Mountain Travel & Adventure Agency 18. the Best value low Budget accommodation award – Hostel Pushkin 10 19. the Best niche tourism award – Trails and Wines 20. the Best traditional craft award – WHITE Studio 21. the Best Small Winery award – ბაიას ღვინო /Baia’s Wine 22. h2otel Water Saving award – Hostel WhyMe? 23. the Best airline company – Lufthansa 24. Special Prize: the khetsuriani trophy – Spend 4 Seasons in Georgia 25. the Best hotel of international chain in Georgia award – Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate Georgia 26. Special award the Best Mice tourism award – Lopota Lake Resort & Spa The Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards is an annual awards ceremony, taking place every year since 2015. The main mission of the project is to appreciate and encourage those involved in the tourism and hospitality industry in Georgia and promote the high-achieving

tourism business and brands that create a positive image of the country worldwide.

The project has big support from the government and private businesses. Tbilisi City Hall and the Partnership Fund are official supporters. Bank of Georgia is a co-organizer of the project while Alliance Group is a general sponsor.

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Where to Spend Winter Holidays in Georgia Bakuriani, Gudauri, Svaneti, Racha, Kazbegi By ana Dumbadze

Winter in Georgia is unbeatably fun and beautiful, and there are several exciting ski resorts in the country where you can go skiing and snowboarding, relax, rid yourself of the daily grind and breathe deep of some much-needed fresh air.

The most popular destinations for winter vacations are Bakuriani, Gudauri, Svaneti, Racha and Kazbegi.

For more detailed information, let us guide you through Georgia’s best ski resorts:

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Bakuriani Bakuriani is located in the Borjomi district, 1700 m above sea level, 180 km to the north of the capital Tbilisi. accommodation The resort offers many wonderful places to stay, including Snow King Hotel located in the heart of Bakuriani, Hotel My House in Bakuriani, 600 meters from the center, Hilltop Bakuriani offering breathtaking

mountain views, and Hotel Villa Palace 50 m from a ski lift to the Kokhta Mountain, which also boasts a spacious restaurant serving Georgian and European cuisine. how to get there Take the train from Tbilisi Railway Station to Borjomi, then from Borjomi to Bakuriani on the famous “Kukushka” steam engine; by minibus from Tbilisi; by minibus from Kutaisi Bus Station.

areas located in the northwestern part of the country. In Svaneti, there are two modern ski resorts: Hatsvali and Tetnuldi.

hatSvali

GuDauri Alpine resort Gudauri is located in the Stepantsminda district, 120 km to the north of Tbilisi. The resort offers high quality skiing opportunities from December to the end of April. accommodation There are several cozy and comfortable hostels and guest houses offering accommodation in Gudauri, for instance, hostel Snow House, 800 m from the GoodAura Ski Lift; Hotel Toni, featuring ski-to-door access, a restaurant and a bar; Monte Gudauri hotel and restaurant, located a 3-minute drive from ski lifts; and Edelweiss Hotel and restaurant in Upper Gudauri, 150 m from the Tatra ski lift and 1 km from the GoodAura ski lift.

The Hatsvali Ski Resort is located in Svaneti about 8 km from Mestia. The highest altitude above sea level is 3248 meters, and the minimum elevation is 1868. It’s quite easy to reach Hatsvali from Mestia as they are connected by both a road and a six-chair ski lift. However, the Mestia-Hatsvali ski lift is closed in summer, and travelers will need a car to get to the views. You can also take a taxi from the center of Mestia.

The resort offers skiers four active ski lifts which are open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Bigel and Slalom are small types of ski lifts for beginner skiers.

neW Ski reSortS in Svaneti reGion - hatSvali anD tetnulDi Surrounded by 5000 m peaks, Svaneti is one of Georgia’s most historic and unique

The hotel provides Wi-Fi, security service, free parking, laundry or washing machine, private garden, and a children’s play area.

It also boasts a sun terrace and ski-to-door access, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.

This hotel has ski storage space and ski equipment hire is available. A range of activities is offered in the area, such as skiing and horse riding.

Guest house Welcome to Ushba is located in Becho, 20 minutes’ drive from Mestia Airport.

It provides Wi-Fi, free parking, laundry or washing machine, private garden and cleaning service. Guests have a shared bathroom.

The price of accommodation is 20 GEL per person per night.

tetnulDi

how to get there A minibus from Tbilisi Didube Station to Gudauri will set you back around 7 GEL.

Hotel Hatsvali, located just outside Mestia, a 30-minute drive from Mestai Airport, is the main regional center of Zemo (Upper) Svaneti. It offers affordable prices and amazing views and is just five minutes’ walk from a ski lift.

Zuruldi is the main four-chair ski lift, which travels from 1868 meters above sea level to 2348 meters.

There are five ski runs and the overall length is 7 km. The longest descent is 3 km. accommodation

Tetnuldi resort has been operating since February 2016. It can be reached from Mestia by taxi or shuttle bus from your hotel. 25 km of trails await you throughout the area. The longest trail is 9.5 km.

The resort offers 4 ski lifts, eight ski runs of a total 30 km – intermediate, advanced and expert, heli-ski, freeriding, ski tours and off-piste.

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racha Racha is a highland area in western Georgia, located in the upper Rioni river valley and surrounded by the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

accommodation While visiting Tetnuldi, you might want to stay at the cozy hotel Chalet Mestia.

Featuring a bar, shared lounge and mountains views, it is located in Mestia, 700 meters from the Museum of History and Ethnography.

The cozy Hotel Tetnuldi is located in the central part of Mestia, 500 meters from the center. The hotel overlooks beautiful views of nature (Mount Tetnuldi) and old towers, while, a 5-minute drive of the hotel, is the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography, where you will discover ancient Georgian history and culture. The hotel offers its guests skiing, hiking, cycling and horse riding. The hotel has 35 comfortable rooms.

Racha is notable for its forests, mineral water, lakes and the small remote “paradise” of the beautiful village of Gona, known as “Little Switzerland” in Oni Municipality. Gona represents the main district of the larger Gebi village, but is located higher, on the southern slopes of Great Caucasus Mountains, surrounded by snowy peaks. accommodation

accommodation Although there is only one European-standard hotel in Oni region (which works seasonally), there are plenty of small, cozy and affordable family hotels, with prices starting from 15 GEL per day. how to get there

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Here, the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi might be the perfect destination for your stay.

Located at the base of Kazbegi Mountain in Stepantsminda village, 7 km from the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church, Hotel Kazbegi features a lobby bar with a library and free Wi-Fi and indescribably good views.

Hotel Stancia Kazbegi is also a good choice, with a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace.

how to get to Mestia Train from Tbilisi Railway Station to Zugdidi Railway Station Tbilisi – Zugdidi -13 GEL Minibus from Zugdidi Railway Station to Mestia Zugdidi – Mestia – 15 GEL Minibus from Tbilisi Railway Station to Mestia: Tbilisi – Mestia – 30 GEL Small Plane from Natakhtari Airport to Mestia: Tbilisi – Mestia – 75 GEL

From Juta, a 5 km hike will take you to Mount Chaukhi, and the view is worth every step. There are two camping spots on the way, Zeta Camping and 5 Seasons, where you can chill and taste really good local cuisine.

You can reach the region by minibus from Tbilisi railway station. One way tickets cost approximately 15-20 GEL.

kazBeGi - Juta The small village of Juta, located in Kazbegi Municipaity, is another pearl of remote Georgia. It is especially beautiful in winter, with its snow-covered mountains that create a fairy tale environment.

Kazbegi Guest House features ski-to-door access and a ski pass sales point, as well as a shared lounge and a garden. how to get there From Didube metro station take a minibus to Kazbegi. 10 GEL will get you there. There’s no schedule of when the minibus will leave.

You just have to wait until the minibus fills up and then it will set off to Kazbegi. The journey will take around 3 hours.

Dent Inn

The Clinic has been successfully operating for 5 years now. It is equipped with innovative, high quality equipment and uses the highest quality materials. Most importantly, 100% safety and protection or high level of sterilization is gauranteed.

Here, a patient can receive all kinds of dental services: surgery, implantation, therapeutic dentistry, orthopedics, orthodontics, periodontology, pediatric

dentistry, laser therapy. The clinic is staffed by highly qualified doctors, which is the key to successful and effective treatment.

implant, which is less painful for the patient and makes rehabilitation much easier.

Many patients address the Clinic from Italy, Israel, Russia, Dubai, etc., because the quality of treatment is much higher than the cost itself.

The Clinic represents the only place throughout the country where this innovation is carried out. The procedure is performed by the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, implantologist Mr. Shota Rukhadze, who has been certified and trained in this innovative procedure in America.

The Clinic has introduced an innovative method of sinus lift surgery using Diva

Goderdzi The Snowiest Ski Resort in Georgia By ana Dumbadze

Goderdzi ski resort was opened in December 2015 in the mountainous Ajara region, southwestern Georgia. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, 252 km from Tbilisi, in the highlands of Ajara on the Goderdzi Pass, it is also just 110 km from the popular seaside city of Batumi.

Goderdzi is an ideal four-season mountain resort and is considered the snowiest ski resort in Georgia due to its location and the high level of precipitation.

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It works at full capacity from November until April.

locally or take a taxi (around $40) or the number 77 minibus.

The resort is distinguished for its nature, fresh air, mesmerizing views and wellequipped ski runs. Two gondola lifts operate there, taking guests to the highest point, 2390 m above sea level.

Ski trailS

hoW to Get there The drive from Batumi will take around two hours. If you’re Tbilisi-based, the best way to get there is by train, then hire a car

The massive 8km ski run (the longest in Georgia) is broken up into intermediate, advanced and expert.

Two cable cars will serve holidaymakers: an 8-seat gondola and a 6-seat bubble.

Skipass price per day: Adult 40 GEL, Youth 25 GEL, free for children under 6.

Where to Stay There are plenty of hotels or cottages and nearby villages have a lot of homestays as well.

We recommend: Family Hotel Meteo - which offers free Wi-Fi, 24/7 reception, restaurant, a parking lot, meeting room, trainer service, ski storage, luggage storage room, lost property room and safe.

Double room without bathroom – 40 GEL Double room with bathroom – 60 GEL Quadruple, family room with two bathrooms – 100 GEL Room for eight persons with bathroom – 180 GEL Cottage Shale Goderdzi - which offers free Wi-Fi, parking, meeting rooms, trainers, a ski storage room, common kitchen, and a hall with a fireplace to warm up in with a glass or two of wine.

Double room – 100 GEL Quadruple room – 150 GEL Whole cottage, four rooms, 12 persons – 500 GEL Goderdzi Villa - Six comfortable and cozy villas equipped with 48 perfect hotel rooms.

The villas are located 100 meters from the resort’s main ski lift. In total, up to 145 tourists can be accommodated. Goderdzi Villa also offers visitors a restaurant, where you can taste authentic dishes.

Guest House Luka- Set in Danisparauli, Guest House Luka offers free Wi-Fi, and guests can enjoy a restaurant, a shared lounge and a garden. An à la carte breakfast is available every morning, and skiing can be enjoyed nearby.

Guest House Oasis - Boasting a terrace, Guest House “Oasis” is situated in Khulo.

The accommodation features a ski pass sales point and ski storage space, as well as a shared lounge and a garden. The accommodation offers a 24/7 front desk and a shared kitchen for guests. Continental breakfasts can be ordered.

The area is popular for skiing and cycling, and car hire is available.

aDDitional activitieS Goderdzi is a wonderful destination for happy holidays not only during winter, but in summer as well, when you can try some of the various exciting activities available there, including horseback riding, hiking and paragliding.

So, if you are looking for an exotic and special place with wild nature to spend your holidays, definitely visit the mountainous resort of Goderdzi. Trust us, you will never forget the beauty of Ajarian nature!

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Where to Spend New Year’s Eve New Year is a special time for family and friends in Georgia as much as it is in any Western country. Tradition dictates that families spend the last hours of the year together and welcome the new year with wine and feasting. Then, at about 1am, the younger generations head out to meet friends and the party really begins, often going on well into January 1 (and in some cases not stopping until January 8th– the 7th being Orthodox Christmas and another family feast day!) That said, with Georgia’s sights set on Western styles, it is ever more common to see people choosing to kick off the party early evening of the 31st.

Check out some of the 2019 options below and book fast- places get snapped up quickly!

kvareli lake reSort Kvareli +995 32 230 50 90

Georgian stars will sing for you. Folklore, pop-retro, Georgian folk, contemporary dances and a DJ. Party kicks off at: 11 PM Ticket: 500 GEL

BriM tBiliSi M. Abdushelishvili 12/14 +995 32 212 00 12

raDiSSon Blu iveria hotel tBiliSi 1 Rose Revolution Sq.

December 31 MAGIC NEW YEAR PARTY Program: New Year Dinner, Musical group NEW ONE, A fireworks show on the Lake, DJ set all night Extra offer: For those wishing to stay at Kvareli Lake Hotel there is a 10% discount on standard rooms.

Party kicks off at: 8 PM Ticket: 200 GEL

liSi Mere Mukhatskaro +995 593 90 36 30 December 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE IN FAIRY TALE!

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December 31 New Year’s Party Filini Restaurant: Georgian Supra-Family Dinner Live Band + MC Party kicks off at: 21:00-02:00 Price: 250 GEL P.P +VAT Oxygen Bar: A WALK IN THE CLOUDS Set canape menu Handpicked New Year’s music Party kicks off at: 10 PM (until 2 AM) Price: 120 GEL P.P +VAT +995 32 2 40 22 00 Ballroom: New Year’s celebration with Datuna Sirbiladze & Shvidkatsa Live performance Party kicks off at: 1 AM Price: 300 GEL P.P. (VAT included) +995 592 91 91 91, 591 061 555

December 31 Magical New Year’s Party Signature dishes from the Chef and Special musical performances Party kicks off at: 10 PM Ticket: 100 GEL

GeorGian houSe 2 G. Tsabadze +995 591 93 00 11 December 31 NEW YEAR IN GEORGIAN HOUSE The host of the evening is famous Georgian actor and singer Lasha Ramishvili Georgian folk and old city songs will be performed by band “Qalaquri” Choreographic ensemble “Tiflis” will offer you Georgian traditional dances Popular Christmas songs and worldwide

hits will be performed by famous Georgian musicians: Elene Pochkhua, Boka Kvekveskiri and Merab Amzoev.

Party kicks off at: 11 PM Ticket: 40 GEL

For table reservation: +995 032 2 98 00 00

Monohall

9 Baratashvili Str., Borjomi

2 D. Bakradze Str. +995 557 62 77 74

December 31- January 2 MAGIC NEW YEAR AT CROWNE PLAZA BORJOMI 31 December Band E Roll DJ Shizo Welcome drink The host of the evening- Gvantsa Kilasonia Gala Dinner in Ballroom accompanied with Georgian Wine Entertainment Program and Menu for kids

December 31 Kayakata Party kicks off at: 11 PM Ticket: 40 GEL

Gudauri

croWne Plaza BorJoMi

reStaurant funicular Mtatsminda Hill December 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION What to expect: Traditional Georgian New Year feast with modern twist by Funicular Restaurant’s brand-chef Giorgi Sarajishvili, Different kinds of music, Stunning panoramic view over Tbilisi City, decorated for New Year’s Eve Fireworks & enduring impressions!

Evening Program: 23:00- Welcome (with sparkling wine) 23:00- Gigi Wander (Grand piano) 23:45- Ensemble “Rustavi” 00:00- New Year Celebration 00:30- Gela Gnolidze Band 03:00- DJ Evening host: Giorgi Devadze Package fee: 350 Gel (Price includes VAT)

GuDauri inn

January 1 Late Breakfast Buffet Dinner Saxophone night with Gvantsa Gigiberia DJ REMBO The host of the evening- Gvantsa Kilasonia Lottery and prizes New Year Brunch accompanied with Sparkling Wine, Bonfire & Glitwein on Terrace January 2 Breakfast Accommodation for 2 nights: from $695 (equivalent in GEL) Price includes VAT 18% For reservations: +995 322 221 221

December 31- January 1 NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Entertaining program for guests, Georgian Dances, New Year Music /Games & Gifts for Guests, Fireworks, Club Music For reservations: +995 577 23 16 61

rePuBlic 6 First Republic Sq. December 31 Celebrate New Year 2020 with the legendary American Singer CRYSTAL WATERS Enjoy festive decorations and retro costumed performance by Melancholia Costume Project Dance till dawn with Tobako Tween B2B Levi Love Disco and make wishes that will definitely come true in 2020!

Doors Open - 01:00 Seated tickets (include champagne and appetizers): 200 – 400 GEL For group reservations call: +995 577 22 22 23

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Use Your Words!

By tony hanmer

school, especially but not only English.

Aside from hello and goodbye and delicious, a vital word in Georgian is supra. Technically it means tablecloth (of which more below), but it also means feast, these two words both coming up, for example, in a Google Translate search from English to Georgian. If you come to this country for any reason and length of stay and don’t get to a Georgian supra, you’ve missed out on the main cultural event!

A supra can be for as few as two people, to as many as hundreds. One important element is that there must be vastly more than too much food. Another is the need for pacing, as it can last for more than a few hours. It’s a ritual here, not a place for just eating and drinking: there are rules and norms.

Perhaps the short-term visitor to Georgia can’t be expected to learn much of the infamously difficult language while here.

There are issues of alphabet (unique), grammar (also pretty special, although linguists can pigeonhole it quite exactly in the world scheme of things) and pronunciation (ditto, though less special: hardly any pronunciation item in existence is unique to a single language of the world).

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But the more you do learn and use it, regardless of your length of stay, the more you will be praised and appreciated for making the effort. I came with nearly fluent Russian 20 years ago, and struggled to make the switch when so many of the people could communicate with me in that language. This is less true now, especially among children, who are replacing Russian with other foreign languages at

The toastmaster (tamada) sets the pace, making speech after speech with his glass raised in his (the role is usually but not exclusively male) right hand; all other guests at the table follow his theme’s lead.

Savory and sweet, cold and hot dishes may follow one another. Coffee being served is often a signal that things are winding down. Also to note is that rather forcefully encouraging the guest to eat AND drink a lot is part of local hospitality’s good manners! One can refuse, or drink as little as one wants, down to nothing, if one maintains a sense of humor and doesn’t get angry when feeling

pressured, which is not the intent. Vegetarians will find plenty to enjoy; vegans less so, but not nothing, by any means. Go to a supra, and you have experienced a huge amount of Georgian culture, and cuisine, in a nutshell. Plates may be stacked on top of plates up to 5 stories high. There may be knives and forks, forks only, or in some village situations, no utensils at all. In this case, bread is what one uses to pick up the softer foods, as well as to eat them with or on. It is an honor to be invited to a supra, but you are also honoring the host(s) by coming, not burdening them in their own eyes.

Far from the relative freedom of the West, where a guest in someone’s home may be shown the kitchen and allowed to help oneself (freedom being highly valued), in Georgia, as in many other countries nearby, guests are both prized in themselves and expected to know, or to learn quickly, the ways of the Georgian supra.

Here it’s not about freedom, but about fitting in, rehearsing and passing on ancient traditions, keeping the past alive: a quite conservative event. Yes, you can go to restaurants and find really excellent fusions of Georgian and other cuisines or exotic play on the usual themes, but at a normal supra the old ways of making and doing things are preserved.

More on the tamada: this person, who leads the toasting ceremony of the supra, is usually chosen by common consent or request of the host. Usually, a refusal goes back and forth a few times until the role is accepted. There are a few needed qualities for a good tamada. Aside from ability to hold one’s alcohol well, and have a loud voice, the tamada should have a good command of Georgian history, politics, philosophy, art, religion,

literature and humor, as well as a proper sense of the somewhat flexible but partly rigid order and expectation of things, including fitting the whole suite of toasts to the specific occasion, be it happy or sad.

No mean feat! A foreign guest should only accept the role after having been here long enough to have studied under masters for some time…

Lurji supra, on the other hand, refers to a specific type of tablecloth: a dyed blue one with white elements, traditionally made in the eastern part of the country for some centuries and now experiencing a revival, even branching out into other colors. It is quickly becoming one of the best souvenirs of Georgia, something to be found in good shops and suiting a large range of sizes and budgets. The graphic elements on it are very traditional to Georgian culture, so it really shows off local design and style well. It is usually reserved for the most special, celebratory feasts, not everyday use, and shows off a Georgian feast to its best. Choose one which is well printed, clear and sharp, and expect to pay more for quality.

Only 3 words or phrases, but a world of meaning wrapped up in them, all centered on the gustatory and visual senses. Enjoy to your heart’s content.

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

Supra dis m a v h Nak

Lamazi

i r a t m a z

Gamarjob a r a h rk a v miy

Tamada Rogor xar ?

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Worth 1000 Words By tony hanmer

If a picture, two-dimensional, is supposed to be worth a thousand words, how much for a sculpture or other piece of threedimensional art, such as an item of designer fashion clothing? A million? How about meeting the person who made the piece, or at least learning more of them? Priceless, perhaps. Here we look at a few famous Georgian visual artists, all still alive, who are known for living and working chiefly abroad, anywhere outside their home country. Despite their adopting a new location, Georgia remains their prime inspiration, although this may be mixed with where they have chosen to relocate.

GouDJi (or GuJi) aMaShukeli

Goudji (or Guji) Amashukeli was born in 1941 in Georgia and studied art here.

He emigrated to France in 1974, however, and has been based there ever since, in Paris. His work is mostly sculpture and jewelry. A current sensation of his is the

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cover for a unique copy of Shota Rustaveli’s epic poem, the Georgian national literary treasure, the Knight in the Panther Skin. The cover is in silver with more than 20 precious stones included, and the magnificent book was displayed at the Frankfurt Book Fair of 2018, for which Georgia was the guest country. From there it has gone to New York to be displayed in the art collection of the headquarters of the UN, proudly representing its native country. Inside it also features art by Sophio Kintsurashvili and Tamaz Varvaridze and calligraphy by Davit Maisuradze, Giorgi Sisauri, Nino Ikashvili, Ana Gokadze and Levan Tskviravashvili: unique indeed.

henri Matchavariani Henri Matchavariani was born in France in 1939, in Paris. His work was initially as an advertising art director, but in 1982, when he organized his first exhibition of personal work, in Milan, Italy, he became a freelance illustrator and has undertaken numerous editorial and advertising commissions since. His work has won him several awards and he has exhibited in

Milan, Paris, Tokyo and Hamburg. Online he can be found with many more examples of his work at: https://www.facebook.com/henri. matchavariani/

DJeMal BJalava Djemal Bjalava (or Bzhelava) was born in Georgia in 1944, and moved to France in 1991, as soon as Georgia became independent from the USSR. Known primarily as a contemporary sculptor, he began this vocation at age 6! His art studies were in Moscow and Tbilisi, and

his sculptural themes are often linked to the ancient past of his country of origin, especially when it was known as Colchis. Online, more of his work can be seen at: http://www.art.gov.ge/artists. php?lang=Ge&artist=751 Wikipedia has an article on him (in French) at: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djémal_Bjalava

eteri chkaDua Eteri Chkadua was born in Georgia, but relocated to the USA as the USSR was collapsing and works from New York, as well as from Kingston, Jamaica. She has had many solo and group exhibitions around the world from 1990 to the present, including here in

(Master of Fine Arts) from the New York Academy of Art, in painting. His painting began at the tender age of 3, and rocketed onwards from then, with international exhibitions and awards abounding, including a collaboration with the late great modern Georgian composer Giya Kancheli, who composed a piece for choir and chamber orchestra inspired by one of the artist’s works, called “Idem et Idem”. His homepage is: http://www. levan.gallery/ Georgia, and has won a number of international awards as well.

Much more of her extraordinary, realist painting can be seen on her homepage: http://www.eterichkadua.com/paintings. html

With these artists and many more, in

Three Georgian artists who have chosen Germany as their next home are represented in some short films about them, found here: http://creativegeorgia.ge/News/qartvelikhelovanebi-uckhoetshi.aspx?lang=en-US They are Koka Ramishvili, Mamuka Japaridze and Keti Kapanadze. The films were made as part of the German-Georgian Year of friendship in 2017; Germany was the first country to recognize the independence of Georgia from the USSR, and has retained strong mutual ties with this country ever since.

levan SonGulaShvili Levan Songulashvili, born in Georgia in 1991, is a New York-based artist. He is the first Georgian to have earned an MFA

the visual and other arts, Georgia is successfully exporting its unique culture around the world, introducing even those who have never come here to its palette of visions right where they are.

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

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Houses with Legends in Tbilisi

By Beka aleksishvili

Tbilisi, Georgia’s beautiful capital, is distinguished by a number of features that make the city a unique combination of modern and old. The old part of the city attracts both tourists and locals, since the city architecture reflects the country’s rich history, and if you want to discover what Tbilisi really looks like and why so many international publications so often write about this ‘jewel of the Caucasus,’ then you should definitely take a walk through its labyrinth of narrow streets.

The cobble-stoned old town with wooden balconies and old courtyards, coupled with Art Nouveau buildings, is also famous for its cosmopolitan nature, where churches of different religious peacefully reside side by side, and terraces boasting colorful illuminations overlook them.

But it’s not only the “Old Town” that captivates guests, as other parts of this wonderful city also boast architectural delights.

Here are some of our favorites.

13 Machabeli Str., The Writers’ House

MachaBeli 13- the WriterS’ houSe One of the oldest and most charming buildings in Tbilisi, it is located on a street named after Ivane Machabeli, famous Georgian writer, translator and publicist and one of the founders of the new

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The London Hotel

Georgian literary language.

The house was built in 1903-1905 for Davit Sarajishvili, a famous philanthropist and the founder of Georgian brandy production. The building was designed by the German architect Carl Zaar and incorporates elements of the modernist, baroque and rococo styles. After Sarajish-

14 Chonkadze Str.

vili’s death, the building was purchased by famous merchant Akaki Khoshtaria in 1919. In 1921, when Georgia was occupied by the Russian Red Army, the building housed the Artists’ Union. Finally, it ended up as the Writers’ House of Georgia, hosting various literary and business events and its own writer’s retreat on the top floor.

14 Chonkadze Str.

11 Chonkadze Str.

the lonDon hotel

mystical, guaranteed to make you feel you are travelling back in time when you visit.

The London Hotel is a unique vintage building located at 31 Atoneli Street. The hotel was constructed in 1875 by the Zubalashvili brothers, Georgian businessmen and benefactors, whom we can thank for a number of exquisite buildings, among them the Marjanishvli Theater and the Neo-Gothic Cathedral in Batumi.

chonkaDze Street 14

It is a well-known fact that Knut Hamsun, a famous Norwegian writer and Nobel Prize winner in literature, stayed here in 1899 and wrote about the hotel in his book ‘Travel to the Fairy Tale’.

The first building to have electricity installed, The London Hotel was considered to be one of the most luxurious hotels in the city and was a favorite among foreign visitors to the country.

Famous Russian composer Peter Tchaikovski also stayed there.

The interior of the building is decorated with unusual masterful artworks and keeps its original metal staircase. The entire atmosphere of the old hotel is something

This magnificent mansion received a silver medal for the Best Façade in Tbilisi in 1915. It used to belong to tobacco producer Nikoloz Bozarjiantz, who made his wife the official owner of the property to avoid losing his wealth. But when the communists occupied Tbilisi, they took away the entire mansion and left only two rooms for the family.

There is a small garden in front of the T-shaped building. It was once used as a parking space for the first automobile in the city. The interior of the building is full of Venice glass brought from Italy. The sight of the magnificent colorful ceilings is unbeatable.

The mansion was to be inherited by the three sons of Nikoloz and Madam Bozarjiantz, 1 floor for each son, but unfortunately, the entire family vanished during the era and now descendants of Soviet revolutionaries own small spaces in this magnificent building.

11 Chonkadze Str.

chonkaDze Street 11 First the building was owned by a German engineer who spent several years in Georgia. Later, it was sold to an Iranian man brought up in Tbilisi – Mirza Reza Khan. The life of Mirza Khan is a great story. In 1933, he was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The Diamond Palace once housed the Iranian Council in Georgia, officially opened in 1892 with a ceremony of unprecedented luxury seeing the fountain in the inner courtyard filled with wine instead of water. Nowadays, only a small part of the building is preserved, but it still hints at its past glory.

Mirza Khan left incredible buildings not only in Tbilisi, but in Borjomi (the Turquoise Palace) and in Monaco (Villa Isfahan) as well.

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The First Architects of Tbilisi (XIX c)

By Beka aleksishvili

A better-known and well-documented period was the 19th century with its plethora of foreign influence, such as the City Council interior, which was designed

by Alexandr Ozerov, and the exterior designed by Paul Stern, a German Jew living in Tbilisi.

According to an expert in the field, only one building was built by a Georgian at the beginning of 20th century, which was the first building of the Tbilisi State University.

It was being built as the feudal gymnasium for the Georgian nobility, and the designer was the main architect of Sokhumi, Simon Kldiashvili.

Tbilisi Assembly Building, former City Council Building

pretty much every prestigious old and well-known building you’ll see on your tour of Tbilisi was likely built by foreign architects.

Tbilisi Assembly Building, former City Council Building

From the end of 19th century to the beginning of the 20th, Tbilisi was mostly designed by foreign architects according to the fashion of the time. Apart from the first building of the Tbilisi State University,

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During Soviet times, Georgia lacked technically skilled architects. Ilia Chavchavadze, one of the founding fathers of the republic, said that “Georgia will flourish only when we have ten engineers,” an example of how absent these professions were.

We don’t have a lot of information on the old Tbilisian architects; we don’t even have blueprints or sketches, which is quite extraordinary.

Georgian architects were so much in scarcity that when famous businessman and philanthropist David Sarajishvili decided to restore the time-torn Kashueti Cathedral, even church stone-masons were found to be unavailable. Sarajishvili employed German architect Leopold Bilpeld as the new designer, who took Kashueti as the prototype of the Samtavisi Church.

Polish Alexandre Shimkevich built the Supreme Court building; the Communist Pioneer Building (today known as the Youth Art Palace) was designed and built

by Swedish architect Oto Simonson; and Kornel Tatishev is the author of the Rustaveli Theater.

Tbilisi State University

Tbilisi State University

Kashueti Church

Simon Kldiashvili

Tbilisi Marriott Hotel

Some experts note that during the vast reconstruction period between the 19th and 20th centuries, when Tbilisi was really being forged into a modern city, Sololaki district, Mtsatsminda, Rustaveli Avenue and Didube-Chugureti were built by European architects.

Tbilisi Marriot Hotel. He was also the one who built the Palace of Railwaymen’s Culture on Aghmashenebeli Avenue.

Armenian architects also contributed to Tbilisi’s panorama. For example, Armenian designer Termikelov finished the

Another outstanding Armenian architect was Mikheil Ogajanov, who built the National Bank of Georgia building and the beautiful Bozarjants house on Chonkadze Street, while Ter Sarkisian, constructed the house on the corner of Machabeli and Dadiani streets- that one with the famous balcony, as well as a

Supreme Court building

National Bank of Georgia building

number of buildings on Shradeni Street.

The buildings for which this city is known were mostly built by foreign architects but there are a handful structures known for their Georgian origin, though the names of the artists have been lost to time.

Check out their works while you’re here: the Anchiskhati, Metekhi and Sioni churches- masonic marvels well worth time exploring.

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Vertical Horizons By tony hanmer

the Georgian School of Mathematics; organizer of the Industry of Non-ferrous Alloys; developer of Georgian technical, mathematical and sports terminology. He also founded the “Shevardeni” (hawk) sports society, which later grew into a mass sports movement. Nikoladze was the founder and the permanent leader of the Tourism and Alpinism department at the Georgian Geographic Society, which makes him the founding father of the sport in Georgia. The Zestaponi Factory of Non-ferrous Alloys was named after him, as was the highest peak in the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia.

Mountaineering might best be called an obsession rather than a mere sport or profession. How else could one explain the desire to scale an object whose size dwarfs you to nothing, which can change its weather from calm to deadly without warning, and can smile on you or hurl you off its face to your destruction without even noticing? You use a few tools to dig into sheer rock, try to hang on with fingers and toes, rope yourself to others if you’re in a team so that the fall of one may end up being only a few meters instead of to the bottom. Minutes become hours and maybe days as well, stretching you to your limits and beyond: do or die. Beautiful from a distance, the mountains become something endless, cruel, uncaring, up close. There are no end of challenging peaks to lead

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you on and upward from one end of Georgia to the other. Here are some famous Georgians who have been caught by the bug and let it take them where it will, even to the end.

Giorgi nikoladze (1888-1931) was a Renaissance man: professor at Tbilisi University; one of the greatest representatives of

aleksandra Japaridze (1895-1974) demonstrates that by no means is the area of mountaineering one for men only: why should it be?

She climbed most of the major peaks of the Caucasus and was the first woman to set foot on Tetnuldi and Ushba in Svaneti.

During her life she won every prize given for mountain-climbing, and also passed on her work to generations of new climbers, ensuring her legacy in them. The first successful Georgian expedition to the summit of Mount Ushba took place in 1934; foreigners had scaled it in the late 19th century. The group included Aleksandra Japaridze, the first female climber to

reach the mountain’s summit, a real achievement. Although Ushba is not the highest mountain in either the Caucasus or Georgia, it is generally considered to be the hardest to climb.

Mikheil (Misha) khergiani (1932-1969)

Mikheil was arguably the most famous of them all in the Soviet Union. He was Honored Master of Sports of the USSR (1963), USSR Master of Sports of International Class (1967), 3 times USSR Champion in Alpinism and 7 times USSR

Champion in wall climbing. In 1976, the Khergiani memorial tournament in wall climbing was established in his honor. His home museum in Mestia, Upper Svaneti, includes all you could want to know about him, lovingly and worthily displayed, and there is a Svan tower to climb as well.

Climbing took his life in the Italian Alps when, in a million to one accident, a falling rock severed his line. He is, and remains, the favorite son of Mestia and of Svaneti, always an inspiration although perhaps never to be surpassed in his field, yet tragically cut short in his prime. Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/Mikheil-Khergiani-65214692520/ Georgians continue to make the news for their mountaineering feats, not only in Georgia and the Caucasus but elsewhere, even to the highest mountains on earth, the Himalayas. They have a bright future, they ARE the very future of mountaineering here, and they demonstrate that this small

country can reach far beyond its borders in many fields, and find glory on the world scene.

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

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Events Calendar theater tBiliSi oPera anD Ballet theater 25 Rustaveli Ave. December 18, 21, 22 MACBETH Premiere Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-300 GEL December 26 OTAR TAKTAKISHVILI 95 Participants of the concert: Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater soloists, Choir and Orchestra.

Conductor- Zaza Azmaiparashvili Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-100 GEL

Tbilisi Z. Paliashvili Opera and Ballet State Theater Orchestra Conductor- Papuna Ghvaberidze Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-200 GEL January 25, 26 ROMEO AND JULIET Sergei Prokofiev Ballet in two acts Based on the tragedy

by William Shakespeare Libretto, choreographic version and staging by Mikhail Lavrovsky Staging Conductor: Alevtina Ioffe Director of the performance: Leonid Lavrovsky-Garcia Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater Orchestra Conductor: Alevtina Ioffe Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-120 GEL

January 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 THE NUTCRACKER

GaBriaDze theater Premiere A new version of the Christmas-New Year fairytale Pyotr Tchaikovsky Ballet in two acts Staging Choreographers: Alexey Fadeechev and Nina Ananiashvili Staging Conductor: Papuna Ghvaberidze

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14 Shavteli Str. December 20, 28, January 4, 12, 17, 25 RAMONA Revaz Gabriadze Directed by Revaz Gabriadze English Subtitles

Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL December 13, 21, 27 January 5, 10, 18, 26, 31 STALINGARD Revaz Gabriadze Directed by Revaz Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL December 22, 29 January 3, 11, 19, 24 THE AUTUMN OF MY SPRINGTIME Revaz Gabriadze Directed by Revaz Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00, December 22, 29- 17:00 Ticket: 15 - 30 GEL

December 19, 26, January 9, 16, 23, 30 REZO Animated documentary film Directed by Leo Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL

ShalikaShvili theater

Movement Theater co-stage a performance in the format of a Broadway musical Directed by Paul Gordon Author: Paul Gordon, Ioseb Bakuradze, Choreographer: Robbie Priore, Abby Leithart, Vanessa Owen, Gavin Strewart, Lasha Robakidze Genre: Musical Language: Non-verbal Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 25 GEL

37 Rustaveli Ave. December 20, 21 LIKE THIS Comedy novels based on Georgian national motives Language: Non-verbal Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL

December 21 INTRO Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Music: Sandro Nikoladze Language: Non-verbal Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10, 15 GEL

MuSeuMS

presents the exhibition “How to Catch up with a Dead Hare” by Georgian contemporary artist ILIKO ZAUTASHVILI

MuSeuM of Soviet occuPation 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. Exhibition RED TERROR AND GEORGIAN ARTISTS The exhibition showcases artworks by Dimitri Shevardnadze, Petre Otskheli, Henryk Hryniewski, Richard Sommer, Kiril Zdanevich, Vasily Shukhaev, Elene Akhvlediani, Lado Gudiashvili, David Kakabadze, Ucha Japharidze, Aleksandre Bajbeuk-Melikov, Korneli Sanadze and more.

the Book MuSeuM 5 Gudiashvili Str.

GeorGian national MuSeuM SiMon JanaShia MuSeuM 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave.

MoveMent theater 182 Agmashenebli Ave. December 22 TAMADA IN MANHATTAN

Exhibitions: GEORGIAN COSTUME AND WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH CENTURIES NUMISMATIC TREASURY EXHIBITION STONE AGE GEORGIA ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL COLLECTIONS

hiStory MuSeuM- karvaSla 8 Sioni Str. Georgian-American Premiere Washington Theater Company E and

Until January 19 The project “Contemporary Art Gallery”

National Parlamentary Library The Book Museum holds a unique collection of items, including private libraries of Ilia Chavchavadze, Dimitri Bakradze, Giorgi Chubinashvili, the recently recovered book collections of Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich Romanov and Brothers Zubalashvili, as well as books with signatures of Ilia Chavchavadze, Ivane Machabeli, Victor Hugo, Dmitri Mendeleev and AntoineAugustin Renouard etc.

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MuSeuM of illuSionS

tBiliSi DiGital SPace Tbilisi Mall

10 Betlemi Str.

tBiliSi concert hall

Discover the Museum of Illusions Be brave enough to jump into an illusion created by the Vortex, deform the image of yourself in a Mirror Room, be free in the Infinity room, resist the laws of gravity and size ratio, and take selfies in every possible pose. Enjoy the collection of holograms, and discover numerous baffling optical illusions.

Gallery the national Gallery 11 Shota Rustaveli Ave. Until February 26 GRAND MASTERS FROM THE GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM COLLECTION XIX – XX CENTURY

1 Melikishvili Ave. December 18 BEL SUONO The grand Christmas event, Welcome to the new era of classical music Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 80-130 GEL

The first museum of digital art in Tbilisi, where you will meet three different spaces: Vazha-Pshavela’s “Dried beech”, the world of torches, and a digital space decorated with various graphic and visuals effects. In the main hall decorated with video projections and mirrors you will discover that there is no boundary between Man and nature.

Ticket: 10-30 GEL

MuSic DJanSuG kakhiDze tBiliSi center for MuSic anD culture 123a D. Agmashenebeli Ave. December 27 Vakhtang Kakhidze’s music for cinema and theater, songs, jazz-folk compositions and popular songs The renewed musical project will be performed by Vakhtang Kakhidze (vocal, piano, conductor) and singers Nato Kakhidze, Neka Sebiskveradze, Maka Zambakhidze, George Sukhitashvili and

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Goga Meskhi.

Strat time: 19:30 Ticket: 20-50 GEL

December 29 Kids’ TV BBB’s big New Year’s Eve party The children’s favorite characters Babilina, Basti, Bubu, Fairy School, Travelers, and Dodi Gio will be traveling around the world.

Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-35 GEL January 7 NIKOLO RACHVELI & WORLD’S GREATEST SOUNDTRACKS The soundtracks by famous Georgian composer Giya Kancheli.

Composer, conductor and pianist - Nikoloz

Rachveli is leading the concert and at the same time telling stories about Charles Chaplin, Federico Fellini, Nino Rota, Michel Legrand, Ennio Morricone, etc.

GEORGIAN PHILARMONIC ORCHESTRA SOLISTS: Natalia Kutateladze (Mezzo-soprano) Giorgi Zagareli (Viola) George Shamanauri (Trumpet) Rezo Kiknadze (Saxophone) Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15-75 GEL

tBiliSi State conServatoire 8 Griboedovi Str. December 28 SOLO CONCERT OF TSOTNE ZEDGINIDZE, 10-year-old phenomenal composer and pianist.

Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15-35 GEL

SPortS Palace 26 May Sq. December 20 A MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH An Art Performer, Bus’s first large-scale concert featuring art-show elements.

Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-30 GEL

Monohall 2 D. Bakradze Str. December 20 EKO & VINDA FOLIO New Album Start time: 23:00 Ticket: 20 GEL

DYNASTY REPRESENTS A NEW CHOREOGRAPHICAL BALLET CHOREOGRAPHIC RHAPSODY Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 10-15 GEL

rePuBlic 1st Republic Sq. December 21 PARIS CITY JAZZ Famous Parisian musician and DJ Bellaire Start time: 23:00 Ticket: 30-80 GEL

elektroWerk 2 Beri Gabriel Salosi I turn December 21 ONE STORY All guests will receive a New Year’s gift Start time: 23:00 Ticket:15 GEL

ShalikaShvili theater December 21 DAVID LETELLIER Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 20 GEL

37 Rustaveli Ave. December 19 SOUNDWAVE PRESENT: The Black Marrows concert Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10 GEL

art hall SteinWay & SonS 1 O. Dgebuadze Str.

26 Ts. Dadiani Ave. December 23 POTSKHISHVILI CHOREOGRAPHICAL

December 27 Re-Introduction MAIA BARATASHVILI Ticket price including drink and sweet.

Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 30 GEL

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Innova Invitro

The Place Where Parenting Dreams Come True

Infertility was always a very serious problem for society, both as a medical and as a social-demographic issue. In an era of late parenting, combined with career growth goals which weakened the institution of family, the hazardous effects of toxic influences of ecology and environmental factors saw infertility becoming not just a personal tragedy but a global problem.

Innova Invitro, established and guided by Dr. Ketevan Osidze who is well-known for as being a doctor with excellent results, is fully dedicated to meeting patient’s expectations. The clinic has been operating since 2016 and is recognized worldwide as having international standards and high pregnancy rates.

WE ALL KNOW THAT TO BE A LEADING CLINIC IN TBILISI REQUIRES HARD WORK. PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT INNOVA INVITRO. I am really happy to have such an amazing team. I have 16 years’ working experience in the field of IVF but my goal was to start with the best possible embryology lab. I chose one of the leaders in the field of IVI, the Valencia Institute of

Infertility, as a provider of accreditation and runner of our embryology service.

Our Embryology Lab Director Jordan Garcia Ortega is a well-known professional worldwide with amazing experience. I think having such an influential person here had an overall impact on the service and quality in this region. We are proud that several Georgians have been trained by him. We continue to employee embryologists from IVI as the number of patients is growing constantly.

WHAT IS MAIN ACTIVITY OF YOUR CLINIC? We offer services of any difficulty as we are fully equipped and have the know-how. To performing IVF and ICSI – intracytoplasmic sperm injection, we can add genetic tests of embryos PGT-A, PGD, and NIPD tests for pregnancies. Our main activity includes ambulatory treatment and diagnostics of infertility. The clinic has all the necessary means to treat women and men: an external control hormonal lab, referral department of laparoscopy, endocrinology and andrology services, and outstanding specialists with up to date ultrasound and XR machines. We think that only proper diagnosis can ensure a successful medical intervention. Our multidiscipline team of gynaecologists, obstetricians, endocrinologists, therapeutics, and anaesthesiologists care about the well-being and satisfaction of patients and their babies.

We feel special responsibility providing donation and surrogacy services, as it is not only medical intervention. We care very much about the transparency and safety of the process for all parties – couples, egg or sperm donors and surrogate mothers. This is an absolutely legal process which is well controlled by the government.

WE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE VERY POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM PATIENTS. WHAT MAKES YOUR CLINIC DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS? Our priority is high standards of medical service, and an individualized and timely approach to any case with properly planned interventions. We have a special department for international patients to make it easy for them to plan and prepare for surrogacy and donation services. They arrive only at the final stages for the procedure and have to spend only several days in Tbilisi. I have to mention that they usually want to stay longer just as tourists and usually come back for several weeks with friends after the babies are born. I can say that medical tourism is contributing a lot to the rise of tourism activity overall. Timely and planned visits and long-distance services are very important to local customers as well, as a lack of time is a reality for many.

WHAT IS MAIN DIAGNOSIS OF YOUR PATIENTS? It is most commonly infertility due to tubal patency problems post-inflammation or post-surgery. Everyone is concerned about the very fast decline in sperm parameters and subfertility and infertility. Along with genetic errors in the Y chromosome, this situation is connected with ecology, air pollution, chemicals in food, steroid abuse and heavy metals in building materials, possible the harm of Wi-Fi and other urban factors, including stress. We are really glad to see men overcoming the stigma of coming for a check-up and visiting earlier, sometimes even before marriage. Infertility is problem of a couple not of a single individual, so faster diagnosis gives faster results.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS? We follow all the advances in reproductive medicine field. We would like to share our experience and expertise with professional society by participating in international research and training programs. As part of social responsibility, we will continue to make efforts to make society more informed and educated about infertility treatment and prevention.

WHAT DOES PARTNERING WITH IVI MEAN FOR YOUR CLINIC AND WHAT IS THE PRIORITY AREA OF ACTIVITY FOR INOVA INVITRO? The priority area for Inova Invitro is the comprehensive diagnosis and management of all pathologies of infertility, all the while adhering to international standards pertaining to the treatment procedures.

The main focus is on vitro fertilization and donation-surrogacy programs. We are home to personnel of the highest calibre with 15 years’ working experience in the realm of in vitro fertilization. The collaboration with IVI gives our specialists the opportunity to, along with providing the best standards of treatment, develop an integrated approach that incorporates complex diagnostics and consultation.

WHAT MAKES PATIENTS TURN TO DONATION OR SURROGACY? WHAT DO THESE TWO PROCEDURES ENTAIL? Premature ovarian syndrome, genetic abnormalities, poor quality eggs or embryos are among the conditions that urge us to recommend egg donation. Egg fertilization is carried out in the embryological laboratory by the recipient’s partner or donor sperm, then transplanted into the uterine cavity of a “potential mother” under ultrasonography. About 12 days after embryo transfer, a pregnancy test or

MEDICINE? The field is developing rapidly; new methods are emerging, such as the so-called “gene modification” or embryonic genetic evaluation. All new discoveries are accessible at our clinic and we apply them strictly in accordance with healthcare licensing.

The field of reproductive medicine is undergoing some outstanding developments in Georgia, as the country’s healthcare system actively supports it.

Under our state-controlled regulations, the patient receives a safe and comprehensive service within a high quality program. The rights of patients, donors and surrogates (with whom the clinic works in close cooperation) are maximally protected. blood test is performed to determine pregnancy.

In case of infertility, when referring to the surrogacy program, stimulation is provided for the biological mother or the donor, and the fertilized egg is transferred to the surrogate mother’s womb. Surrogate mothers have no genetic relationship with the embryos.

WHAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSES OF INFERTILITY? Infertility is a sensitive global issue. The causes may range from stress, late marriage, ecology, or the deterioration of male spermogram, among others. Quite often, a delayed visit to a doctor becomes one of the major obstacles.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MAJOR PRIORITY OF INOVA INVITRO? Our collaboration with Spain, an indisputable leader in the field, and working in accordance with the standards that they set, has been Invitro’s major asset.

Partnering with IVI is a major advantage in terms of research, results and technical support.

Inova Invitro is a clinic that never fails to adhere to the best of European standards, which is also stressed by its maintenance of an embryological laboratory, headed

by Jordan Garcia Ortega, a leading specialist at IVI. HOW DOES YOUR TEAM WORK TOWARDS THE CLINIC’S COMMON GOAL? The success of Inova Invitro almost entirely lies in our team’s passion and effort to deliver the latest in state-of-the-art expertise and innovation. IVI specialists are valuable members of our team. Our clinic is home for specialists from all the adjacent fields to fertilization, which is another remarkable asset. One can benefit from all the services he/she needs in the comfort of a single space.

WHAT IS THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FIELD OF REPRODUCTIVE

TELL US ABOUT THE IMPROVING TRENDS OF LATE. The newly emerging trend is that an ever-increasing number of men address our clinic.

Even before marriage, the couples conduct research and check on their health. Egg and embryo freezing methods are also becoming popular- all these are vital turning points!

WHAT ARE YOUR LAST THOUGHTS OR ADVICE FOR PATIENTS? This century has brought to light that the ecological situation and a stressful backdrop work against us. Even with Wi-Fi, the spermogram concentration is weakened and the indicators are corrupted.

Consequently, there are many things to consider in terms of pregnancy. Timely referral to a doctor will prevent many problems.

New Year, Georgian Style

The New Year tradition, while slowly becoming more Western in style (party after party and so on till dawn and beyond), starts with food and family. Most Georgians meet the new year with their family at a dinner table laden with goodies of the season [See Where to Eat section] and wine. Like some countries in the West, Georgians traditionally welcome the ‘First Foot’ (Mekvle) into the house, a senior person in the family who brings through the door with him good luck and handfuls of candies. Small gifts are given to children and then, at some time around 1 AM (or as soon as they can extract themselves from the bosom of the home), the younger generations head out to celebrate at friends’ houses, bars and clubs.

Visiting friends (and feasting) continues into January 1st. When visiting guests, take some candy with you and say: “Gilocavt axal tsels, sixaruli, bedniereba, janmrteloba” which means ‘Congratulations on the New Year. Love, happiness and health!’

January 2nd is Bedoba and it’s said that anything you do today will reflect on the rest of the year- so don’t expect to see many people working or stressed!

January 7th is Georgian Christmas.

December 25th is a regular work-andschool day in Georgia as church-goers here go by the Orthodox calendar which is 10 days behind that of the rest of the world. January 7th again means a family

feast, but it is much more about the Church, with parishioners staying at Mass on the night of the 6th to welcome the birth of Christ, then coming home to eat and drink to his good health, so ending the long fast which started in November.

January 14th is ‘Old New Year’ but is not an official holiday, nor does it have any specific traditions outside the Church.

Though that won’t stop the party from continuing…!

If you’re in Georgia over the holiday season, be sure to check out the Where to STAY, EAT and DRINK sections to see what parties you shouldn’t miss out on MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE WHERE.GE TEAM!

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Listing: Casinos PrinceSS caSino BatuMi 33 M. Abashidze Str., Batumi TEL (+995) 422 22 60 20 http://princessbatumi.com

and raffles featuring cash or prestigious prize winnings. There is a parking lot in front of the casino. Princess Casino Batumi is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

euroPe-Bet 12 Melikishvili Ave. TEL (+995) 32 247 14 71

aMBaSSaDori 17 Shavteli Str., 0105, Tbilisi, Georgia TEL (+995) 32 211 21 21 info@ambasadori.casino

Princess Casino Batumi is the ideal place for quality recreation and hospitality in a luxurious and cosmopolitan environment of an International Princess Casino Chain working in the best traditions of the European gaming business which include a high level of service.

The casino is located in one of the biggest modern and most touristic cities in Georgia, taking up part of the first floor of Wyndham Batumi Hotel in the heart of the city: when the lights of downtown switch on, the spirit of entertainment comes alive…

Enjoy world-popular gambling games such as American Roulette, Blackjack and Poker as well as high technology slot machines.

Princess Casino offers an innovative program for slot machine players, ‘Players Club,’ giving you the chance to earn points towards gifts and unique benefits.

Princess Casino regularly offers an entertainment program, shows and an open buffet for players.

With a dedicated team of PR and entertainment professionals, the Princess Casino Batumi offers a variety of draws

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GranD 48 Vaja-Pshavela Ave. TEL (+995) 32 239 96 52 Casino Ambassador is an elite gambling club based on the idea of a premium-class casino. It includes a unique approach to each customer and high-class service. The refined design, comfortable environment and perfect service that will be found in the Ambassador is a continuation of the hotel “Ambassador Tbilisi” concept. The Casino offers guests an unlimited amount of entertainment and relaxation 24/7 for both men and women.

When high bets are drawn, when the concentration is at its peak; when comfort means more than just luxury, club “Ambassador” will open its VIP-apartments for youthree apartments of different color, exclusive furniture, relaxation zones, bathrooms and, of course, a professional table.

Prize money for weekly chess tournament is 64,000 GEL Prize money for the weekly Saturday raffle is 120,000 GEL

aDJaraBet Old Tbilisi, Merab Kostava, near subway «Technical University» TEL (+995) 32 271 10 10, (+995) 32 236 43 60

ShanGri la caSino tBiliSi River Mtkvari Right Embankment, Near the Bridge of Peace TEL (+995) 32 220 07 01

caSino iveria

caSino iveria

1 Ninoshvili Str., Batumi TEL (+995) 4222 25 362, (+995) 4222 25 363

Republic (Rose Revolution) Sq. TEL (+995) 32 240 22 45

caSino JeWel 29 Shota Rustaveli Ave. TEL (+995) 32 260 00 00

gaming industry in Georgia. Offering 35 gaming tables, including all the traditional and modern casino games, it also boasts 295 slot machines and 80 electronic Roulette stations. With an average crowd of around 2,000 guests a night, many coming from the surrounding states, the Casino Adjara gambling halls create a unique gaming atmosphere that cannot be felt in many other Casinos in Europe.

WelMonD caSino 2/4 Shavsheti Str., Batumi TEL (+995) 422 242 020

caSino international 40 Rustaveli Str., Batumi TEL (+995) 422 23 00 23

caSino euroPeBet 5 Chavchavadze St., Batumi (+995) 32 219 40 00

caSino BatuMi GolDen Palace To grasp the full feel and essence of Casino Jewel, you will be greeted by its dedicated hostesses, who will show you around and get you into the vibe of the place. First and foremost, Casino Jewel prides itself on personalized service, which means giving personal attention to everyone who enters to explore the Casino.

caSino aDJara 26 May Sq. TEL (+995) 32 233 55 19 Casino Adjara opened its doors in 1998 and became an immediate hit in the

8/10 K. Gamsakhurdia St., Batumi (+995) 568 00 44 44

ecliPSe caSino 1 Lech and Maria Kaczynski Str., Batumi TEL (+995) 557 11 00 00

Peace caSino 2/21 Vazha Pshavela/Ninoshvili Str., Hotel Sheraton, Batumi TEL (+995) 557 77 00 00

caSino aJaraBet 7a Akhmeteli St., 10 Agmashenebeli St., Batumi (+995) 32 271 10 10

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to stay

Tips for Your Hotel Search in Georgia . . . e c i o h C y M

Joseph Anthony Boccuzzi Managing Partner at Georgian Support Services and Tbilisi InterNations Ambassador

tBiliSi for chriStMaS From the middle of December to the middle of January, Rustaveli Avenue is decked out in fantastic holiday lights that are just a joy to pass through. The illuminated stars, gift packages, and umbrellas are strung over the roadway and hang down to create a low ceiling of celestial celebration.

Traveling down the avenue under the holiday lights, you are greeted in Freedom Square to the spectacle of the statue of St. George covered in a sting of colored lights to form a giant Christmas tree as the center attraction. The Marriott Courtyard hotel and surrounding shops glow upon all visitors in the square facing St. George, dressed for Christmas. Be sure to visit my favorite church, Svetitskoveli in Mtsketa to meet Christmas at midnight. Of course there are other magnificent churches all thoughout the city that are also very special, too.

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to stay

GuDauri for ParaGliDinG A few years ago I drove up for a day and took a tandem paragliding ride there. It was amazing! The pilot and I strapped in to a harness and paraglide parachute and made a running leap off the edge of a mountain. We instantly began to float upwards, above our launch site on the mountain, buoyed by rising currents of air, known as thermals and updrafts. Remarkably, we stayed aloft for almost one hour without a motor, soaring with an eagle, sharing our thermals. We made a rather dramatic, steep, spiraling decent into a canyon as an alternative landing site next to a river. Apparently, the original planned landing site became unsuitable due to a shift in the wind. We were meet by a car with the ground support assistant, who was in constant radio contact with the pilot and following our progress. An exciting and impressive adventure beyond the usual fantastic skiing and snowboarding, also available there in winter.

BorJoMi & Bakuriani for relaxinG A great way to have the best of all worlds is to begin in Borjomi and book a stay at a resort hotel with a spa to relax from city life. Then take the the special train that links Borjomi and Bakuriani, known as the “Kukushka”. The journey takes you through a snow-covered spruce forest, and you’ll cross over the bridge that the wellknown French engineer, Gustave Eiffel, constructed. It was commissioned by the Romanov Russian royal family in days gone by. Once in Bakuriani, rent skis and enjoy the slopes. It’s often crowded and accommodation can be hard come by without advance planning. However, you can eliminate that problem by returning to Borjomi by the same train and relax in the spa for a second time. That’s the life!

WeStern GeorGia For a small country, Georgia can seem much different in scenery and culture by just traveling to different corners within. Fly to Mestia from Natakhtari airfield with Vanilla Sky airways. There is a ski resort there and of course stunning scenery all around. Heavy snow storms can sometimes prohibit traveling to and around Svaneti, so a backup plan might be to visit Batumi. It too, is very different from Tbilisi. There is a new 5 star resort hotel in Shekvetili, Paragraph Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection. That is a great destination stay, especially in February when the room rates are at the lowest and you can more easily afford the 5 star treat.

kazBeGi Easily reached from Tbilisi, weather permitting, Kazbegi is beautiful all year round.

The town of Stepantsminda is charming and below the peak of the famous mountain, Kazbegi, which is actually a dormant volcano. I highly recommend a visit to Gergeti Holy Trinity Church. Of course, be sure to dress warmly in the mountains as it can be cold and windy at times. You can reach the church up the steep, mountain road by hired car, on foot, or hired horse and guide. Consider renting a strong SUV in Tbilisi from gsservices.ge to get you there and back safely. I also like to stay at Rooms Hotel in Kazbegi because of the high level of luxury offered by the brand.

to stay

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New & Coming Hotels By katie ruth Davies

What I love about living in Georgia is seeing it moving forward, developing, learning and growing. The tourism sector is booming, with many local players expanding and international giants opening their second or even third hotels in the country. Check out some of the new arrivals below, perfect for future visits or to treat yourself on a weekend.

rooMS aBaStuMani

rooMS hotel kokhta

The hotel will be located in the building of a former sanatorium built in 1924 and investment totals $10 million.

Adjara Group is planning to open Rooms Abastumani Hotel in the resort town located in the country’s south-east in Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

The area boasts famed hot mineral waters, a space observatory and rich and refreshing forest air. Perfect for relaxation and rejeneration!

MonoGraPh A luxury boutique hotel, this “coming soon” hotel is to offer 36 luxury designed rooms, a gym, two conference halls, a fine dining restaurant, bar lounge, and a roof-top terrace. It promises a prime location for your stay, in downtown Tbilisi, close to the best shopping, nightlife and cultural attractions. (+995) 32 224 33 44

autoGraPh collection hotel, aBaStuMani

rooMS BatuMi After a long wait, bookings are now open at Rooms Hotel Kokhta.

Comprising up to 100 guestrooms, this Rooms Hotel is located in the picturesque alpine resort of Kokhta-Mitarbi renowned both for winter sports and summer activities. The highest mountain of the resort is Mount Kokhta at approximately 2.200 meters above sea level. It is a popular escape for adventurous freeriders and ambitious trekkers.

The first guests are the best guests, so book now and get 20% off until January 13th.

Bakuriani (+995) 32 202 00 20 https://roomshotels.com/kokhta

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Adjara Group will open Rooms Batumi by the end of 2020. The hotel will be 4-story, have 150 rooms and will boast a swimming pool above the 4th floor of the building.

They’ve already invested $22 million in this project, so we’re sure it’s a great one! The facade is complete and the owners intend it to be one of the leading hotels in the country.

hilton GarDen inn Hilton Garden Inn is located in the prestigious Vake district of Tbilisi, on Chavchavadze Avenue. Opening early 2020, the hotel is set to offer 170 guest rooms, eight meeting rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a 24/7 shop and a gym.

64a I. Chavchavadze Ave., Tbilisi (+995) 32 225 20 20

to stay

Marriott International is building a five-star Autograph Collection Hotel in the town of Abastumani in Georgia’s south-central Samtskhe–Javakheti region.

The hotel will have 140 rooms with “spectacular views over the coniferous forest,” alongside a full list of amenities- a spa, swimming pool, restaurant, conference hall and roof top terrace with 360° aerial panoramic views. The hotel’s total floor area will reach 25,000 sq.m.

Wyndham Grand Tbilisi

Wyndham Grand Tbilisi opened in May 2019, as part of the biggest hotel chain in 80+ countries with 9200+ hotels worldwide; overall 20 brands united in one holding (Wyndham, Ramada, Wingate, etc.)

with unforgettable panoramic city views.

On the Ground floor of the hotel is the Lobby Lounge with a terrace and on the 1st floor of the hotel is a Fitness, Indoor Pool & Spa Center.

Wyndham Grand Tbilisi is located in the heart of the city, where guests can enjoy beautiful city views from 158 rooms. The hotel has seven different room categories, including two presidential suites with equipment considering all world standards.

The hotel’s location gives its guests the opportunity to enjoy hotel facilities and at the same time have access to the best attractions which Old Tbilisi can offer: the Georgian National Museum, Georgian National Library, Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater, Rustaveli Theater, shopping mall with lots of entertainment, and small streets around the hotel with famous and active cafes, bars and night life.

Wyndham Grand Tbilisi offers five Meeting & Conference spaces, an Executive Lounge on the 6th floor, and a Sky Lounge and Ballroom on the 9th floor

The program we offer on New Year’s Eve 2020: new year’s eve – 31.12.19 • Boney M • Yusefa • Duet Rimskie • BSB Band • Temur Tatarashvili • Lela Tsurtsumia 01.01.20 - 02.01.20 • Non-Stop • Temur Tatarashvili • Lela Tsurtsumia • Teatraluri Kvarteti Lado Gudiashvili Str., Tbilisi

to stay

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Radisson Blu Iveria City-Center Hotel Boasts Views of the River & Mountains Found in the heart of Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, this hotel is nestled between the beautiful Mtkvari River and nearby mountain ranges. Step outside to find dining, shopping and nightlife on Rustaveli Avenue. You can visit nearby attractions like Old Town and the Narikala Fortress.

Their 249 rooms and suites provide free high-speed, wireless internet and scenic views of Mtatsminda, the city’s historic hill, or of the river landscape.

uMaMi Be sure to experience exquisite dining within tranquility and elegance of interior design at Radisson’s Asian restaurant Umami. By mixing Japanese and Thai with other culinary cultures, the chefs use the freshest ingredients to create both traditional and innovative dishes. Here, cooking becomes a performance art as you watch your dinner being created in the open kitchen. Pair Umami’s signature sushi with a glass of wine as you take in the views from floor-to-ceiling windows and expect no less than premium treatment from their wonderful service team.

Be a part of this Asian fusion restaurant and try fresh sushi or something sizzling from a menu that showcases everything from tepanyaki to teriyaki. Umami offers a range of authentic dishes from Asia as well as some newer signature dishes created by Radisson Blu Iveria’s Asian chefs.

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filini The blissful flavors and colors of Italy come together in the heart of Tbilisi. At Filini, they understand that the concept of a great restaurant is not exclusively about delicious food: it also involves dining in an attractive and soulful setting complete with a welcoming and competent service team. The Filini menu offers a wide selection of traditional and signature dishes, creatively cooked up for an unforgettable culinary experience. We love their organic selection of perfectly grilled steaks and locally foraged natural cheeses and jams. For a touch of local taste, a glass of Georgian Qvevri wine paired with homemade pasta is second to none.

the anne SeMonin SPa Traversing Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel’s top two floors, the Anne Semonin Spa overlooks Tbilisi in all its sun-drenched brilliance. With its massive floor-to-ceiling windows, light pastel tones and aerial views, this 1,600-square-meter spa offers nourishment for all human senses.

Equipped with an infinity lounge pool, relaxation area, thermal suites, KLAFSŠ solariums, nine treatment rooms, a fitness center and an outdoor pool, the Anne Semonin Spa offers everything and more. Its deluxe treatment collection presents an ingenious blend of aromatic essentials oils, trace elements and marine ingredients with a classic French touch and a holistic approach to treating the individual needs of your body and skin.

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Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate

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Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate is set in the heart of the country’s most popular wine district, ‘Kakheti’, and offers a truly unique Georgian guest experience.

The property features an on-site wine yard and its own historical winery, whilst additional features include a spa on the top floor, an outside heated swimming pool with amazing Caucasus Mountains view, exciting venues for meetings and events that total over 2350 square meters.

A Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate features 141 stylish rooms and suits and a range of exceptional hotel facilities. Every room features the elegance to perfectly complement the hotel’s stunning location. The concept is incorporated into the winery and the stunning result is a seamless blend of Georgian style with modern elegance, and rooms that form the ultimate template for contemporary living. Internationally well-known architects John Fotiadis, Christina Gabas and Damien Figueras worked on the project. Hotel features stunning interior design by world-renowned industrial designer Ingo Maurer and Georgian artist and sculptress Tamara Kvesitadze.

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Hotel Bakuriani Inn Hotel “Bakuriani Inn” – a 5-star hotel in Bakuriani is the 4th hotel of the Inn Group and currently the best hotel in the resort.

The hotel has 25000 sq.m. yard with century old trees, 500 meters of walking and cycling path and childrens’ playground.

The hotel offers 154 different types of rooms – from Economy to Presidential suits. The hotel is adapted for people with disabilities.

Every room has a balcony overlooking a beautiful Caucasian mountains.

The hotel offers a winebar, a cocktail bar and 2 restaurants, where guests can enjoy Georgian and European dishes prepared by professional chefs.

The hotel features many different services for relaxation, such as – spa center, pool, gym, beauty salon, massage and steam rooms. Guests can enjoy spa procedures performed by professionals using one of the best skin care lines - Germaine de Cappuccini.

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In addition, guests can enjoy their free time in the game zone featuring various games such as Billiards, table football, darts etc.

“Bakuriani Inn” offers both meeting rooms and conference halls for both big and medium size businesses. The hotel has different meetings spaces and a high-tech Ballroom, equipped with all necessary conference facilities.

With free shuttle to the cable cars and back, and ski-rentals provided at the place, “Bakuriani Inn” is an attractive place for ski lovers.

Our main goal is to provide an unforgattable experience to each of our guests. We welcome guests of all sorts of interests, whether they come for a family vacation or an energetic winter-sports experience.

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the BeSt hotel in Bakuriani

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marketing@inngroup.ge +995 599 871 077 (whatsapp)

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Hotel Sharden Villa Hotel Sharden Villa is a modern boutique hotel, located in the historical center of Tbilisi. It is surrounded by the best sights of Old Tbilisi, among them the Narikala Fostress, Metekhi Church, Sioni Temple and many others. There are also many cafes, bars, restaurants and other places of recreation and entertainment nearby.

In total, the hotel has 22 rooms, several of them with balconies and all equipped with individual bathrooms, hairdryers, plasma TV sets, safes, telephones and a mini bar. Sharden Villa has an open terrace which is located on the 4th floor. Guests of Hotel Sharden Villa have a unique chance to taste the most delicious breakfast and take maximum pleasure from the wonderful views of Old Tbilisi, which are seen from every side of the terrace. The team of Sharden Villa always looks forward to hosting you at their hotel.

42 K. Abkhazi Str., (Former Leselidze) +995 32 2 753000, 598 716877 Web: book-shardenvilla.otelms.com Facebook: Hotel Sharden Villa

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Brand Wine

The Brand Wine Georgia is certainly a must-visit destination for the true wine enthusiasts, which will blaze a path for them in the world of the genuine Georgian drink.

Brand Wine is distinguished with the multiplicity of wines, as well as other alcoholic drinks, including chacha and sparkling wine, mesmerizing customers of all tastes.

With the stunning interior, authentic Georgian dĂŠcor and wine-related ornaments, Brand Wine creates a small world of wine and offers a fascinating experience to the customers.

The founders of the shop had the details very much in mind while launching the shop. Thus, they have used traditional Georgian vessels and casks as the main decoration.

Brand Wine also holds various wine-tastings, where the guests of Georgia, as well as locals, have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the each type of drink, and find out which of them is more suitable for the Georgian holidays and the country’s gastronomy.

Address: Vake, 48/50 Mtskheta Str. Tbilisi Tel.: +995 577 75 55 55 www.brandwine.ge

WINE PALACE HOTEL THE HERO OF GEORGIAN HOSPITALITY

Address: 31, B. Kvernadze Str. Tbilisi TEL: +995 322 33 88 08, +995 555 35 55 55, +995 577 75 55 55 www.winepalace.ge Email: info@winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace

Welcome to ibis Tbilisi Stadium

Accor Group, a world leader in travel, modern lifestyle and digital technology, has opened ibis Tbilisi Stadium - the third hotel in the capital of Georgia. ibis Tbilisi Stadium is located in the heart of the cultural and business part of Tbilisi, on Agmashenebeli Avenue, on the left bank of the Kura River, near the famous stadium “ Dynamo Arena.”

The new economy-class hotel offers 150 modern and comfortable rooms decorated in the corporate style of the brand to accommodate guests. Each room features ultra-comfortable ibis Sweet Beds, as well as everything you need for work or leisure

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after a busy day in the city. The interior of the public spaces was designed by the renowned Bureau of Sundukovy Sisters and meets all international environmental standards.

In the hotel lobby there is a bar and lounge area where guests can enjoy morning coffee or evening cocktails in a comfortable setting, as well as hold business meetings. All areas of the hotel are equipped with Wi-Fi. The new hotel concept creates a simple, but at the same time refined, home feeling, which was made possible thanks to modern and vivid visual solutions. Public spaces here are

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designed for acquaintances and useful communication and are open to both hotel guests and local residents.

The hotel is perfect for exploring the sports and theatrical life of the city. The State Theater of Music and Drama, and the Tbilisi State Theater of Cinema Acting named after Mikhail Tumanishvili are located nearby. In addition, only two minutes away is the Mushtaidi Park, as well as the Tbilisi-Passenger Railway Station.

“We are pleased to introduce our third hotel in the capital of Georgia. The new

ibis perfectly complements the existing lifestyle portfolio and is suitable for both tourist trips and business travelers. The ultramodern design developed by the Sundukov Sisters and executed using traditional motifs, an excellent location in the city center and high standards of service guarantee guests the most pleasant way to discover the city, and the pricequality ratio will certainly become its competitive advantage,” ACCOR New East Europe CEO Alexis Delaroff says. ibis, the democratic brand of the Accor hotel group, guarantees a modern

approach, comfort and quality service at the best price.

In order to offer its guests a modern approach, comfort and affordability, the brand is constantly improving - the concept of innovative Sweet Bed TM beds by ibis, stylish lounge areas and modern ibis restaurant. The ibis brabd is known worldwide for its quality, reliability and environmental care. The ibis chain, established in 1974, is currently the European leader in budget hotels and the fourth largest chain in the world in its category among more than 1,209 hotels in 67 countries.

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Accor is a world leader in hospitality, modern lifestyle and digital technology, offering a unique experience of accommodation in more than 4,900 hotels, resorts and residences, and 10,000 of the best private homes around the world.

David Aghmashenebeli Avenue 178 0112 TBILISI — GEORGIA Т +995 (32) 222 10 35 EMAIL: HA1L2@ACCOR.COM ibis.com | all.accor.com

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Listing: 4 & 5 Star Hotels in Georgia The Tbilisi hotel market reflects the city’s image as the corporate briefcase of the region and it comes well equipped with five-star offerings, as well as with a new breed of lower priced options for travelers on a budget. Offering 24-hour service and modern standards, the best hotels are most commonly located in the heart of the city. Hotels list their prices in Euros, Dollars or Lari, though in most cases your bill will be calculated in the local currency using the current exchange rate and payment is possible by credit card (VISA or MasterCard). The majority of Tbilisi hotels can arrange transportation services to and from the airport for their clients on the basis of prior agreement.

There are several world brands operating in Georgia including Marriott, Sheraton, Radisson Blu and Holiday Inn which play host to thousands of guests throughout the year. All are distinguished by their remarkable architecture and interiors. A variety of exhibitions, conferences and official events are often held in the hotels and, over the next four years, six more global brands are expected to enter the Georgian market. High-end hotels usually host guests participating in the cultural, business and political life of the country. Tbilisi is a business city and occupancy rates reflect that. The average price for a night in such a hotel costs around $120-250.

the BiltMore hotel tBiliSi 29 Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi (+995) 32 272 72 72

The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi is ideally situated within the historic and cultural district of the Georgia’s capital city. Close to the east bank of the Mtkvari River, this hotel is suitable for both business and leisure travellers. The immaculately restored grand lobby echoes the nostalgia of a bygone era, resonating the glamor and prestige of the social elite.

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courtyarD tBiliSi 4 Liberty (Freedom) Sq., Tbilisi (+995) 32 277 91 00 Perfectly located in Freedom Square in the heart of the city center, this hotel is within walking distance of the Georgian National Museum, Rustaveli Theater, and the State Opera House - not to mention a host of galleries, gardens, and other attractions. Modern and comfortable hotel rooms feature plush bedding, high-speed Internet access, climate control, and other amenities; many offer views of Tbilisi city center. Additional hotel perks include a fitness center and Jacuzzi, and a heated indoor pool. You can visit the hotel restaurant, Brasserie Freedom, for all-day dining. and Freedom Square views.

tBiliSi Marriott hotel 13 Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi (+995) 32 277 92 00 www.marriott.com Once you enter its grand atrium-style lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers,

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you’re greeted with renowned Georgian hospitality. Overlooking the Main Avenue or patio, the 127 luxury hotel rooms and suites feature a safe, mini-bar, individual climate control and broadband internet.

Whether your trip entails business or leisure, enjoy galleries and theaters all within walking distance of the hotel.

Marriott Hotel in Tbilisi is well-known as a spacious event venue. Offering first-class catering, there are 6 meeting rooms and a ballroom able to accommodate 200 guests. Dine in Parnas Restaurant for an elegant meal or have a light snack at Parnas Café & Lounge. Visit the Fitness Gym for a workout or relax in the sauna.

PORTA CAUCASIA KAZBEGI HOTELHOTEL PORTA KAZBE Feel atCAUCASIA home in Caucasus

Feel at home in Caucasus

Porta Caucasia,meaning ‘Gate to the Caucasus’ is a freshly The name of the four-star hotel “Porta Caucasia” greatheart of Kazbegi. launched hotel locatedhas in the newly-established 4 star hotel in the heart of Kazbegi and its surroundings have been offers Kazbegi alpine style sophistication and elegance.

The attracting a lot of visitors of late; people drawn there byhas ainterior love ofand nature, exotic and historical hotelhotel stands out for itsCaucasia” exquisite tasteful The name of the “Porta great creates a peaceful atmosphere sights, and and the relaxing magnificent views for of Mount Kazbegi found in the guests.

A combination of earthy materials and ecoDarialiGorge. friendly4manufacturing beautiful ideal newly-established star hotel makes in thethisheart of hotel Kazbegi for all sophistication tastes. offers alpine style and elegance. The

Porta Caucasia is the perfect place to stay if you’re interested in

hotel stands out forvisiting its exquisite interior and this region.tasteful It is unusual to find such comfort and support creates a peacefulhigh andinrelaxing atmosphere mountains, but you will befor amazed to discover the highqualityofservice thismaterials hotel provides. guests. A combination earthy and ecofriendly manufacturing makes this beautiful hotel ideal The hotel stands out for numerous reasons. Paying attention to for all tastes. detail, the interior is manufactured by Villeroy &Boch, as is the furniture, which is wooden and ecofriendly. Luxury and taste merge to create a great sense of ambiance. Each room is well equipped, offering all the important facilities. Private bathrooms come with THE HOTEL OFFERS: top-of-the-range toiletries. * 33 Deluxe and Suite rooms with excellent

panoramic views over the Mkinvartsveri and Kuro Mountain Caucasia has pioneered the creation of a privatetoonline host you * World Porta Class Service rward fo * Georgian and European restaurants with g in platform for bookings and reservations, allowing ease of contact k Kazbegi Loo unique and delightful cuisine Caucasia * Spa &with Beauty Salon and Sauna hotel staff. at Porta * Wine Shop by Winery Khareba

World-famous Georgian Winery Khareba is the founder of Porta

Address: 2 Tergdaleulebi St., Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia Caucasia are wine tours inside FB: the@PortaCaucasiaKazbegi hotel on the ground Tel: +995 322 and 25 77there 70 Mail: info@portacaucasia.com

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THE HOTEL OFFERS: The hotel has Georgian and European cuisine represented in two restaurants within the hotal, featuring delicious dishes, made using * 33 Deluxe and Suite rooms with excellent locally produced products. The wine is something particularly worth panoramic views over the Mkinvartsveri and Kuro Mountain mentioning, asKharebaWinery presents varieties of wine in both * World Class Servicerestaurants. There is also a terrace and lounge on the top floor. rd to rwa * Georgian and European restaurants with oking fo aucasia o L unique and delightful cuisine Porta Caucasia is ideal for couples, families, rleisure Cholidays, * Spa & Beauty Salonbusiness and Sauna at Po ta trips. * Wine Shop by Winery Khareba

The staff can plan trips according to your personal interests: try their

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Alpine2 Tour on Mount Kazbegi, with equipment(Kazbegi), and personal guide Address: Tergdaleulebi St., Stepantsminda Georgia provided.

If you info@portacaucasia.com are more into history and culture, take advantage Tel: +995 322 25 77 70 Mail: FB: @PortaCaucasiaKazb of their Culture Tour, which includes a visit to various historical sites, including Gergeti Church and several Chateaus.

Kazbegi is close to Gudauri resort and the hotel offers affordable transfer services.

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Address: 2 Tergdaleulebi St., Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia Tel: +995 322 25 77 70 Mail: info@portacaucasia.com FB: @PortaCaucasiaKazbegi

raDiSSon Blu iveria hotel 1 Rose Revolution Sq., Tbilisi (+995) 32 240 22 00

Fostress, Metekhi Church, Sioni Temple and many others. There are also many cafes, bars, restaurants and other places of recreation and entertainment nearby.

This magnificent 21-storey glass building used to be the symbol of the city during the Soviet era. Following its transformation, Holiday Inn Tbilisi can accommodate guests in 270 Standard, Business and Executive guest rooms. Inside every guest room, elegant interiors detailed with many original features offer comfortable living.

The spacious feel is enhanced by high ceilings and tall windows, in keeping with the original architecture of the former Adjara hotel. The outstanding living and dining area, with elegant designer wallpaper and rich African wood flooring, provide a sanctuary in which to relax and entertain.

hotelS & Preference hualinG tBiliSi Whether you’ve come for business or pleasure, you’ll leave with a sense of the beauty that surrounds the city’s central hotel, Radisson Blu Iveria, Tbilisi. The hotel offers a variety of dining options, an open terrace and outdoor pool, a topfloor bar and pool and a Spa. Travel anywhere you want to go in Tbilisi from the metro station which is just 300 meters from the hotel.

Metro station - 300 m.; Tbilisi Railway Station - 5 km.; Tbilisi International Airport - 19 km

hotel SharDen villa

Tbilisi Sea District, Tbilisi (+995) 32 250 50 25

holiDay inn 26 May Sq., Tbilisi (+995) 32 230 00 99 www.hi-tbilisi.com

The hotel is only a five-minute drive from the East Point Shopping Mall while Tbilisi Saint Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

42 K. Abkhazi Str., (Former Leselidze) (+995) 32 275 30 00, 598 71 68 77 Web: book-shardenvilla.otelms.com Facebook: Hotel Sharden Villa

All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a 48-inch flat-screen TV with international channels. The private bathrooms include free toiletries, slippers, bathrobes and a hairdryer, a bath tub and separate shower cabin.

Hotel Sharden Villa is a modern boutique hotel, located in the historical center of Tbilisi. It is surrounded by the best sights of Old Tbilisi, among them the Narikala

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the terrace Boutique hotel

to the old one. Then we decided to expand again and a high class hotel was built with the projects of Italian architects and designers, next to the old “Ambassadori.”

7 P. Kakabadze Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 299 90 01

4-minute walk from Europe Square and Metekhi St. Virgin Church.

The exquisite design and timeless elegance of The Terrace boutique hotel can be found in the heart of Tbilisi’s historical center. Providing a unique blend of personalized attention and essential elements for an unforgettable city break, the Terrace Hotel’s team is committed to providing an exceptional experience to each and every guest. The spacious feel is enhanced by high ceilings and tall windows with original architecture overlooking one of the best views in the city for an authentic local experience.

King Gorgasali offers elegantly decorated rooms with memorable views and modern decor.

The property also boasts a Georgian restaurant, Sormoni, a wine spot with sommelier service, khinkhali show room and a terrace with an amazing view. Enjoy the cozy lobby bar and memorable historical exterior to make your stay extra special.

BriM tBiliSi 12-14 Malkhaz Abdushelishvili Str. +995 32 212 00 12

aMBaSSaDori hotel 17 Shavteli Str., Tbilisi (+995) 243 94 94

There are 26 rooms, a meeting room and rooftop restaurant with 360 degree views of Tbilisi. The restaurant offers Georgian & European cuisine.

hotel kinG GorGaSali 3 V. Gorgasali Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 222 50 80 Stay in the Heart of Tbilisi City.

Ideally located in Old Tbilisi, King Gorgasali is few steps from Shardeni Street, where you will find the top cafes, bars and restaurants. You’ll be just a

The new five star Ambassadori hotel, with 121 rooms, beautiful terraces, magnificent views, comfortable rooms and service with high standards creates an unforgettable experience for guests and the bars and restaurants of the hotel have been made as prominent as the first restaurant was back in the day.

The story of the first ever Georgian hotel brand Ambassadori Tbilisi began in 2004 with the construction of a 7-room hotel.

Demand for more rooms increased by the day. In 2013 a new building was added

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Brim Tbilisi breaths new energy and echoes the artistic and collaborative spirit once alive in Avlabari. The property exterior is art, merging urban style with classical design inspired by fairy tales.

Brim Tbilisi is the first complex in the city to use a solar panel as its main source of energy, further striving to implement an eco-friendly environment. It features 52 rooms, a café, a rooftop terrace restaurant and a conference space- both with spectacular panorama views of Tbilisi. Guestrooms are comfortable and spacious. Service is always personal: with us you will experience delicious memories of Georgian cuisine.

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RELI LAKE R E S O R T

kvareli lake reSort 52, Chavchavadze Str., Kvareli (+995 32) 2 30 50 90 reception@kvarelilake.ge www.kvarelilakeresort.ge

KVARELI LAKE R E S O R T

In the heart of Kakheti, one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia and to the east of the small town of Kvareli, beneath the southern slope of Great Caucasus mountains, the unique Kvareli Lake Resort spreads over 300 hectares of beautiful natural landscape. The virgin forest surrounding the resort; the lake before it; the vast Alazani Valley in the backyard and large hotel rooms, each equipped with a small terrace and beautiful panoramic views, make Kvareli Lake Resort a unique place to stay.

Featuring modern yet minimalist lines, a light, contemporary design and neutral tones, the 61-room property opens guests up to the wonders of the spectacular lake below. From the inviting spa and the infinity pool with its cozy bar, to the restaurant with its wide terrace opening up the marvelous view of the Alazani Valley, this is a superbly crafted getaway.

Originally, the resort featured a small but very impressive hotel with panoramic views of the lake and the vast Alazani Valley. Today, there are 20 rooms in the original hotel (Building A), including 17 standard and 3 semi-suite rooms.

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In September 2019, construction of the new building block (Building B) was completed. The new hotel building has 41 rooms, including one standard room for persons with limited capabilities. All hotel rooms are modern and comfortably furnished with king-size/twin beds. Each room features a small terrace with a view of either the lake or valley. Flat-screen TV, mini-bar, Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service are standard amenities. The lobby of Building B was designed by famous Georgian designer Nino Chubinishvili, adding to just how exceptional and unique this hotel is..

hotel Wine Palace 31, B. Kvernadze Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 233 88 08, (+995) 555 35 55 55 www.winepalace.ge Email: info@winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace

vinotel 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi (+995) 32 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

Where.ge is glad to introduce very special hotel in its Stay section this issue. Vinotel is a boutique hotel located in the old town, on the left embankment of Mtkvari River, 10 minutes from freedom square, near Sameba cathedral and the Presidential residence. World Luxury Awards recently awarded the hotel in two categories: ‘The Best Small Hotel in Eastern Europe’ and ‘The Best Boutique Hotel in Georgia’. It offers small quantity of rooms, including luxury suites featuring a hamam and fireplace, unique superior rooms, stylish semi-mansard rooms and a cozy top-view room. The location is superb for travelers interested in local food, city walks and old-town exploring.

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Hotel “Wine Palace” is located in the center of Tbilisi, behind the Sports Palace, only 2.3 km from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater. The nearest metro station is just a 3-minute walk.

The hotel fully meets the highest European standards. 33 comfortable rooms- standard and deluxe – come decorated in the highest artistic style (hand-painted walls, a delightful combination of classic and romantic styles) and are equipped with Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, an international phone and safes.

“Wine Palace” provides guests with breakfast served in a nice dining room, while delicious Georgian and European dishes can be ordered for dinner.

The hotel also offers a fully equipped conference room for 70 people.

Hotel “Wine Palace” has a unique wine cellar which stores about 100 brands of Georgian wine, as well as home-made wine.

For hotel guests, wine tastings and national dishes are arranged. Guests can also book a tour to the regions through the hotel.

Black toMato tBiliSi (+995) 568 77 72 59 3/6 G. Lortkipanidze Str., Tbilisi, Georgia Email: tbilisi@blacktomato.ge

The hostel is surrounded by socalled Italian yards, modern and vintage bars and cafes.

Black toMato kutaiSi (+995) 568 77 73 21 17 M. Kostava Str., Kutaisi, Georgia Email: hello@blacktomato.ge

A vintage hostel contains three private unsuited rooms and a dormitory room located in a historical building in Old Tbilisi. A mix of wooden handmade and renovated old furniture along with super-friendly service creates a unique hip atmosphere.

Black Tomato Kutaisi unites a Hostel and a Wine Bar in western Georgia. A typical Imerelian house has been transformed into a hip hostel with vintage soul. The Hostel is located in Old Kutaisi where the neighborhood comprises of interesting old houses and of course cafes and restaurants that demonstrate the rich food culture of Imereti.

The hostel offers dorm rooms, as well as private double rooms and common areas, all of them decorated with old items and

hotel zeMeli 15 M. Kostava Str. (+995) 322 30 03 05

In the heart of Tbilisi, at 15 Merab Kostava Street, near the renowned “Zemeli Pharmacy” of old Tbilisi, hotel Zemeli has opened its doors for guests.

Hotel Zemeli is a boutique-type hotel with 23 uniquely decorated modern, and comfortable rooms. The hotel takes pride in its diverse and healthy cuisine, which is offered to guests in the lounge on the first floor of the building.

The hotel stands out for its central location near sights, theaters, museums and shops; its carefully and tastefully chosen design and décor; its diverse and tasty cuisine, and its high-quality service. Hotel Zemeli answers well to the standards of the global market and is ready to welcome guests from every part of the world.

It’s also important to note that the hotel is affordable, functioning in the mid-priced segment which is a highly in demanded but in low supply in Georgia.

Hotel Zemeli is expected to become an integral part of Tbilisi city life, a place for both professional and private meets.

Modernly designed Zemeli, a boutique hotel of 23 rooms and a café/lounge, offers a pleasant environment for all guests.

furniture that ultimately create a stunning fusion interior. Situated in the yard of the hostel, Black Tomato Wine Bar serves traditional Georgian wines as well as sparkling wine and wine cocktails. A super-friendly and chilled environment fosters the atmosphere for travelers to make new friends, as good background music and a glass of wonderful Georgian wine is the best idea after a long adventurous day to share experiences with each other. The wine bar not only serves Hostel guests, but is also open to any other visitors.

BorJoMi likani hotel 16 Meskheti Str., Borjomi (+995) 32 229 22 92 Website: www.borjomilikani.com E: info@borjomilikani.com

Luxury 5 star Hotel Borjomi Likani is located 177 km away from Tbilisi (the capital of Georgia) in the middle of the coniferous park in Borjomi city, famous of its naturally carbonated mineral water from springs in the Borjomi Gorge of central Georgia. Hotel Borjomi Likani is located on the former territory of once popular Sanatorium of 4th deparment in Likani. Guests from all over the USSR used to gather here to spend time with family and friends and receive the benefits of the Health procedures offered, due to the curative effect of the Borjomi water.

The famous Summer Palace of Russian royal Romanovs’ Family resided on the territory of the hotel is another reason for the guests to visit Borjomi Likani complex.

The palace is under renovation today and soon will open its doors to all the guests.

The Borjomi Likani Hotel features 151 comfortable rooms with stupendous view to the surroundings and modern amenities.

Additional services: Spa & health Center, bars and restaurants, conference hall, kids club, weddings and entertainments.

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GolDen tuliP BorJoMi hotel 48, 9 April Str. Borjomi (+995) 32 288 02 02, (+995) 591 02 80 82 E-mail: info@goldentulipborjomipalace.com www.goldentulipborjomipalace.com

Golden Tulip Borjomi Hotel is managed by French International hotel chain “Golden Tulip,” which belongs to “Louvre Hotels Group”.

Golden Tulip Borjomi is one of the most attractive historical buildings in Borjomi, located just steps away from the popular Borjomi Mineral Waters Park. It was built in 1892 by the Consular of Iran in Russia, Mirza-Reza Khan, as a house with Spa Treatment and is nowadays considered a Unique Cultural Monument of the 19th Century.

Golden Tulip Borjomi Hotel features 17 comfortable guest rooms including 2 Suites, 2 Classic singles and 13 Deluxe Double Rooms.

Hotel services include Restaurant “Arfaye”, the Garden Café, Lobby Bar, brand new Fitness Room, Spa: Steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Bucket Shower and 1 exclusive treatment room.

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MuSeuM hotel 8/10 Vakhtang Orbeliani Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 224 49 99

Museum Hotel Orbeliani is an appealing name, suggesting the hotel’s history as it is located in a historical residence of an old noble family Orbeliani, well known in high society of old Georgia.

The architecture and interior design of the boutique hotel are unique, as is its service.

The hotel is distinguished for its intimate atmosphere and idiosyncratic style; always upscale and combining historic 19th century details with chic elegance.

Museum Hotel Orbeliani is located in the heart of Tbilisi, just 100m from the Dry Bridge Flea Market and within a walking distance of Rustaveli Avenue, Narikala Fortress and the ancient sulphur baths.

Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater is 600 m and Freedom Square is 700 m away.

Tbilisi International Airport is only 18 km from the hotel. The Hotel offers car hire and provides transfer services.

Enjoy on-site gourmet Georgian-Persian restaurant ‘’Sirajkhana,’, a roof top lounge bar Mixology 810 with an incredible city view and café ‘’Museum’’ with a beautiful, cozy terrace on the ground floor.

faBrika 8 Ninoshvili Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 202 03 99

and Bagrati monasteries are reachable by car in 15-20 minutes. The other attractions of Imereti region are within a 1 or 2-hour drive. A classic design, international level of comfort and Georgian level of sincere hospitality are the main reason to choose Best Western Kutaisi as a place to stay.

We also recommend tasting Imeretian cuisine in the on-site restaurant!

rooMS hotelS tBiliSi The big cultural success since 2016, Fabrika is a perfect example of gentrification on the left bank of Mtkvari River.

Hostel and suites, co-working space, shops and ateliers, food joints and bars are united in a conceptual space that used to be a sewing factory in the Soviet period.

Every night, even on Mondays, the inner yard is full of people hanging out, drinking beer or wine, and chatting into the small hours. On the weekends, there are usually concerts or DJ sets of local musicians in one of the resident bars or even in the yard. Such events usually bring together crowds of hundreds from all over.

BeSt WeStern kutaiSi 11 Grishashvili Str., Kutaisi (+995) 32 219 71 00 www.bwkutaisi.com Until 2016, Kutaisi couldn’t boast any well-known names in its list of hotels. But quite recently one of the oldest cities in Georgia, an important transport hub and home of UNESCO Heritage Site, got its first brand hotel: a Best Western. Overlooking the white waters of Rioni River and the locally famous White Bridge, the hotel is located very centrally. Old Town, with its choice of traditional restaurants, can be reached on foot, and the famous Gelati

14 M. Kostava Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 202 00 99 www.roomshotels.com

breathed new life into the bohemian neighborhood of Vera, attracting creatives and artists with its unique brand of design-led hospitality. The aesthetics are chic and comfortable, defined by rich tones, natural materials, and plush textures. The Bar Room and the Kitchen restaurant draw in guests and visitors for handcrafted cocktails and modern casual dining with contemporary dishes, creating a social meeting space that defies the standard hotel definition. Elegant and inviting, the eight categories of guest rooms are spread over five floors, fully booked during significant city events, including the Tbilisi and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks.

Located on the fifth floor, the Terrace Queen and Terrace King rooms stream in all the sunlight through their floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll be fascinated by their cozy private terraces overlooking the hotel’s courtyard garden.

hilton GarDen inn Rooms Hotels is a young and independent lifestyle hotel brand based in Georgia that has quickly emerged as the premier leader of distinctive hospitality experiences in the region.

The first Rooms Hotel opened its doors in summer 2012, in Georgia’s remote region, Kazbegi. This was followed by the Rooms Hotel Tbilisi in autumn 2014.

Located in Vera, a charming and historic quarter of the capital which has long been associated with artists and intellectuals.

The former publishing house has been refurbished into a modern innovative design hotel infusing the old cultural and visual heritage of its environs. It’s now a hotspot for local and international creatives in search of inspiration.

The hotel proudly lives up to all earned appraisals. Rooms Hotel Tbilisi has

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64a I Chavchavadze Ave (+995) 32 225 20 20

Hilton Garden Inn is new hotel in a prestigious area of Tbilisi, on Chavchavadze Avenue which will open in March 2020 . The Hotel will offer 170 guest rooms, 8 meeting rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, 24/7 shop and a gym. Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi’s website is already live and bookings are open.

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WynDhaM GranD tBiliSi

Comprising 100 guestrooms, each offering stunning vistas of the lesser Caucasus range, Rooms Hotel Kokhta is a strikingly contemporary ski-in ski-out resort in winter and a gateway to Alpine experiences year-round. Here, a sleek structure set in the heart of mountain greenery showcases the design mastery of Rooms Hotels contributors Adjara Arch Group, as well as the young Tbilisi-based duo Nata Janberidze and Keti Toloraia, who represent a new generation of young Georgian designers.

3 L. Gudiashvili Str. (+995) 32 243 90 00

Discover old-world charm from the comfort and elegance of Wyndham Grand Tbilisi hotel. Situated near Tbilisi’s bustling Rustaveli Avenue, it provides easy access to top-notch shopping, nightlife, and dining. Throughout your stay, you’ll love our luxurious amenities. Enjoy a refreshing drink and indulge in fine dining at Sky Lounge or Lobby Lounge, relax in the heated indoor pool and sauna, or let your cares melt away with a spa treatment.

Within their modern hotel, they have a premium fitness center and business center to help you stay productive.

It also offers room service 24/7.

With seven event rooms totaling over 906 square meters, this makes the perfect venue for hosting flawless events of up to 400 people.

holiDay inn telavi

and business visitors. The hotel offers a modern restaurant on the top floor with breath-taking views of the Alazani valley. The innovative Iberico Bar & Restaurant serve a wide selection of tapas: specialties which combine international and Georgian flavors paired with famous Georgian wines as well as cocktails.

The bar and terrace are the perfect place to relax while having a drink and tasting traditional Georgian snacks. The hotel has a flexible and well-equipped conference room for up to 50 delegates and also offer complimentary Wi-Fi which helps guests stay connected.

rooMS kazBeGi

rooMS hotel kokhta

Located in northern Georgia, across the valley from the iconic 5,047m Kazbegi Mountain in Stepantsminda, the original Rooms Hotel was opened in 2012 in a former Soviet center for regional tourism packages and expeditions. Today, the hotel, together with its restaurant and bar, make up the epicenter for the region’s tourism, offering modern and stylish accommodation and a distinctive design concept that embraces the historic legacy of the building and destination’s past.

Bakuriani (+995) 32 202 00 20

2 Rustaveli Ave., Telavi, Kakheti (+995) 32 261 11 11 Holiday Inn Telavi is a modern and stylish hotel in the Georgia’s leading wine region, just a 1.3-hour drive from Tbilisi. With 85 elegantly styled guest rooms, the hotel makes a great base to explore the region for both leisure

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Stepantsminda, Kazbegi (+995) 32 240 00 99/71 00 99

Heritage Hotel & Suites is a new hotel in Georgia and can be boast a truly distinctive, unique style and concept. Merging with modern and minimalist design gives this place a special touch of elegance and feeling of comfort and harmony.

Hotel is strategically located in just few steps away from Aghmashenebeli Avenue. You stay in the heart of the city within walking distance from almost every sightseeing of Tbilisi.

There are high category large rooms in hotel with / without balconies fully equipped with high quality amenities.

Hotel offers a high quality relaxation area with steam room and Gym. Cozy and comfortable business lounge can be very useful for business travelers.

Restaurant and Breakfast Area The stylish Restaurant Patrimony with show-kitchen offers you wonderful breakfast daily and European cuisine. Rooms service is available in limited hours.

Address: 6 Saint Petersburg Street, Tbilisi, Georgia Phone: (+995) 032 2 448 777 E-mail: info@hotelheritage.ge

hotel Porta caucaSia kazBeGi 2 Tergdaleulebi Str., Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia (+995) 32 225 77 70 Mail: info@portacaucasia.com FB: @PortaCaucasiaKazbegi Feel at home in Caucasus

are wine tours inside the hotel on the ground floor.

The hotel has Georgian and European cuisine represented in two restaurants within the hotal, featuring delicious dishes, made using locally produced products. The wine is something particularly worth mentioning, as Khareba Winery presents varieties of wine in both restaurants. There is also a terrace and lounge on the top floor.

Porta Caucasia is ideal for couples, families, leisure holidays, business trips.

Kazbegi is close to Gudauri resort and the hotel offers affordable transfer services.

Porta Caucasia, meaning ‘Gate to the Caucasus’ is a freshly launched four-star hotel located in the heart of Kazbegi.

Porta Caucasia is the perfect place to stay if you’re interested in visiting this region. It is unusual to find such comfort and support high in mountains, but you will be amazed to discover the high-quality service this hotel provides.

The hotel stands out for numerous reasons.

Paying attention to detail, the interior is manufactured by Villeroy & Boch, as is the furniture, which is wooden and ecofriendly. Luxury and taste merge to create a great sense of ambiance. Each room is well equipped, offering all the important facilities. Private bathrooms come with top-of-the-range toiletries.

Porta Caucasia has pioneered the creation of a private online platform for bookings and reservations, allowing ease of contact with hotel staff.

World-famous Georgian Winery Khareba is the founder of Porta Caucasia and there

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Rooms 28 Standard (14 front & rear view) 2 Deluxe (1 front & 1 rear view) 1 Standard Triple (corner view) 2 Junior Suites (front/corner view) Connecting Rooms (for families) Meeting room Room with Disabled Access • Spa & Beauty Salon • Sauna • Wine Shop by Khareba Winery • Terrace & Lounge • 24/7 Transfer service • Alpinism Tours • Cultural Tours

Mercure tBiliSi olD toWn 9 Gorgasali Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 200 60 60 The 4-star Hotel Mercure Tbilisi Old Town is managed by Accor Hotels Group, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe. The hotel features conference room, gym & spa, The Old

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Town Restaurant & Garden and Sky7 Terrace & Lounge Bar which offer a perfect combination of international and Georgian cuisine. Hotel is located in the very heart of the

iBiS StyleS tBiliSi center 4 G. Tabidze Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 200 24 24

ibis styles Tbilisi center is the second hotel in Tbilisi managed by Accor Hotels Group.

Hotel has 119 rooms in total, lobby business corner and The City Roof Bar on the fifth floor which offers variety of Asian and Georgian dishes. ibis styles located in the city center is a non-standardized economy and design brand aimed at all those who are looking for “the best of the best”.

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Gastronaut casual dining guide in Tbilisi . . . e ic o h C y M

Lali Papashvily Gastronaut creative director The “Gastronaut’’ Guide to Tbilisi.

Each profession has its pros and cons. Just like a good doctor knows which treatment is best, the true Gastronaut knows where to eat the best! The other side is that for the Gastronaut like me, most of the time, choosing the right eatery requires an overdose of attention and becomes a quest on the verge of craziness, sometimes followed up with mild panic attacks...

So, here are the Gastronaut’s top picks of food spots in Tbilisi, proven by time and experience.

SaloBie Bia Managed by Chef Giorgi Iosava, they cook tasty but simple Georgian dishes without the glitz and glamour. That’s probably why it’s almost impossible to get a table here!

But to live in Tbilisi and not to taste the best chicken Shkmeruli and Lobio beans in a clay pot with fermented Kimchi is total sacrilege!

Location: 14 Ivane Machabeli St.; Average check: 25 Gel

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kakheleBi It is almost obligatory to visit the Kakhetian trattoria Kakhelebi.

When it comes to good Georgian rustic food, based on the best quality farm ingredients of the season- this is the best place to look!

They don’t have a star Chef, nor do they have a conceptual legend but it is a restaurant based on real people, who come to cook here everyday from Kakhetian villages and farms.

Khinkali, probably the best in the city, will be served here “as a dessert”, with a regional cultural twist which was approved by my Kakhetian husband:) Location: 41 Beliashvili St.; Average check: 35 Gel

khaSheria To cure hangovers, you should definitely try Khasheria!

This place was just meant to be a mouthwatering spot, perfectly integrated in the famous historical Sulphur Bath district.

As is clear from the name, the star dish of the outlet is Khashi soup (a garlicky meat stock) but cooked untypically for Georgia, I would say with an Asian twist, literally umami at its finest!

The freshest Sulguni & tomato salad is definitely worth trying, but to be honest you won’t go wrong with any item listed on the menu because the place belongs to the best female star Chef of Georgia- Tekuna Gachechiladze!

Location: 23 Abano St.; Average check: 30 Gel.

Puri Guliani Khachapuri, staple diet of Georgia, is a dish that can be and should be eaten everyday!

Moreover, the choices are endless: Adjarian cheese boat for breakfast, Imeretian for lunch, light Pkhlovani with herbal filling for dinner! A layered one called Achma for special occasions.

Since my native place is Batumi, my heart truly belongs to the Adjarian one!

Puri Guliani bakery & kitchen (awarded the best restaurant concept of 2019), offers Adjarulis with that golden crust, that crunches with every breaking, than dipping straight into the bath of various cheeses, butter and egg yolk! And the process of baking the pastries in the conceptual stone oven can be observed directly from the beautifully designed hall.

Location: Saarbrucken Square; Average check: 25 Gel.

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Entrepreneurial News GeorGia to create Nodar Nadaria, a geodesist by profession, is the first person in Georgia to create a snail farm. After collaborating with American colleagues, he tried farming nuts, and then kiwi. He got interested in this unusual production for Georgia a while ago. Thanks to the United Agrocredit project, he brought 300,000 snails to Georgia from Italy, housing them on six hectares of land. Profitability is 90% and as the product is in deficit in Italy, the Italians assured him before he started the business that they would export as much of the production from Georgia as possible. This year, his first ‘harvest’ brought Nodar up to 20 tons of snails. There are 10 people employed on the snail farm and Nodar plans to build an industrial enterprise and open an educational center.

chikori Georgian dried fruit producer Chikori can now be found on the shelves of more than 40 Lidl hypermarkets across Lietua (Lithuania). The Ukrainian market is already being considered as the next direction, and Vato Deurishvili, company head, says Chikori’s export map is not limited to this, and negotiations are underway with Poland and Germany to further expand the foreign market. The company started operating in 2016, and the product soon gained popularity among local consumers before going on to gain positions on foreign markets.

GeorGian olive BranD The Georgian Olive brand, with the help of collaboration with Kakhetian Traditional Winery, is to expand production. New plantations will be planted on 1000 hectares of land in the Sighnaghi area, Kakheti. The main goal of the initiative is to further develop olive culture in Georgia and gradually introduce Georgian products to foreign markets.

“Georgian Olive” has been engaged in the cultivation of olive plantations in Georgia for several years. The brand’s olive oil and marinade are already gaining popularity among consumers.

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Gorgasali Restaurant in the Old Town By ketevan kvaratskheliya

Taking a gastronomic tour and sampling the most outstanding culinary pleasures is one of the best parts of visiting Georgia. Even though Georgia is rich in eateries of different styles, from traditional dishes to foreign mouthwatering specialties, it is undoubtedly challenging to find a place able to offer both a diverse menu and an exceptional ambience. Well, the Where.ge team has found one for you!

Located in one of the former Sulphur baths, a symbol of the ancient capital of Georgia, Gorgasali integrates five different halls and guarantees a unique experience in each.

The Where.ge team met with Shalva Kajaia, the founder of the restaurant, to find out more about this exceptional venue.

Wine House was our first stop on the tour he offered us. From the blue ceiling decorated with Georgian ornaments and colorful tableware to the floor-to-ceiling shelves displaying a selection of fine Georgian wines, dried fruit and spices, as well as signature clay crafts: everything is genuinely Georgian in this hall. Wine House is ready to ensure an

unforgettable journey into the world of Georgian gastronomy, as it provides an impressive menu of delicious traditional courses, exceptional wines, including Qvevri, bio, as well as exclusives and even fruit vodka. Worth highlighting is that along with managing Gorgasali, Shalva Kajaia is actively engaged in the sphere of agriculture and farming, guaranteeing only natural and high-quality products get into the kitchen at this restaurant.

Wine House goes beyond the limits of excellent food and offers special evenings for guests, inviting Georgian writers, singers, ensembles and actors.

We moved on to a two-room hall called ‘Tavaduri’ and found ourselves in a totally different ambience- a hall of oriental colors; smaller and more private, with soft furnishings. Here, you can smoke shisha and watch belly-dancing shows against a background of walls painted with the images of historic Georgian figures and scenes reflecting the country’s ancient history.

The spacious main hall of the restaurant is the next stop on our tour, where the columns and domes of the former bath visually separate the tables and provide for a super comfy space for dining, accompanied by live music performances. Even though the restaurant looks Georgian, it also caters to international tastes with dishes like cream of pumpkin soup and sushi.

the cooking process a go, prepare Georgian dishes with their own hands and taste them later. Along with an antique fireplace and pieces of traditional Georgian furniture, here you will find a special ‘cooking stone’, where the chefs spare no effort to cook fish or any other course to perfection.

Our final stop in Gorgasali is the spacious terrace, probably the most outstanding feature of the restaurant, its floor-to-ceiling windows, open during the summer, framing the marvelous views of the Old Town and eclectic old houses and historical sights, the modern cable car in the background. Here, guests can have the best dining experience and complete their meal with a divine dessert and exceptional cup of fruit tea.

Restaurant Gorgasali is an outstanding venue, offering a marvelous tour of local and international gourmet pleasures, accompanied by an extraordinary ambience and immaculate service.

3/8 Abano Str. (3,97 km) Tbilisi, Georgia (+995) 599 71 33 22

The grand dining hall leads to the Masterclass Room, which is certainly an innovative statement on the Georgian restaurant market.

Guests, even children, are welcome to give

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Shopping Healthy in Tbilisi By nini Dakhundaridze

Nowadays, it is evermore important to choose a healthy lifestyle. And the biggest part of a healthy lifestyle comes down to a healthy nutrition choice. There are two challenges when deciding to go healthy: one is the saying no to the feel-good, taste-good food that is bad for your body. The second is finding products that are genuinely healthy.

To help you through one of the most complicated processes of modern times, we have combined for you a few places where you can buy and/or eat healthy food in Tbilisi.

khurJini

Khurjini is a great place for healthy products to get your body in shape and put your mind at ease. Offering ecologically clean Georgian village products from all around Georgia, the wide scale of Khurjini’s products

includes: spices, dressings, Ajika, sauces and tkemali, tea, nuts, seeds, delicacies and sweets (churchela, janjukha, tklapi, gozinaki, etc.), honey, jams, oil, vinegar, home-made juices, compotes, canned vegetables; grits and corn flour; smoked cheese; pickles of different vegetables (cucumber, cabbage, etc.,); vodka, and wine.

Visit their Facebook page (facebook. com/khurjini2016/) or call them (+995) 555 55 88 56 27 Kote Abkhazi Street, Tbilisi Mon-Fri 10 AM - 10 PM, Sat- Sun 11 AM – 11 PM

tSerti In May 2019, a store of fresh agricultural products and meat was opened in Tbilisi. Originally an AgroKiziki project, Tserti brings to the market fresh dairy and meat products. The animals, as they claim, were raised in a healthy environment without any antibiotics, which serves to contribute to the high quality and health of their products.

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10 Tskaltubo Street, Tbilisi (+995) 32 212 10 55 Mon-Sun 9 AM - 10 PM

orGanika SuPerfooDS GeorGia

a long-time stereotype, too, that it’s hard to go vegan because the selection of food for vegans is so narrow. No, it’s not.

Launched in 2016, Organika Superfoods Georgia functions to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy diet and provide those concerned with a healthy choice of food. It carries all-vegan, allorganic natural products, which are mostly gluten free. It offers a large variety of superfoods, nuts, dried fruit, plant milks, cereals, grains, flours and healthy snacks.

51 Vaja Pshavela Avenue, Tbilisi (+995) 577 69 49 08 Mon-Fri 11 AM -7 PM, Sat 12 PM-5 PM.

SoPliDan.Ge

honey and dairy products, spices and delicious baked goods, made with various, colorful recipes. Needless to say, all their products are organic and many of the products come from their farm in Marneuli village.

3 Brothers Kakabadze Street, Tbilisi (+995) 32 298 80 13 Mon-Sat 10 AM – 8 PM

6 Ivane Machabeli St, Tbilisi (+995) 514 00 01 75 Daily 12 PM - 11 PM

4vkuSo

kiWi veGan café

If you want to be healthy, but are feeling lazy to go out to the shops, there is a shortcut to happiness for you.

Soplidan.ge is the first internet shop providing agricultural products made/ grown in the villages of Georgia.

Customers have the opportunity to buy over 150 products online, and this number is ever-increasing, corresponding to customer demand. What makes it more convenient is that the delivery comes the day after you order, except for Sundays.

TEL (+995) 557 47 04 41

SunfloWer health fooD Store Their production offers everything your body might crave: fruits and veggies,

Perfect for all – lunch, brunch, dinner – Kiwi Vegan Café is a community cafe and fast food restaurant. There, you’ll enjoy your meal in a warm and friendly atmosphere. They have an international menu of high quality and low price. Kiwi Vegan Café offers a great selection of tea and coffee, as well as smoothies and a variety of hot and cold drinks, making it perfect for every occasion. All items on the menu (food and drinks) are vegan. The variety of choice in their menu will answer

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There is a healthy Italian restaurant in Tbilisi that might grab your attention, offering fresh pasta every day. It promises signature risotto made following an authentic Italian recipe and you can enjoy home-roasted specialty coffee, homemade desserts and drinks. It also has vegetarian and vegan options, making it the perfect place to go to when you want to cheat your diet healthily.

4 Marjanishvili Street, Tbilisi (+995) 591 06 25 22 Sun – Sat 11 AM – 11 PM

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Best Georgian Cookery Books in English There are a surprising number of books about or based in Georgia, printed in English and other languages: some for hikers, some for history-lovers, some for aspiring politicians, some for those who love to experiment in the kitchen and some, pure fiction and just for fun.

Each will, in its own unique way, give you an insight into what makes Georgia so magical, so well-positioned between ‘East’ and ‘West,’ so welcoming to guests, so proud of its heritage and so cautious in its relations with Russia. Below, you’ll find something for the budding cooks among our readers. These can be found in English in Prospero’s Bookstore in Tbilisi, or ordered online via Mta Publications or amazon. Other such books can be found in other bookstores in the main towns/cities around the country, though often in limited supply.

heritaGe of GeorGian taSte

By Archil Zambakhidze, Ketevan Papava

cuisine. The ingredients and cooking methods given in this book belong to people we visiting during our journey.

The recipes they shared with us were a discovery for us. The book covers 155 modern and old, forgotten dishes.

Perhaps, you won’t find here a recipe you have heard of or tasted, but don’t worryit’s almost impossible to find and discover all the dishes, that Georgian people cook.

We hope the recipes given in this book will become an inspiration for amateur and professional cooks and they will try to develop them and adapt them to the modern standards.

It reveals how genuine imaginative talent finds expression in all levels of life - and for Georgians, at the table in particular. Whether a hero of the Napoleonic wars; the founder of the New York City Ballet; a Hollywood muse or New York night-club owner.

taStinG GeorGia: a fooD anD Wine Journey in the caucaSuS

by Carla Capalbo

Be My GueSt (the GeorGian reciPe for cookinG SucceSS)

by David Saldadze, Anna Gigauri

This winner of the prestigious André Simon Award explores Georgia’s culinary traditions.

We decided to travel around Georgia and learn more about the Georgian

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Be My Guest is a book of remarkable stories and delicious recipes created by Georgians living abroad who achieved fame and success in their other careers.

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Nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, and with a climate similar to the Mediterranean’s, Georgia has colorful, delicious food. Vegetables blended with walnuts and vibrant herbs, subtly spiced meat stews and home-baked pies like the irresistible cheese-filled khachapuri are served at generous tables all over the country. Georgia is also one of the world s oldest winemaking areas,

with wines traditionally made in qvevri: large clay jars buried in the ground.

Award-winning food writer and photographer Capalbo has traveled around Georgia collecting recipes and gathering stories from food and winemakers in this stunning but little-known country. The beautifully illustrated book is both a cookbook and a cultural guide to the personal, artisan-made foods and wines that make Georgia such a special place on the world’s gastronomic map.

Nestled in the Caucasus mountain range between the Black and Caspian seas, the Republic of Georgia is as beautiful as it is bountiful. The unique geography of the land, which includes both alpine and subtropical zones, has created an enviable culinary tradition.

Winner of the IACP Julia Child Award for Cookbook of the Year, The Georgian Feast introduced a generation of cooks to the rich and robust cuisine and culture of Georgia. This revised and expanded anniversary edition features new photography, recipes, and an essay from celebrated wine writer Alice Feiring.

lesser-known classics, such as Ajapsandali (aubergine stew) and Ckmeruli (poussin in garlic and walnut sauce).

kaukaSiS: a culinary Journey throuGh GeorGia, azerBaiJan & BeyonD

by Olia Hercules

the GeorGian feaSt: the viBrant culture anD Savory fooD SuPra: of the rePuBlic a feaSt of of GeorGia GeorGian

by Darra Goldstein cookinG

by Tiko Tuskadze

Award-winning cookbook author Olia Hercules takes a culinary trip through the Caucasus—the vibrant region that bridges Europe and Asia —and share the recipes, stories, and striking images of this rich region.

“Every Georgian dish is a poem.”—Alexander Pushkin According to Georgian legend, God took a supper break while creating the world.

He became so involved with his meal that he inadvertently tripped over the high peaks of the Caucasus, spilling his food onto the land below. The land blessed by heaven’s table scraps became Georgia.

Tiko Tuskadze shares over 100 of the dishes that come together to make Georgian cuisine a true celebration of its countrys unique climate, history, and culture. The recipes range from the iconic Khachapuri (cheese bread), Kebabi (lamb kebabs) and Khinkali (dumplings), to

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In this gorgeous cookbook, Olia Hercules shares more than 100 dishes that celebrate the food, flavors, and unique culinary heritage of the Caucasus—Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iran, Russian, and Turkey.

Kaukasis charts Olia’s exploration of this unfamiliar area and introduces its wonderful cuisine that combines European and Middle Eastern ingredients in ways that are fresh and new.

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Get Your Sweet Tooth On (Let the Diet Start Tomorrow!)

By katie ruth Davies

It’s Christmas and the diet’s out the window for a few more weeks, so feel no guilt in checking out the patisseries and confectioners below for something sweet to help you through the chilly season. Go on, we won’t tell anyone…

Marron PaStry & DiDeBuli torteBi

completed a Modern French Dessert course at the Bellouet Conseil School, one of the best pastry schools in France.

They also run a confectionary school and offer a variety of made-to-order birthday cakes 88 Mirian Mepe Str., Didi Doghomi, Tbilisi (+995) 555 70 01 37 9 AM – 11 PM

liMe cafe

11b, Bakhtrioni Str., Tbilisi (+995) 596 41 05 05 10 AM - 10 PM

While not in the city center, it’s an ideal pop-in for those living in Didi Dighomi, Dighomi or near Tbilisi Mall (or for a sweet treat on the way to or from a day in Mtskheta).

“A balanced diet is a hot chocolate in both hands,” the owners of this cozy cafe claim. And we couldn’t agree more!

They boast European-line desserts made with French ingredients. Their Head Chef, David Gorgoshidze, recently

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Indulge yourself with chocolate and coffee delights and be sure not to miss out on their selection of cakes, too!

On entering, you’ll be greeted with a fresh and delicate atmosphere and white furniture to sooth away the stresses of the city.

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l’eclair De Genie

12 Otar Taktakishvili Str., Tbilisi (+995) 551 99 11 55 8 AM - 11 PM

lily vanilli

birthdays and whimsical cakes for kids.

They also offer dairy and glutenfree options. They bake their treats in the kitchen below the café in the Vake neighborhood.

Nestled on a quiet and charming street, find yourself in eclair paradise! With cozy surroundings and an industrial interior, this cafe combines French and Georgian styles, offering lots of classical and savory flavors.

Their legendary chef Christophe Adam works his magic to guarantee you a delicious meal, snack or sweet treat packed with color and tastes that will have you coming back time and again!

Lily Vanilli is one of the few places in Tbilisi to snag cinnamon rolls or gooey brownies. They also offer their trademark custard berry donuts. The café itself is small, clean, minimalistic and bright.

Well-loved London bakery Lily Vanilli opened its first overseas location in Tbilisi.

It gives a modern, European twist on seasonal cakes, tarts, sausage rolls,

20 Abashidze Str., Tbilisi (+995) 577 72 80 02 9 AM - 9 PM

pastries, donuts, khachapuri muffins, and espresso-based drinks. They also make cakes to order for various celebrations, including for weddings,

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The New Life of Georgian Cuisine By nini Dakhundaridze

Georgian traditional cuisine is now known worldwide. Country-themed restaurants can be found in various places globally and its gastronomy is one of the main reasons tourists come to the Pearl of the Caucasus. To suggest a more colorful culinary experience, chefs have experimented a little with traditional Georgian cuisine, creating new recipes that are rapidly grabbed up by the public.

Some of these new experiments seem odd and to one part of Georgian society even a little bit offensive. Like chocolate khinkali, which was created by Italian chef Enzo Neri (now Tbilisi-based), suggesting khinkali as a dessert as well as a savory.

Ajaran lobiani (beans) may at first appear as a lesser-loved variation of that traditional Georgian dish Ajaruli Khachapuri, only with beans instead of cheese, but it doesn’t seem so strange when you take a trip to the coastal city of Batumi, as you’ll find it in every other restaurant.

Let’s get to the places where you can find this fun fusion of Georgian culinary masterpieces.

One of the best places to taste the new life of Georgian cuisine is Barbarestan.

Restaurant ‘Barbarestan’ represents the fabulous results of a new understanding of the book ‘Complete Cooking’ published in 1914 by writer Barbare Eristavi-Jorjadze.

Her recipes have been revived and given

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new life by professional and talented chefs.

The fine dining experience as offered by Barbarestan opens doors to new tastes of the beloved Georgian cuisine. They have pumpkin croquettes, quince soup, cakes with grape syrup, and you should definitely try their rabbit wrapped in ham, pumpkin patties and cherry soup with mint, all made from local ingredients.

Barbarestan also offers a vegetarianfriendly menu. If you’re looking for a more thoughtful and sustainable version of your diet, try their vegetarian Eggplant Satsivi, with fresh pomegranate and greens.

Shavi Lomi is another Georgian restaurant you should check out if you’re looking for new flavors in ‘old but gold’ Georgian cuisine.

This mouthwatering place, on opening its doors in 2011, started serving never-before-seen dishes like green grits (ghomi, a western Georgia staple, which is usually white); khachapuritos - chicken or beef quesadillas with thin Armenian lavash substituting tortillas; and Ghobi, an enormous wooden bowl packed with appetizers – jonjoli, a cheese assortment, phkali (beet, walnut and spinach paste), pickles, beans, cornbread and other delights – that everyone dips into communally.

‘Culinary Backstreets’ explains that Shavi Lomi is not so much a fusion but “a culinary brainstorm of ingredients and ideas in which Gubeladze (the owner) and her cooks, who offer their own regional favorite dishes, end up inventing completely new recipes.” Try their extraordinary Xveula while you’re there – traditionally made in Racha with sugar and flour, Shavi Lomi’s version comes with cheese, mushrooms and/or spinach.

is inspired by 19th century Georgia, where much of the culinary traditions were founded or led to the state in which they are renowned now. The dishes are prepared according to recipes that are over 200 years old, which are then modernized with techniques and unusual, even courageous, flavors. Try their salmon with berries to get a taste of how the ancestors of Georgians prepared the fish in the Tbilisian way. Take a bite of their Doshorva (a traditional Ajaran recipe made with lots of love and surprise in Meama) and wash it down with their delicious wine. Have you ever had Isrimi sauce? If you are in search of a unique taste, the restaurant suggests you try a very aromatic and pleasant flavor, which is suitable for many a dish and is made from soft fruit. Isrimi sauce usually suits meat, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian dish, try their pkhali. What’s so special about their pkhali, you ask? It’s made from pumpkin, we answer, and it’s so delicious you might never want to go back to your ordinary choice of pkhali again.

Much like Barbarestan, Restaurant Meama

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Georgian Restaurants Abroad By katie ruth Davies

Did you fall in love with Georgian cuisine? Well, don’t despair- there may be a Georgian restaurant back home near you!

UK

USA

little GeorGia LONDON

taBla WASHINGTON DC

Enjoy traditional and delicious home-made Georgian dishes. If you’re searching for something different in London, and long for the taste of top Georgian cuisine, then Little Georgia is the perfect choice.

There are two branches of Little Georgia, one in Islington, and one in Hackney. Both locations offer a stylish but relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and traditional food prepared by Georgian chefs. www.littlegeorgia.co.uk

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The new restaurant, on Georgia Ave in DC, is a reformed branch of Supra (see below), a Georgian restaurant opened in 2017. Both of the “embassies of Georgian cuisine” are under the ownership of Jonathan and Laura Nelms.

SuPra WASHINGTON DC

This restaurant boasts a khinkali bar where diners can watch chefs hand-rolling the Georgian dumplings before their eyes.

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Supra is the flagship restaurant where you get the full range of Georgian cuisine. There are more than 40 dishes to choose from there, ranging from cold salads to stick-toyour-ribs stews. Supra offers traditional Georgian dishes and innovations on old staples.

They want to fulfill the cravings of die-hard

Georgian food fans by serving up favorites, and to surprise those familiar with Georgian classics with new twists. They also feel a sort of mission, a calling, to educate the DC community about the cuisine and wine of Georgia. www.supradc.com

chaMa MaMa NEW YORK

97 rue des Poissonniers | 79 rue des Martyrs, Paris

SPAIN

kachaPuri MADRID

PiroSMani PARIS Tucked down an alleyway, this is a restaurant well worth the find. Expect generous portions of all your favorites, served by hospitable staff.

6 Rue Boutebrie, Paris

A bright, friendly and sometimes noisy eatery serving the staples of the Georgian menu, including the renowned Acharuli Khachapuri (“Cheese Boat”). Staff are friendly and attentive and the stone décor refreshing.

Simple, bright décor greets you as you ready yourself for a Georgian feast. Helpful staff will help you choose from the menu. The khachapuri comes highly recommended!

5 Calle de Victor Hugo, Madrid

149 W 14th St., New York

UAE FRANCE

MoDi DUBAI

colchiDe PARIS Value for money and genuine Georgian fare, from beans to beetroot salad. It also has paintings by Georgian artists on display and boasts a cozy Georgian corner with books and rustic wooden furniture.

Elegance is everything here in the highest Georgian restaurant in the world! Modi can be found up on the 31st floor with huge floorto-ceiling bay windows opening up the venue to spectacular views and natural daylight.

They source the freshest, most organic ingredients from Georgia thus encapsulating a complete Georgian dining experience, right in the heart of Dubai. There are also live performances of folk dance and Georgian music to complete the Georgian experience.

Level 31, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

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Listing: Georgian & Mixed Cuisine in Tbilisi G.vino 6 Erekle II (+995) 32 293 21 21

Art House Tbilisi has a special, cosy atmosphere, with a harmonic music, interesting art interior and friendly staff.

Beautiful terrace, where you can enjoy an amazing panoramic views of Tbilisi is perfect for a romantic date or even for a family happy hours.

keto & kote D. Toradzis Str. (+995) 555 53 01 26

ciSkari Kus Tba (+995) 32 243 77 00 @ciskarikustba info@ciskari.ge Inspired by wine and tapas bars in Europe with their casual setup, delicious local food, diverse local natural wine offer and happy staff, g.Vino aims to support small local wine producers and help them save some rare Georgian grapes. All our staff are new to the industry. Take the example of our cooking team, with a lady who used to prepare amazing food only for her family Check out how home-made food really tastes.

art houSe tBiliSi Rike Park (+995) 557 51 50 52

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OPEN 3 PM - 2 AM

Keto & Kote is one of the most charming restaurants in Tbilisi, named after a famous 20th century Georgian movie. Ask for a table on the terrace or in the garden under the grapevines and enjoy a view of Tbilisi at night and tasty Georgian cuisine.

tifliS veranDa Ciskari is a newly opened green space located in Kus Tba - an authentic Tbilisi recreational spot. The Ciskari Kitchen concept is inspired by Tbilisi, with Chef Tamta Kikaleishvili saying she is inspired by the energy of the city, and tries to recreate that vibe in her everyday work.

Ciskari establishes its name as a Social Club, a place fluid enough to host people from every age, social and cultural background. Ciskari hosts free-to-join clubs, discussions about mental health and occasional yoga pop-ins.

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3 Gorgasali Str. (+995) 32 200 02 45 www.tiflispalace.ge Email: tiflisveranda@tiflispalace.ge

Restaurant Tiflis Veranda is a combination of classic restaurant and lounge style summer terraces.

It offers exquisite dishes of local and international cuisine, exclusive deserts and brand cocktails, and high-quality service against a background of great music.

Only here, surrounded by breathtaking views of the city’s most important historical and cultural monuments, can one feel the real spirit of Tbilisi.

Tiflis Veranda is ready to serve its guests daily from 11AM to 2AM.

café leila 18 Shavteli Str. (+995) 555 94 94 20

PUBLICA is the latest hip place in Tbilisi for delicious New American food, great cocktails and a convivial New York Americana atmosphere. Breaking with convention, the restaurant was designed to be lively, inclusive and approachable.

Publica is the ideal spot for any occasion.

Art House OPEN 12 pm – 2 am

BraSSerie Buvette 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. (+995) 544 44 45 44

appetizers and Kharcho dishes and traditional desserts. Restaurant Kharcho gives a nod to the old Georgian traditional recipes while giving them a modern twist.

The cuisine there expresses the purity, freshness and simplicity associated with the regions of Georgia.

Art House OPEN 12 pm – 12 am

vinotel 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent (+995) 32 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge Cafe Leila is a pescetarian (some fish options available on the menu) and a healthy dining experience in Tbilisi that serves only village-grown, non-GMO and seasonal products.

PuBlica 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. (+995) 544 44 45 44

Brasserie Buvette is a contemporary French restaurant, known for its chic Brasserie cuisine. The menu features updated Brasserie classics with a market-driven modern twist, the dishes showcasing Georgia’s finest produce.

Art House 12pm - 12 am

kharcho 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. (+995) 544 44 45 44 Restaurant Kharcho is the first restaurant of its kind in Georgia with a small menu mainly focused on simple Georgian

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Vinotel Restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in the city. The place is exceptional for its great menu with Georgian raw material prepared in a European style. Whether you’re into fine dining or want a romantic date, this is the place for you.

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Every evening the classical Fazioli piano and a professional Georgian live trio entertain our guests in the restaurant. There is a space for 40 inside and 30 on the spacious terrace, with heating and cooling systems, a 20-seat historic hall, Georgian wine cellar, with a professional tasting table for 20 guests hosted by Vinotel’s wine expert.

A classic business hall is available for meetings and business lunches for 20 people, equipped with all modern technologies. The restaurant features several chambers each with a different style where you can sample exceptional wines with Georgian cuisine.

her cooks offer their own regional favorite dishes and invent completely new recipes.

taBla Saloon 33 Chavchavadze Ave. (+995) 595 85 88 46

ethnoGraPher 105 A. Beliashvili Str. (+995) 32 202 20 50

Ethnographer is an exotic, ethnographic restaurant in Tbilisi with delicious Georgian dishes and wine.

Thanks to its special interior and the novel Georgian menu, Tabla Saloon has already become the best place for family reunions and business meetings.

A wine expert will help guests to choose the most appropriate wines.

Restoration of the lost traditions of the Georgian feast is the principal idea of Tabla’s new concept.

Shavi loMi

BarBareStan

28 Z. Kvlividze Str. (+995) 32 296 09 56

132 Agmashenebeli Ave. (+995) 32 294 37 79

The restaurant is the brainchild of local chef Meriko Gubeladze, who opened Shavi Lomi in May 2011. The chef and

Restaurant “Barbarestan” represents a fine results of newly understanding a book “Complete Cooking” published

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in 1914 by 19th century writer Barbare Eristavi-Jorjadze.

The most important person of her epoch, the writer, feminist and poet hosts you in 21st century Tbilisi with excellent cooking, combining European and Asian tastes and colors, as Tbilisi does itself.

Guests will be met by a comfortable environment, Georgian tunes and dishes made of natural products. Enjoy hints of the 19th century- black and white photos, vintage furniture, a beautiful interior, and other carefully planned details that take you on a gastronomic journey through time.

PurPur GuDiaShvili GarDen 1 A. Tbileli Str. (+995) 32 247 77 76

Bia

tSiSkvili

GaBriaDze cafe

14 Machabeli Str. (+995) 32 299 79 77

99 Beliashvili Str. (+995) 32 200 55 55

13 Shavteli Str. (+995) 577 43 43 87

Salobie translates as “bean house.” Bia also is the name of a Georgian village and also the word for ‘quince’ in western Georgia. Salobie Bia offers traditional Georgian dishes. The interior of the small restaurant is full of artworks of contemporary Georgian painters.

The restaurant Tsiskvili was opened in 2002 and is an iconic Georgian restaurant.

The unique authentic design is surrounded by a natural waterfall, water mill and many ancient antiquities.

Gabriadze Cafe offers a rich menu of selected dishes that combine authentic traditional recipes and contemporary methods. The cafe uses the freshest top quality ingredients that are bought daily from the local market and carefully

luca Polare

34 K. Apkhazi str. (Old Tbilisi) 12 R. Eristavi str. (Round garden) 125 D. Aghmashenebeli avenue 7a Pekini ave.

2 A.Tvaltchrelidze str. (East Point) 7 Sandro Euli str.

2 Dzemebi Kakabadzeebi str.

2/4 Rustaveli ave. (Galleria Tbilisi) 11 I. Mosashvili str.

9 Al. Kazbegi Ave. 70- Vazha-Pshavela Ave. (City Mall) Facebook: LucaPolareOriginal Instagram: Lucapolare Web: Lucapolare.com

(+995) 0322 38 08 02 8 am - 1 am Luca Polare is one of the top destinations for Tbilisi residents. Lucas the polar bear’s cafes throughout the city invite you to enjoy the most flavorful ice cream and coffee.

With more than 60 types of ice cream, Luca`s production is based on Italian recipes, using 100% natural products, fresh milk and fresh fruit and containing no artificial additives for color or taste.

Luca also offers gluten-free, diabetic and to eat vegan options.

Depending on the season, you can find rare types of ice cream, from mint, mulberry, or buckthorn, to feijoa and even the most palatable sour blackcurrant ice creams.

Luca Polare also serves exclusive coffee.

This coffee travels an interesting route to reach Lucas shops. The highest quality Arabica beans are picked in South America, sent to a German family with a long history of coffee making. These experts roast our coffee beans based on traditional methods and send it on to Georgia only for Luca Polare.

You can also enjoy tea, hot chocolate, blended drinks, frappés, cakes, salads and sandwiches.

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prepared by its chefs. Choose from an appetizing selection of freshly handmade baked goods, assorted succulent meats from the wood-burning grill, and a nourishing variety of hearty soups and healthy salads, including options for both vegetarians and vegans.

reStaurant funicular Mtatsminda Plateau (+995) 32 298 00 00 Skola Coffee & Wine Bar is a space for city conversations with specialty coffee; a cafe where food and wine complement each other and make the whole experience one of a kind.

Sakhli 11

Skola 17 Rustaveli Ave., 80 Paliashvili Str. (+995) 551 53 33 35

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1 Kavtaradze Ave., City Mall, 26 Chavchavadze Ave., 8a Navtlugi Str., Isani Mall, 1 Khizabavra Str., Gldani Mall, 2/4 Rustaveli Ave., Gallery Tbilisi, (+995) 577 04 37 10 KFC Corporation, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the few brands in America that can boast a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. It has 5 branches in Tbilisi.

11 Galaktion Tabidze (+995) 599 20 52 11 Perched high on Mtatsminda, the views over the lights of Tbilisi unrival as a backdrop to the perfect dining experience.

As you step off the train that steeply ascends the mountain, take a moment to take in the iconic architecture of the Funicular Complex building which was designed by Georgian architects in 1938. The Funicular Restaurant is one of four dining facilities within the complex, and provides you with a vintage finedining atmosphere, with dishes based around those on the original menu of 1938 and classical Georgian offerings, each with a little twist of modernity.

kfc

PaStorali 6 Erekle II Str. (+995) 592 31 19 19 Pastorali Restaurant in Old Tbilisi, boast a traditional menu and is a favorite for many tourists.

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Metekhi’S uBani

BreaD houSe

29a, Queen Ketevan Ave. (+995 32) 2 30 30 30 metekhisubani@mgroup.ge www.mgroup.ge

7, Gorgasali Str. (+995 32) 2 30 30 30 breadhouse@mgroup.ge www.mgroup.ge

tion of traditional Georgian dishes, the recipes of which were preserved among the elders of the regions, were restored, while guests can taste up to 30 of those dishes only in this particular chain of restaurants.

Furthermore, the restaurant offers an additional menu – “For Gourmets”, which is made with special ingredients for food lovers.

M|caterinG

Tbilisi has always been a city of warm relations and friendship, with narrow streets, close-knit neighborhoods, noisy and fun neighbors, multicultural elements, heart-warming greetings and a pleasant mood that will never let you feel alone or left out.

Metekhi’s Ubani, another restaurant by m|group, emerged from this true, friendly relationship and spirit-fueled origins, where every dish and its aroma, as well as minor details will bring you back to your beloved and warm environment and will make you feel the spirit of your Tbilisian neighborhood.

The old Tbilisian ambience of the restaurant Metekhi’s Ubani is themed by the unity of urban Georgian songs, which are performed daily by the vocal ensemble “Megobrebi”, with guitar and piano accompaniment.

The restaurant is ready to serve its guests 24/7.

Restaurant Bread House is characterized by a distinctive and interesting interior that makes up three halls (“Satone”, “Salonuri” & “Satavado”). This is a traditional Georgian restaurant with delightful national cuisine, where you can taste unique Georgian dishes and delicious bread bakes. You will enter Bread House via the “Satone”, where long Kakhetian Shoti and round thin Madauri are baked before your eyes in “Tone” (traditional deep clay oven). And if you fancy giving bread-making a go yourself, you’l be welcomed into the bakery. Live Georgian music is heard in the halls every evening and in summer you can chill outside on the terrace, sip Georgian wine and enjoy views of a beautiful part of Old Tbilisi.

Restaurant guests have the opportunity to taste treasures of the Georgian feast.

“Treasures of the Georgian Feast” is m|group’s project launched in 2010, which involved searching for indigenous Georgian dishes, recipes and rules of preparation, in order to save them from oblivion and to preserve these traditions for future generations. As a result of expeditions, up to 150 rules of prepara-

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(+995 32) 2 30 30 30 info@mgroup.ge www.mgroup.ge

catering

m|catering is one of the core services that m|group provides, while 10 years of operation counts over 1,000 events and projects held during the period.

In 2017, the m|catering menu and assortment was completely renewed with sophisticated flavors and improved visual features.

Moreover, the company produced a special line for children – which is created with healthy, fresh and kids’ favorite products.

No event is too small or too large for m|catering – we will be delighted to make your event deliciously special!

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Puri Guliani is the first unique concept Georgian Sakhabazo (bakery) to appear on the Georgian market: a new and interesting gastronomic space.

A heart-warming space for any gathering, Puri Guliani is a distinct food and beverage locale with a specifically designed menu and interior, catering for guests of all preferences at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Thanks to its open kitchen and intricate interior design, guests have the chance to engage and become part of the whole gastronomic process. Warm bread and pastries with delightful and mouthwatering aromas remind guests of their childhoods and open up a whole new world of gastronomic discoveries yet to be made.

Puri Guliani’s menu is a unique find for locals and tourists alike. Every day, they create

varieties of traditional dishes with Georgian wheat and seasonal products from different regions, artisan bread and pastries and delicious desserts, spiced and made all the more attractive with the taste of savory, newly ground coffee.

Puri Guliani - Bakery and Kitchen Saarbrucken Square TEL 577 00 00 83

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Exclusive Drinks Guide . . . e ic o h C y M

Vato Kvachantiradze Tsiskvili Group Bar Manager, Member of the Barmen’s Association, Trainer

Beer Square tSiSkvili Beer Square Tsiskvili on 99 Beliashvili Street, apart from its distinctive architecture and wide range of spirits, makes a landmark in its “Bachusology”, nursing guests with hangovers through its secret recipe drinks from 09:00 13:00.

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tSiSkvili The ethno Tsiskvili is a traditional Georgian restaurant designed to showcase Georgian culture, traditions and cuisine that would not be possible without a rich variety of Georgian centuries-old historical wine and chacha. All accompanied by folk music and traditional dance, leaving an unforgettable impression on each guest.

ღvino unDerGrounD ღVino Underground is Tbilisi’s first natural wine bar, having the largest selection of natural wine from all Georgian regions as well as natural wine from around the world.

You can taste wines from winemakers and regions of great notoriety as well as obscure eclectic wines from lesser known varieties and regions. The team can help you navigate through its extensive wine list and offer you a unique experience. In the evenings, they serve fresh seasonal wine friendly dishes from local natural produce.

telavi Telavi - a place where, with its distinctive nature, guests have the opportunity to taste wine and chacha at the famous entrepreneurs’ factory, attend master classes, participate in harvests and dipping “Churchkhelas” and learning about the history and culture of Georgian wine.

chaBa’S Jazz rock cafe Choba Bar is one of the oldest pubs in Tbilisi, located at 3 Vashlovani Street in Vera. Since its opening, it has become distinguished for its variety, class and quality of beverages and is arguably the number one in beverage variety locally and in Transcaucasia. You will find more than 400 varieties of whiskey, brandy, high quality beer and other high spirits on site.

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Entrepreneurial News qWhiSkey Qwhiskey is a new alcoholic drink from Georgia. Gigi Tevzadze, a teacher of philosophy and sociology by profession, got the idea of launching the brand a few years ago, preceeded by his interest and wish to create a new Georgian drink. He came up with whiskey made from wine.

The ‘Q’ in the name of the brand stands for Qvevri. By subjecting his friends to many tastings, the drink reached the taste he was looking for a year and half ago. Later, to technically refine the new aromas of Qwhiskey, Gigi added to his team pharmacologist Aleko Bakuradze and winemaker Giorgi Barisashvili. The Qvevri whiskey is available in a limited number of restaurants and bars and talks have begun to expand the output locally as well as internationally.

Wine neSS How can wine simplify communication between people? The answer to that question was found by two 20-year-olds, Davit Migineishvili and Ana Kurdadze. Wine Ness is a brand new bottling of Saperavi from the village of Anagi, Kakheti. Pure wine has been stored in Qvevri and aims to help people express their thoughts and emotions. How, you ask? Each wine label is unique and sincere, as it is specially made for the customer who orders it. Soon, they plan to add production of Tvishi wine and then to open up a wine bar.

Green GolD The Georgian market recently welcomed a new tea brand, titled ‘Green Gold’ produced by Tamuna Khabeishvili’s ‘Laituri’ in Ozurgeti. The natural tea made with ancient Chinese tradition is grown on 25 hectares in the village of Nagomari and can be found on the shelves of Goodwill, Europroduct, and in the restaurants ‘Keto and Kote’, ‘Barbarestan’, and ‘Shushabadshi’. The company plans to get involved in the HoReCa sector and to start exporting.

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The Brotherhood of Man, Georgian Wine, and the Christmas Spirit

By Jason Pack

expecting to receive. And this sense of hope, and of human goodness, is what I would wish to share with all my colleagues, friends, and family this holiday season. To be honest, I’d even like to share it with my enemies, if only they would get out of their own narratives long enough to listen.

The Brotherhood of Man usually seems like an abstract concept, but when total strangers invite you into their home to feast on local specialties, nothing could actually feel more concrete. Paradoxically, the countries in which I’ve experienced the most selfless and genuine hospitality are also the same places where I’ve encountered virulent paranoia, prejudice, and ignorance. Both seem to be man in his primordial state. In my travels, three countries stand out for both extremes: Syria, Libya, and Georgia. These also happen to be my favorite places on earth

and the focus of my professional life over the last fifteen years.

Despite many Middle Easterners being filled with conspiratorial fears about outsiders, in general, and Arabic-studying Americans and “New Yorkers” in particular, I’ve never been made to feel as welcome and as spiritually connected to humanity as I have in the greater Middle East. […] It was first in the Middle East that I experienced the true Christmas spirit: to give that which is precious and irreplaceable to a complete outsider, without ever

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In today’s hyper-partisan and technologically advanced times, many urban Americans are increasingly cut off from traditional patterns of community and hospitality. For me, the Middle East Institute differs from other think tanks in that it doesn’t simply study the Middle East as a “Foreign Policy problem set” facing Americans, but cherishes how the aesthetic creativity and cultural contributions of the region can highlight our shared humanity and interconnectedness. In my practical experience, the Christmas spirit has always been best exemplified by Middle Eastern hospitality and its traditional food and beverage practices.

Therefore, this Holiday Season, dear reader, might I suggest a return to the essentials. The greater Middle East is the birthplace of both Christianity and wine.

This year why not return to basics with some Georgian wine at the holiday table?

Wine is central to Judeo-Christian rituals. It is a requirement for the eucharist, as well as for Shabbat and Passover. A more secu-

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When Jesus turned water into wine, he almost certainly turned it into unfiltered, claypot fermented wine with no added sulphites. And when the last supper was eaten, the wine it was washed down with was likely quite similar from a visual, flavor, and textural perspective to today’s Georgian Amber wines (although it might have been a bit sweeter and a bit weaker, as addition of water, sugar, and/or spices were highly common in the Greco-Roman world at the start of the Common Era).

lar property of wine is its ability to encapsulate a sense of place and epitomize the traditions of a culture.

Nowhere does it fulfill this function better than in Georgia – a country in which most non-urban households make their own wine, and elaborate feasting rituals for guests and family is a monthly occurrence.

Georgia is not only the birthplace of wine, it is home to over five hundred indigenous grape varietals and an array of wine styles, many of which are the closest we can taste today to what the ancient Christians (as well as Greeks, Romans, Sumerians, and Israelites) drank. Georgia’s most emblematic contribution to the world of wine is the Qvevri – the uniquely shaped large clay vessel that controls temperature and oxidation, while facilitating the vinification of skin contact wines.

Wine likely was ‘invented’ in Georgia 8000 years ago, because the clay from the Alazani river in Kakheti has special properties that lend itself to making airtight vessels.

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Prior to the Greeks and Romans with their addition of water and spices, all ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures fermented, aged, and transported their wine in various types of clay jars. They also didn’t add yeast or remove the skins and pips of white wines during fermentation – likely giving them that cidery funkiness and tannic earthy-ness that epitomize the best of today’s natural and Georgian wines. The Ancient Romans invented sulphite addition (to stabilize wine for transport) as well as separating the must from the skins, fining and filtering (all to increase clarity and remove impurities), but these were never the default methods of vinification in the ancient world.

The traditional methods of vinification were gradually abandoned throughout most of the Western world from late Roman times onward as “improvements” in science allowed for the introduction of novel techniques to reduce spoilage, decrease labor, increase yields, and better facilitate transport. As such, oak barrels and various other vessels began to replace claypots. By the late 18th century oaking, sulphite addition, fining, filtering, as well as yeast addition had all become standard

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in all fine wine regions. It was only in the Caucasus that truly ancient and low intervention winemaking techniques remained the default.

But then after WWI and the ensuing Soviet occupation, Caucasian wineries succumbed to the industrialization and collectivization of viticulture. As such, authentic wine traditions were mostly abandoned in favor of increasing yields, factory-style production and resulting mediocritization -- borrowing the worst of the innovations of Western winemaking.

Throughout the bleak Soviet years in Georgia and Armenia, traditional winemaking was usually preserved in the monasteries. Since the Russian boycott of Georgian wine in 2006, the Russo-Georgian War of 2008 and the opening of western markets, it has witnessed a remarkable resurrection over the last decade. On the consumer side of the drama, hipsters, vegans, naturalistas, and wine nerds have all played their parts.

While on the producer side, many of the protagonists in that drama have been driven by their Christian faith, love of homeland, and desire to return to their roots.

To me nothing conveys the spirit of Christmas like the generous body, hearty tannins, meatiness, and ripeness of black fruit of an aged Kakhetian Saparavi made in Qvevri. As someone raised in a secular home with a vast cellar, but without many spiritual traditions, wine has always brought me closest to other worldly divinity, as well as to family. Despite being a devotee of the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, I’ve never been able to undertake the leap of faith necessary to experience the suprarational harmony

contained within the doctrine of the resurrection. But possibly the only time I can come close to basking in suprarational bliss might be at a supra while savoring a floral, yet tannic, and apple-y Amber wine like a Kakhetian Kisi (Dakishvili and Tchotkiashvili make my two favorites). For something even more elegant and mystical, try the savoury, yet delicate wines from the western-central Georgian region of Imereti --those from Georgia’s most famous female winemaker, Baia Abuladze are to die for especially her Tsolikouri blends.

At its best amber wine defies human logic – the combination of texture, florality, salinity, and acidity somehow producing balance and elegance seems far more inconceivable than the virgin conception.

Yet, if you are looking for a wine that truly defies the intellect, try the Chakvevri noir de blanc from Dato’s winery in Guria (the extreme Western part of Georgia bordering Turkey). It is a white wine (that looks Amber), made from red grapes, vinified in Qvevri, but without skin contact. I am working my way through several cases, and each time, I discover something different in the wine. Last weekend’s, paired brilliantly against both a skate in parsley/butter sauce and against rabbit in mustard. It tasted of savory versions of caramelized apple and butterscotch – it was completely unctuous, while having low alcohol content and no residual sugar.

And the theologians think the Trinity is a genuine mystery! I do feel it might have been inadvertently unchristian of me to buy nearly 5% of the winemaker’s total production and nearly 20% of the total export to the United States.

Humor aside, I lack much spiritual practice

in my life, except for the elaborate wine tasting and discussion ritual that I practice nightly and impose on all guests. Sharing a superlative bottle with someone special, makes me feel the deepest human communion. As we both drink and the intricacies of the wine linger on our tongues and in our minds, the shared experience connects us to each other, to our ancestors, and to inherent brotherhood of all humanity. Merry Christmas.

Jason Pack is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Middle East Institute, a former competitor on the University of Cambridge’s Blind Wine Tasting Team, Founder of Libya-Analysis LLC, and a frequent op-ed writer covering issues of geopolitics, culture and wine.

A version of this article was first published by the Middle East Institute’s Frontier Europe Initiative Program.

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Top Drinking Destinations in Tbilisi By elene Dzebisashvili

One can sip un verre du vin at an atmospheric wine bar, pop into a five-star hotel lounge for an aperitif, or savor avant-garde cocktails at a trendy late-night bar and propose a toast to Tbilisi, a city that knows how to tipple with style.

publishing house and has come to represent one of Tbilisi’s trendiest spaces for a classy retreat. The Bar and Lounge are Tbilisi’s most authentic social and meeting spaces, offering a carefully selected variety of hand-crafted cocktails accompanied with gourmet bar snacks.

8000 vintaGeS Wine-lovers should head for 8000 Vintages, a young wine store and degustation locale which serves everything from amber and orange wine to delicious Georgian whites. The name symbolizes the 8,000-year history of winemaking in Georgia, the country which may have been home to the first humans to conquer the grape, giving rise to the thousands of reds and whites we enjoy today.

A distinguishing part about 8000 Vintages is that it organizes blind tastings for a panel of winemakers, wine connoisseurs, and sommeliers. Giving equal opportunity to all kinds of winemakers, small as well

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as large producers, the experts only keep wines with a soulful character. Visit this wine shop in age-old Tbilisi to taste and experience Georgian viniculture first-hand!

26 S. Tsintsadze St r., Tbilisi 60 Abashidze Str., Tbilisi Mon-Sun: 11:00-01:00

rooMS hotel Bar Those who like to sip on a Chili Margarita at first rate hotel bars should cross paths with Tbilisi’s pioneer design hotel in the charming Vera neighborhood. Designed with a rustic minimalism, Rooms Hotel is housed in a former eight-story Soviet-era

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Defined by a neutral color palette and natural materials, the Rooms Hotel Garden Bar has been designed as a living greenhouse where, turning into an inviting evening spot after dinner, one can savor cocktails that incorporate fresh herbs and botanicals only.

14 Kostava Str., Tbilisi Open 24/7

Jazz cafe SinGer When it comes to present-day jazz, many would argue that it is dying. But in Jazz Café Singer, jazz music is alive and well.

People like Reso Kiknadze, a renowned Georgian musician, perform live jazz

chacha rooM If you’ve never tried Chacha, you’re in for a treat! Georgia is better known for its wines, but it also boasts this grape-based spirit. Visit Chacha Room to feel the Georgian chacha’s invigorating burn merged with the subtle taste of grape. improvisations with their bands at Jazz Café Singer each week. This is the best place if you wish to listen to some avant-garde jazz and enjoy a glass of your favorite beverage.

The cafe has a vibrant atmosphere matched with low lighting, strains of gold and geometric notes that utter a subtle color, and it offers an easily approachable menu of drinks and food that merges the classics with the favorites.

This traditional vodka-like alcoholic drink of Georgia is often overlooked; but Chacha Room is here to emphasise its vitality through offering the most unique variety of this handcrafted drink, ranging from Chachas aged in mulberry barrels to those distilled on a wood fire. Chacha

Jazz up, mix up, and chill out at Jazz Cafe Singer. When words fail, music speaks.

N8 Sioni Str., Tbilisi 09:00 till the last guest

Room offers a fine selection for a great hang-out.

10 Pushkini Str., Tbilisi 17:00–03:00

BauhauS Bar Don’t miss the charm and of style of Bauhaus Bar in Dedaenis Bagi (Mother tongue Park), a venue that offers outdoor seating, house wine, and homemade lemonade to enjoy.

With its simple industrial design, the budget-friendly bar serves bottled beer, a local spirit called Chacha and a myriad of cocktails. Events such as movie screenings, live music, and barbeque-days are also frequent. Sometimes there are different culinary master classes held at this open-space venue, so it’s not just a spot for drinking, but for learning too!

Dedaenis Bagi, Tbilisi 12:00–03:00

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The Georgian Wine Route Drive out into the regions and you’ll be sure to see the brown road signs marking the way to the nearest Wine Route features- from small family holdings to large chateaux; don’t miss out on your chance to delve deeper into Georgia’s 8,000 year tradition of winemaking.

SchuchMann WineS GeorGia Kisiskhevi village, Telavi (+995) 593 48 73 74

Schuchmann Wines Georgia is located in the village of Kisiskhevi, on a hill 1.5 km from the main road. The company owns a hotel and a wine cellar built to resemble a medieval castle and featuring a large veranda and tasting and conference rooms. A traditional wine cellar, equipped with Qvevri, stands next to a modern wine factory. This company is one of the country’s most experienced and successful in terms of wine tourism. It was founded by a German wine enthusiast infatuated with Georgia, Mr. Schuchmann, who brought together one convenient infrastructure: the wine cellar, restaurant and hotel.

Schuchmann Wines produces high-class white and red wines according to Kathetian and European methods.

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château Mukhrani vinotel Mukhrani village, Mtskheta (+995) 595 99 13 14/16

4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi (+995) 32 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

Château Mukhrani is located 25 minutes’ drive from Tbilisi and occupies the estate of Prince Mukhran-Batoni’s Palace. Basic sightseeing of the palace and its cellars, with a main tunnel connecting the palace to the winery. The cellars of Mukhrani Palace have been completely renovated.

The Tourism Department of Château Mukhrani offers diverse wine tours to guests – from walking in the vineyards to visiting the historical palace of MukhranBatoni and modern winery. Château Mukhrani produces classic white, rosé, red and fortified wines as well as Chacha from following varieties: Goruli Mtsvane, Chinuri, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rkatsiteli, Muscat, Tavkveri, Shavkapito, Saperavi and Cabernet.

Wine-curious visitors can order a special wine tasting from Vinotel’s wine expert, who will give you a tour of their in-house redbrick wine cellar and a solid introduction to the Georgian wine culture.

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The historical arched, brick wine cellar offers an exceptional selection of the best Georgian wines, including natural wines from small exclusive artisan wineries and industry leaders. Wines are kept at optimum conditions thanks to the natural properties of the cellar, combined with the recently added cutting-edge German technology.

“Dear Beno, on behalf of the group of Masters of Wine who visited Georgia, and for myself, I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude for the kindness…”

Lisa Granik, Master of Wine

PheaSant’S tearS Winery 18 Baratashvili Str., Sighnaghi (+995) 32 223 15 56 www.pheasantstears.com

Khvanchkara Winery was built in 1927 in the Rachan village of Khvanchkara on the place of the Cellar of Prince Kipiani. Winemakers who have been working in the winery for decades pass on the Kipiani method of Khvanchkara winemaking to the new generation so as to continue this fine wine making tradition.

chelti 62/18 Vaja Pshavela Ave., Shilda, Kvareli (+995) 593 88 83 88

All of the wines at Pheasant’s Tears are fermented and aged in Qvevri, a unique Georgian vessel used to ferment and store wine. They built their cellar in the vineyard itself to minimize the damage to the grapes in transportation, allowing them to harvest and press before the hot hours of the sun. It is usually a question of hours before the harvested grapes are already pressed and in the cool Qvevri. Let Pheasant’s Tears introduce you to ancient varietals made in the vibrant Georgian tradition.

khvanchkara Winery 55 K. Apkhazi Str. (+995) 558 25 05 25

wine which encouraged the company founders to expand their family winery and to bring winemaking tradition to a new level, passing this living heritage from generation to generation.

GWS Winery Telavi, Kakhaeti (+995) 577 22 20 57

The Wine Company “Chelti” was founded in 2001 and is located in Kakheti region, in the village of Shilda, Kvareli district. From the very beginning, the company’s goal was to produce only premium quality products and so it planted its own vineyards which would have given the possibility to control the quality of grapes. In 2005, the foundation was laid for the construction of winery which was completed in 2006.

ShilDa 106 T. Tabidze Str., Shilda Kakheti (+995) 322 971 716 Shilda Winery was founded in 2015, but the story began yet many years ago from a great love and respect for

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GWS is one of the most famous wineries in Georgia, founded in 1993 in Telavi on the base of the famous winery Telavi 2, created in 1976. From 1999-2016, the company undertook to dramatically increase the level of quality of its wines and was awarded about 160 prizes in national and international competitions: 4 double gold, 73 Gold, 46 Silver and 26 bronze medals.

GWS brands are increasingly popular in local and international markets (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine, Baltics, China, Japan).

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vvine 3 Ana Politkovskaia St. (+995) 577 55 34 25

grapes and ends with the creation of a final product, which fully corresponds to ISO22000-2015 international standards. The main task of the company is to strengthen and expand positions obtained on the premium segment. The philosophy of making wine is mainly based on endemic and rare breeds and popularization on international markets.

by local feudal lord, Kote Apkhazi.

The winery produced about 50 tons of wine from Rkatsiteli and Saperavi grapes. The cellar was then owned by a prominent Russian, Count Sheremetiev.

JuJuna Wine (+995) 555 32 32 07

karDenakhi Winery n1 Kardanakhi, Gurjaani (+995) 599 51 15 99 VVINE is the very first online viticulture platform, or Viticulture 2.0. They aim to plant, nurture and harvest, and send clients a bottle of wine made from grapes from that very vine.

We believe that guests can cultivate their own grapevine regardless of their profession or how busy their schedule is. So, if you’d like to experience a brand-new emotion from an 8000-year practice on our land, come join us.

vaziani Mshvidoba Str., Telavi (+995) 32 90 47 74

Jujuna Wine in Georgian means ‘drizzling wine’. Technically it is closest to semi-sparkling white wine, but frankly it’s tricky to describe it in words, as it resembles no other drink.

Kardenakhi winery is a 19th c. Cellar, unique for its unprecedented 700 qvevris buried in the earth floor- able to keep and age 1000 tons of grapes). The winery was built in the 19th century

Vaziani Winery was founded in 1982 and modernized in 2012. This is a unique enterprise with a closed production circle, which starts from the selection of

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Jujuna wines are made during the early harvest- from unripe grapes of two traditional Georgian varieties: Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane (green). That’s how Jujuna gets its distinctive sourness.

Then it goes through secondary fermentation to gain a natural soft gas.

Jujuna suits fresh fruits and other alcoholic drinks. That might be the reason why it’s heavily featured in various cocktails.

Although the label may says it’s only 11% alcohol, it’s quite a tipsy type.

to buy to drink

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Exclusive Tips for Shopping Lovers

. . . e c i o h C y M

Lena Kevkhishvili Owner & Managing Director of the Autograph Georgia

StaMBa chocolaterie & roaStery When Georgia comes to your mind, chocolate is not the first thing you think of. This is why you should visit Stamba’s Chocolaterie & Roastery, which offers a variety of handmade artisan chocolates created with cocoa beans imported from Venezuela, Madagascar, Peru and Colombia. Every visit I make to Tbilisi starts in Stamba’s Chocolaterie with a good coffee and a chocolate selection that always surprises me. I just can’t get these flavors out of my head.

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flyinG Painter Flying Painter is a Georgian brand creating clothing and accessories. So if you love art and if you want to wear art, the Flying Painter is the right place for you. This is a place where artists deliver social, political and romantic messages to the public using the language of fashion and art. The name of the brand, Flying Painter, has roots in the title of a work by the Georgian modernist painter Petre Otskheli, which was created in 1936 for the film “Winged Painter” by director Leo Esakia.

GeorGian MeMory I am sure that you will spend at least one of your afternoons here at Tbilisi Mall.

Please don’t miss out a visit to Georgian Memory to discover beautiful silk scarves decorated with Tbilisi-inspired designs (such as the iconic balconied houses) and more subdued, abstract patterns.

StaMBa’S BookS Located on the first floor of Stamba Hotel, Stamba’s Books stocks literary related knickknacks and souvenirs alongside a wide variety of Georgian-language tomes. This is not your average souvenir shop, this is a place where illustrated Piu Wiu paper goods and homewares (I love the khinkali enamel mugs!) make for the perfect Tbilisi souvenir. You can also find Blue Supra tablecloths here.

White StuDio If you are looking to find something one of a kind just for you or your loved ones, you are in the right place. This Georgian ceramics studio in the trendy Vera neighborhood makes porcelain tableware, home accessories and offers a variety of gift ideas. Aiming to revitalize traditional pottery techniques, the artists behind WHITE Studio use faience and red clay, and decorate their creations with hand-painted designs.

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Entrepreneurial News Poteria Poteria is a social studio-enterprise from Etsia which aims to keep the traditions of Georgian handcrafting and involve women who conflict with the law. The founders of Estia, three friends: Elisabed Dimitriadi, Natia Nozadze, and Natia Kalmakhelidze, decided to make their job more efficient and valuable, transforming their studio into a social studio-enterprise. The studio welcomes anyone interested in handcrafting and clay. Poteria also provides an educational course on pottery. After one year of active work, the enterprise-studio has become a space where one can buy unique clay items, enjoy creative relaxation, and become enlightened in the traditional Georgian handcrafting – all 3 in 1.

GePherrini Gepherrini is now producing for the Kuwaiti market. An agreement has been signed with Kuwaiti company A&M, one of the largest companies there, which sells imported leather products countrywide. With the support of the Enterprise Georgia Agency, Gepherrini established business ties with A&M at the annual Hong Kong Exhibition - APLF. This is already the second successful contract for the Georgian brand, the first coming last year in a partnership with InterBlock Hong Kong Limited, thanks to which Gepherrini opened an island-type store in one of Hong Kong’s most famous shopping centers.

PlaSticWatcher The idea of preventing damage caused by plastic waste was the reason behind the establishment of Eka Asatiani’s Georgian start-up Plasticwatcher. The start-up works to collect plastic waste and make iconic items from recycled Polyethylene. It is a model of circular business – reusing already existing resources and waste to create something new. Colorful raincoats, accessories and different items that are put together through this sustainable process will soon be available on an online platform accessible for both Georgian and international customers.

‘rounD’ ‘Round’ is the name of a sportswear start-up founded by four freshmen of the Caucasus University: Giorgi Topuridze, Sandro Zabakhidze, Kote Dikhaminjia, and Giorgi Didmamishvili, who set up production with an affordable Georgian manufacture while keeping high quality production. Now they have launched a Georgian brand of thermal t-shirts, sports pants, jackets, and hoodies. Their short-term plans are connected to establishing the start-up on the market, though they are already thinking about exporting.

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Souvenirs & Gifts Christmas, New Year or just because, winter is the best season to treat loved ones (or yourself) to stay uplifted through the chill.

Below, we’ve listed some of the best Georgian gifts you can buy. Wine is not on the list, but there’s plenty of that too!

churchkhela

Churchkhela, together with Khinkali and Khachapuri, is probably the most iconic product of the Georgian kitchen. It’s no exaggeration to claim that you’ll see them being sold on every street corner and roadside bodega across the country.

Indeed, it is the ultimate snack. Originally made from grape must, flour and walnuts (now bastardized with an assortment of nuts and eccentric food coloring and flavors), soldiers took it into battle with them due to its source of energy and protein. Today, it remains a favorite snack of many, as well as an energy bar for athletes, with the wholly organic ones ensuring a healthy source of natural sugar.

Try the Badagi and Nugbari brands, by far the best.

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Blue taBlecloth Easily spotted in shops around town, the size and quality of this blue-with-white ornamented tablecloth (the “lurji supra”) varies. Choose wisely. Silk makes the most attractive gift, especially in red, but the cotton version is more likely to actually get put on the table!

And before we move on- here’s a little history: The oldest remaining samples date back to around the end of the 17th century- cotton tablecloths painted in various hues of blue. In the eighteenth century, artisans began creating printed textiles using woodblocks with decorative

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engravings, symbolic of the Georgian culture.

enaMel

Menankari is the art of coloring and ornamenting the surface of metals by fusing over it brilliant colors that are decorated in an intricate design, held in a frame of gold, silver or copper. The oldest existing samples date back to the 7th and 8th centuries. This field of art has become a distinctive symbol of Georgia and it makes a brilliant gift for the ladies at Christmas! Pendants, necklaces, earrings and wall-pictures- take your pick!

the national coStuMe

and even children’s clothes detailed with fine, exquisite and very Georgian patterns.

Check them out here: fb.com/pg/SamoseliPirveli-სამოსელი-პირველი

anythinG With the GeorGian alPhaBet! Pins, scarves, bags and clothing, you can’t get more Georgian than it’s alphabet- and you can pretty much guarantee you’ll be asked about the beautiful intricate design back home!

Contemporary Georgian artist Shota

Saganelidze decided to take the Georgian writing system to a new level and transform it into artwork- he works with paints, jewelry, clay and creates 3D sculptures.

Check out his work here: fb.com/ saganelidzeshota/ saganelidzeshota/

felt & Wool A light and easily transportable gift, felt is colored and made into animals, hats, jackets and slippers and can be found in most souvenir and art-gallery-stores. As for wool, how can you resist a pair of long socks to keep your feet snug this winter.

They even do his, hers and kids’!

If you’ve seen the Georgian dancers and polyphony singers, or been to a Georgian wedding or museum, you might have been inspired to try the same fashion. Georgian dresses and chokhas (traditional men’s attire) are ideal for occasions like weddings.

Designer Samoseli Pirveli offers made-toorder jackets, blouses, trousers and skirts,

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Old is Gold By katie ruth Davies

Tbilisi is the place to come for vintage. With poverty and unemployment still unfortunately high, there are a lot of people willing to sell off the family heirlooms along with granny’s old telephone, chair and dinner set at knock-off prices that you’ll not see elsewhere.

And as vintage is fashionable, you won’t be going wrong! Check out our favorite places to shop vintage below.

the mid-20th century fashion.

115 Vakhtang Gorgasali Str., Tbilisi (+95) 599 61 21 66 12 PM – 7 PM

trocMarket velvet

a cup of coffee, a cocktail, or a piece of cake at the cafe inside!

Velvet is an antiques store located in the hip neighborhood near the Marjanishvili metro - a former industrial area which has been undergoing a revival.

1 E. Ninoshvili Str., Tbilisi 1 PM – 9 PM, Monday-Friday 1 PM - 11 PM Saturday, Sunday

Velvet sells everything from clothing to furniture to clever home decor pieces. You can find an old typewriter, decorative lampshade, and classic Soviet posters.

While you’re shopping, you can also grab

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StuDio 995 Re-invent the sixties with this furniture shop- chairs, tables, sofas and other gems to brighten up your home with the fun of

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Stepping further back in time, we have TrocMarket, offering 19th to early 20th century restored furniture from Belgium and France. Check out their vintage and antique furniture, accessories, lighting and more to decorate your home inside and out.

37 Tskneti Highway, Tbilisi (+995) 595 67 02 10 fb.com/TrocMarketVintage/ 12 PM – 8 PM

troDel

The best gifts, furniture and home accessories from Germany. The only limit here is your imagination- vases, pictures, dinner sets, tables, sideboards, shelves and chandeliers, and this is just the tip of the treasure-filled iceberg that awaits you!

fb.com/Benuari 1 PM – 8 PM

eleMent

69 Kostava Str., Tbilisi (+995) 555 78 77 99 fb.com/TrodelTbilisi/ 12 PM – 7 PM

Benuari Lots of beautiful things to decorate your home with here, from used furniture and utensils from Belgium, English porcelain, Chinese furniture, saddle relief, office furniture, clowns and dolls from Japan, and antiques. Get exploring!

12 Kipshidze Str., Tbilisi (+995) 551 62 41 62

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Top quality restored vintage items and artwork here, from lamps and chairs to bags and vases. There’s nothing not to like!

5 Vashlovani Str., Tbilisi (+995) 577 44 60 61 fb.com/shopelement 1 PM – 7 PM

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Georgian Brands By elene Dzebisashvili

BioSyo- orGanic anD all natural

euPhoria- all natural anD Plant BaSeD Euphoria is a little-known organic skin care brand that we promise you’ll never forget.

The core philosophy of Euphoria is based on illuminating your inner beauty using hand-prepared, biologically pure, plant-based fats and cosmetics. At this point, the brand produces: bath towel, soap, shiny oils and natural vegetable fats.

The ingredients are always simple (so simple they can be used for babies!), yet

If you’re looking for natural skin care ingredients, Biosyo has a lot to offer. Since 2017, Biosyo has been developing Georgian natural cosmetics for skin and hair care, utilising solely the purest active ingredients sourced using the latest extraction and preservation techniques.

Pamper your skin with the 100% pure ingredients such as aloe vera and pepper extracts, sea salt, honey, jojoba, coconut and grapefruit oils at rarely affordable prices! We are huge fans of Biosyo’s honey for skin because of how potent it is at treating a variety of skin conditions.

97 D. Agmashenebeli Ave., Tbilisi / All PSP pharmacy branches m.me/biosyo info@biosyo.ge

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effective. This isn’t an ultra-potent skin care line, but it is a solid line of holistic,

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sustainable, organic skin products with truly unique formulations.

1 Kavtaradze Str., City Mall Saburtalo (+995) 555 73 02 37

SaDaPhi - a State-of-the-art BoDy anD face healinG center

The goal of Sadaphi is to revitalize your skin, revitalize your body and to restore your confidence. Try out a myriad of cosmetic and minimally-invasive procedures at Sadaphi’s state-of-the-art facility to enhance the way you look and feel. You

can also buy natural handmade soaps, oils, scrubs, shampoos and scented candles on site. Cleanse, moisturize and soothe your skin with all natural handmade soaps made with organic oils and plant butters, pure essential oils and organic herbs. Our top choice are Sadafi’s organic natural moisturising soaps that are meticulously developed to produce skin-nourishing effects that leave your skin feeling clean, soft and radiantly healthy.

Sadaphi’s objective is to deliver quality without compromise, offering premium products at modest prices.

18a Z. Panaskertel-Tsitsishvili Str., Tbilisi (+995) 551 94 00 09

with success to more than ten countries.

Ranging from socks decorated with sushi or Georgian alphabet ornaments, to the newest socks created in collaboration with the Georgian street artist LAMB, Altersocks has something to suit any taste.

Offers international shipping https:// www.altersocks.com/about/ Check the addresses here www.altersocks. ge/stores (+995) 574 00 88 80

creating spaces where you can grow, thrive, and love. Vitsro team will help you frame concepts on how to personalize items to suit your needs and style.

Vitsro does not have a store but you can order online m.me/vitsro.ge (+995) 598 33 82 02

lacoaJ

vitSro- hoMe Décor & clotheS ShoP

alterSockSfun SockS for fun PeoPle

Socks are an everyday necessity that bring us warmth, support and joy. When the monotony of daily life brings you down, bring a smile to your day with some fun socks! Now operating in eight shops with branches in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and Rustavi, AlterSocks has gained high brand awareness and popularity in the Georgian market. The brand exports its products

Impress your guests with an updated look and feel for your home decor items. In Georgia, Vitsro is pioneering what it means to make expertly-designed, handmade home goods created according to your taste and desire. Products include hand sewn and painted pillows, letters, hand-painted T-shirts, DreamCatcher and various accessories like alphabet brooches. Design is not simply about placing items in your home; it is about

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LACOAJ A fashion clothing brand from the youth of Georgia’s separatist region of Abkhazia. T-shirts, hats and hoodies (for men, women and kids) are printed with messages of solidarity, such as ‘We are Rebels from Sokhumi’ or ‘Gagra, Cool love’. The designers’ aim is to put the fun back into relations with the region and show the memories are not only about pain and war. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for special offers. (+995) 577 33 12 38 fb.com/lacoajgeorgia www.lacoaj.ge

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Warm Toes & Warmer Walls By katie ruth Davies

The history of carpet weaving in the Caucasus region dates back to the Middle Ages, and fragments of knotted pile carpet from the 13th and 14th centuries have been found in cave complexes in Georgia.

Carpets from the Caucasus region have geometric designs and bold colors, typically deep red, brown, blue, and yellow.

The older the carpet, the more likely it is to have been made using natural materials found in the region: older Caucasian carpets are pure wool.

Over the centuries, traders from Istanbul to Athens traveled to Tbilisi, Georgia, to trade in hand-woven carpets at bazaars known as the Caravanserai. As well as trading, Georgia made quality bags, carpets and rugs. In particular, Tusheti, Kakheti, Alwan and Akhaltsikhe were famous for their precious, high-quality products, skilled weavers, and the quality of local sheep and their wool.

Unlike homes in the north, Georgians prefer tiles and laminate flooring over wall-to-wall carpet. Underfloor heating is new, and until that came along Georgians, like the rest of the world, relied on carpets (rugs) to keep their feet warm while wandering around their dwellings.

Carpets were also often hung on the walls as both a decorative piece and as insulation from the cold, some of them

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having been passed down from generation to generation. Add to that the fact that carpets were an indispensable part of a dowry for Caucasian girls in the past (according to local custom, a girl could not marry if she was unable to knit carpets or did not have rugs in her dowry), and you’ll understand the importance of carpets and why they might cost so much to buy!

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The Caravanserai were shut down in Soviet times, but there are still plenty of small local shops in the Old Town where you can snap up a genuine antique (or more modern) carpet for your home. You can also wander the Dry Bridge market and see what they have on offer. Another option- if you have the time, is to get one made to order. ReWoven (see below) is a great organization to contact if you fancy a personalized carpet.

A modern, medium-sized handmade rug, in wool, is likely to cost over $1000 and takes several months to make. A real antique rug – depending on its age, design and quality – can fetch thousands of dollars.

still a place for people of different nationalities to meet and deal in carpets.

Where to Buy a carPet

MIDIMODI

They make and sell natural silk and wool carpets mainly made in Iran. You can order any kind of carpet and they will ship it anywhere to you at a very reasonable price. They also have their own website to help you choose!

A company dedicated to handmade carpets with one branch in Tbilisi and

109 Aghmashenebeli Ave., Tbilisi www.midimodi.com

REWOVEN

8/10 Erekle Str. (+995) 577 405 311 www.carpetsintbilisi.com

several shops in Iran.

Gorgeous rugs have been woven for centuries by the Azerbaijani people living in the Republic of Georgia. Once a worldrenowned rug weaving region, this tradition has all but vanished. reWoven endeavors to save this craft from complete extinction by creating high quality rugs that embody the aesthetics and methods of centuries past, while maximizing their benefit for its weavers and their community today. Each rug is a unique blend of personal expression and cultural richness, and one small step toward insuring this tradition survives another generation. Check them out and support the cause on rewoven.net CAUCASIAN & ORIENTAL CARPETS GALLERY Opened in 1990 in a 300-year-old Caravanserai building, Caucasian and Oriental Carpets Gallery has a variety of tablecloths and rugs made from numerous different materials. Their collection includes old and new Georgian, Dagestani, Armenian, Azeri, Iranian, Turkish and Central Asian rugs and carpets. The location is also something special- one room of the gallery was once used for camel stabling while the second was a tavern shop, where traders sat on mats and bought and sold carpets. Grab the mood of this shop,

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Ceramics Studios & DIY Ceramics By katie ruth Davies

One of Georgia’s traditions, dating back many centuries, is pottery-making. Fragments have been found all across the country to show that ancient Georgians not only used clay to create cooking and storage utensils, but also to ferment wine- some 8000 years ago!

Whether you’re shopping for it or fancy giving the craft a go yourself, Tbilisi is here to serve.

Check out our favorite studios below.

1300 ceraMic StuDio

8 Egnate Ninoshvili Str., Tbilisi (+995) 577 41 14 12 11 AM – 8 PM

unicorn ceraMicS

perfect place to stock up on gifts or home accessories. We particularly love their unglazed plant pot holders!

Housed in the popular Fabrika cultural center, the 1300 Ceramic Studio and Concept Gallery offers handmade work from Georgian ceramic artists Irine Jibuti and Taso Gomelauri. You’ll find something special for your home or to gift a friend, and if you’re here on a visit, you’ll find

14 Lado Asatiani Str., Tbilisi (+995) 599 20 70 24

White StuDio From cute little replicas of Georgia’s famed winemaking vessel Qvevri, to dishes and bowls and everything in between. The

something nicely Georgian to take home.

Contact them to find out when they’re holding classes if you want to get your own hands nicely dirty.

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The shop (with studio below) offers clients high quality modern works of ceramics

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terracotta ceraMicS StuDio & cafe

and contemporary forms with traditional Georgian elements- making it the ideal stop when looking for something different to take home. Tired with the repetitive souvenirs on offer, owner and co-founder Nato Eristavi decided to train up some young local artists in world-renowned technologies and get them working with ‘Georgian porcelain’ to create something unusual but totally in-line with modern trends.

Boutique-Workshop offers a huge variety of original handmade gifts and souvenirs.

As well as shopping, guests can watch the crafting process by various painters and artisans, design and order personalized gifts and attend ceramic and wood-painting masterclasses to create unique souvenirs of their own.

Amaghleba Street has a cute little studio-café below ground, easy to spot thanks to the cart of ceramics outside.

Inside, you’ll find a light open area, that fashionable exposed brickwork, and old wooden furniture. Choose a table and

The best place if you are looking for original and reasonably-priced souvenirs and gifts.

60, Tsinamdzgvrishvili Str., Tbilisi (+995) 322 432006 11 AM – 8.30 PM Each piece on display is totally exclusive and there is a wide range of prices, meaning almost everyone can find something they can afford!

enjoy being surrounded by ceramics made by the owner (and fine-wire sculptures made by her husband)- and she’ll keep on molding, sanding and painting her new wares as her mother cooks for you in the kitchen.

22/26 Janashia Str., Tbilisi (+995) 595 01 17 70

eStia hanDMaDe art Boutique

16 Amaghleba Str., Tbilisi (+955) 599 65 39 75 12 PM – 11 PM

Situated close to the recently renovated Agmashenebeli Ave, Estia Handmade Art

to buy

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Georgian Trend-Setters Abroad By elene Dzebisashvili

Georgia may be a small country, but it definitely packs some big talent. Always earnest to gain international success but never forgetting to honor the roots, young Georgian fashion designers have been redefining what it means to create something from scratch. Here are some of the boldest designers who have succeeded in bringing a totally new ideology to the fashion world.

DeMna GvaSalia

There’s something for everyone in the just out Fall 2019 collection: buttonless strong-shouldered coats and jackets; subtle, minimalistic-chic pantsuits; printed frock dresses; velvet two-piece sets merged with Gvasalia’s trademark staple items like track pants, hoodies and T-shirts.

DaviD koMa

Creative Director of Balenciaga 40, rue de Sèvres, Paris Demna Gvasalia stepped down from his signature luxury streetwear label Vetements to continue his route as the creative director of Balenciaga. It’s easy to admire the way Gvasalia finds the possibilities in the ordinary by accessing the tools of the elite. All the way from his creation of smash-hit hero products like the chunky Triple S sneakers, to the novelty items that feel like a forensic analysis of the corrupting nature of power itself, Gvasalia never disappoints.

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ultra-body contouring silhouette designs inspired by feminine forms.

David presents two women’s wear collections a year at the London Fashion Week. Through his women’s ready-to-wear collections, Koma has reinterpreted the brand’s fashion codes to resemble the quirkiness of Pedro Almodóvar’s films, conveying a sense of movement through the merging of minimalist style with the baroque details. In 2015, he designed the company’s first leather goods collection and soon became one of the favourite designers among celebrities such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Lopez and Naomi Campbell, to name just a few.

This season, his silhouette is all about lengthening the leg, something his clientele will no doubt appreciate.

Artistic Director of the Maison Mugler 3, 1 New Inn Yard EC2A 3EE London, United Kingdom Koma graduated from the prestigious Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design to gradually gain esteem for his

to buy

DJaBa DiaSSaMiDze - Darial Carrer d’Ausiàs Marc, Barcelona With a Georgian team behind it, Dariali is the name of a new multifunctional space that boasts gold palm trees and art deco

glamor. The concept store unites in itself a carefully curated edit of fashion, furniture, art books and a Le Léopard restaurant with interweaving gold-finished details flowing into one another.

avtanDil 29 Kote Abkhazi Str., Tbilisi

thing that helps put Georgia’s fashion industry on the map—and its designers’ clothes into closets abroad.

GeorGe keBuria George Keburia, a self-taught 27-year-old Georgian designer, was awarded the ‘Best Newcomer’ Award at Tbilisi Fashion Week. Two years later, he achieved international recognition with his collection “Bird Nest”, winning a handful of designer contests. In 2013, George became the chief designer at Fashion House Materiel, creating apparel replete with surrealist and even outlandish overtones.

The authors of the idea are designers Maka Asatiani, recognized as a symbol of Georgian beauty, and Djaba Diassamidze, the Creative Designer of the project.

Ready-to-wear offerings from over 100 brands can be found through the raw concrete vaults, from established names like Loewe to more experimental ones.

DARIAL concept store is a good example of the Georgian new wave avant-gardism extending to and enriching the global fashion market.

Being the pioneer in bringing the culture of fashion houses to Georgia, Avtandil has already participated in a myriad of fashion weeks across the globe, with shows in Paris, London, Rome and Monte Carlo. Nowadays, Avtandil has two clothing lines- the luxe and a more casual one.

Today, Keburia’s eponymous label is a successfully operating brand on the local, as well as global, fashion market. The brand appears in miscellaneous boutiques and concept stores in Georgia, Russia, Ukraine and United States and is sold online across the world. Its unique design aesthetic represents an idiosyncratic interpretation of masculinity and femininity through an intriguing compilation between menswear and womenswear elements.

Some of the signature pieces by Avtandil include statement coats: hooded trenches with a raincoat-type shine, oversize vests often printed with graffiti mixed with strong statements, boldly playing with colors and textures. Avtandil makes everything appear fresh, even fervent. That’s some-

to buy

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Where to Buy Ski Accessories in Tbilisi The winter season is already here, and the Georgian resorts offer a real paradise to ski enthusiasts. But in order to enjoy extreme winter sports to the fullest, it is important to know where to buy high-quality ski and snowboard equipment at affordable prices. There are several sport goods stores in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, each offering a wide variety of ski accessories to customers, from comfy clothes to skis of well-known brands.

xtreMe

often offers special discounts to its customers during the winter season, so keep your eyes open.

Those interested can call them before visiting: (+995) 32 236 86 36 and get answers to their questions about goods, service and prices.

11 AM – 7 PM daily

SnoWy MountainS

The prices of the accessories range from 10 GEL to 300 GEL.

XTREME, the sport goods hypermarket located in Dighomi District, at 85 Beliashvili Street, is distinguished among them.

(+995) 597 74 77 55

MoGzauri

Here, lovers of extreme winter sports can find everything they need for their comfort and pleasure, including skis, ski bindings, ski boots, ski goggles, ski helmets, ski backpacks, ski and boot bags, ski protection, buff/headbands, ski socks, ski gloves, winter hats, ski jackets, ski pants, ski clothes sets, thermal wear, snowboards, etc.

High-quality skis produced by the following brands are available at XTREME: Salomon, Atomic, Hagan, Nordica, Head. The prices range between GEL 600-2000. XTREME

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District at 4 Metreveli Ave (near Dinamo Stadium on the side of the Tsereteli Metro).

Products: Here you will find colored warm ski jackets, ski gloves, ski boots, ski backpacks, etc.

This store offers high quality products of different brands. The shop is located in Didube

to buy

MPluS

Sporting goods store Magellan is located at 68 Adam Mitskevichi St, Tbilisi, while another branch is located on 10 Vazha-Pshavela Avenue.

The mountain and ski tourism equipment shop Mogzauri is located at 193 Shalva Nutsubidze Str., Tbilisi.

It offers products from well-known brands such as Elan, Julbo, Petzl, Salewa, Tendon, MSR and Kilpi. The highest quality accessories of these brands are available at the Mogzauri store.

MPlus is the leading active sports equipment retail, rental and adventure tour company.

Its store is located at 25 Vazha Pshavela Ave, Tbilisi.

The company’s products include skis, bikes, tents, footwear, apparel, climbing, trekking, biking, skiing and camping equipment.

Magellan offers the products of the following brands: North Face, Dainese, Regatta, Dare2B, Asics, Powerslide, Jamis, JOOLA, Beco, Reusch, Uvex, Burton & Anon Dynastar & Lange and Blizzard & Tecnica!

(+995) 32 231 91 01 10 AM – 7 PM daily

(+995) 237 19 19; 237 01 03 11 AM – 8.30 PM daily

(+995) 595 56 55 65 11 AM – 7 PM (weekdays only)

MaGellan

to buy

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Listing: Where to Buy Wine BranD Wine 48/50 Mtskheta Str. (+995) 577 75 55 55

while launching the shop, and used traditional Georgian vessels and casks as the main decoration.

Wine Bar o’Dila Upper Omalo, Tusheti (+995) 557 00 59 00

Brand Wine also hosts various wine-tastings, where guests as well as locals have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with each type of drink and find out which is more suitable for each Georgian holidays and various dishes of the country’s delicious cuisine.

Wine is one of the biggest parts of Georgian culture. Well aware of this fact, Georgian businessmen and entrepreneurs operating in the country’s tourism industry, have been using the concept of wine to launch various wine shops, wine bars, and wine hotels. The rivalry is incredibly high in this respect and it may be difficult to choose the right place in which to start your wine journey. The Brand Wine shop should certainly be top of your list: a must-visit destination for true wine enthusiasts, opening up a path forward in the world of the genuine Georgian beverage.

Brand Wine is distinguished for its multiplicity of wines, as well as other alcoholic drinks, including chacha and sparkling wine, mesmerizing customers of all tastes.

With a stunning interior, authentic Georgian décor and wine-related ornaments, Brand Wine creates a small world of wine and offers a fascinating experience to customers. The founders of the shop had details very much in mind

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vinotel 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi (+995) 32 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

Wine bar O’dila Tusheti offers guests various Georgian wines, among them Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, Saperavi and Kindzmarauli. The traditional technology of making wine is the essence and the zest of it. The Summer Library adds a certain coziness and feeling of calm to the place.

DaDi Wine Bar 4 Sh. Dadiani Str. (+995) 555 51 79 03 Vinotel wine cellar shop is definitely worth a visit. You’ll find the widest selection of varietals from different regions. They carefully select only the best of the artisan and mainstream wines from around Georgia.

The Cellar is oriented on natural family professional winemakers. It also offers its own wine production from vineyards at affordable prices, other professional small wine and cellar products, and exclusive offerings with tax free service.

All the wine is kept at 13-15 degrees

to buy

Dadi wine bar and shop, in the historic center of Tbilisi (Sololaki) near Liberty (Freedom) Square, was created by a couple from Moscow – Sasha Novikov and Dina Ramazanova. It’s a place to drink, eat, meet, enjoy and take home a bottle afterwards.

Dadi has a wine collection that mostly celebrates artisan winemakers, those whose aim is to produce great wines of individual character and whose focus is solely on quality over quantity; Georgian wines made with minimal intervention and maximum love.

chelti Winery 62/18 Vazha Pshavela Str. Wine plant ‘Chelti’: Shilda, Kakheti region (+995) 577 44 44 55 Wine Company Chelti was founded in 2001. Located in the Kakheti region, in Shilda village near Kvareli, the winery offers a 7m-deep wine cellar with a temperature that does not exceed 12-16 degrees throughout the year- ideal for wine storage.

Chelti wine is produced from grapes harvested from sandy-gravel soil, and Gunashauri grapes grown in clay-loam soil. The wine company also produces Dry White Wine, Saperavi Rose and Kindzmarauli Red Semi Sweet made from the Rkatsiteli variety. The company Chelti also produces premium quality Qvevri Wine.

Wine is produced according to classical and traditional methods as well as with advanced technologies which make it possible to control the wine quality at any stage of its making.

MenaBDe Winery Shemokmedi, Ozurgeti, Guria (+995) 593 33 23 17 The cellar is located on 2.5 hectares of land, where you’ll also find a Gurian house “Oda” (traditional house in Guria), cellar “Nalia” (traditional building for corn harvesting), Gurian barn, verandas, special places for rest (cabana, bonfire, playing places for children), fruit and nut orchards, and high and low hanging grape vines.

The hotel offers five rooms to guests, while the new wine cellar provides tours in Gomi Mountain and to the coast, on request. The sea shore is approximately 30 minutes away and Gomi Mountain is about a 60-minute drive.

chateau aznauri Near Eniseli village and Gremi, Kakheti (+995) 598 11 12 88

alaverDi MonaStery Village Alaverdi, Akhmeta (+995) 596 10 04 34 The wine cellar of Alaverdi Monastery is one of Kakheti’s most distinctive cellars.

Located within the monastery territory, on the site of the historical wine cellar (8th-10th centuries), it was recently rebuilt.

The cellar includes a classical wine hall, a large 6th century Qvevri warehouse, an ethnographic corner, a tasting room, and a souvenir shop.

Traditional white and red Qvevri wines produced in the Alaverdi Monastery wine cellar include Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Kisi, Khikhvi, Saperavi and Chacha.

Chateau Aznauri is a first-class complex located in the vineyards of Kakheti.

It manufactures wines using the traditional Kakhetian method, in clay amphora (Qvevri) buried deep in the earth, where the wine ferments over several months at soil temperature. Chateau Aznauri boasts 14 Qvevri of a total 25 tons.

JavakhiShvili cellar Akhalsopeli, Kvareli, Kakheti (+995) 577 06 89 40

Wine cellar kakhuri 1 Tbilisi Highway, Telavi (+995) 599 10 70 35 Kakhuri is located on the main road of Telavi on a territory housing a demonstration vineyard, a wine-tasting room and an ethnographic corner. Visitors can participate in the grape harvest, bake bread, and make wine and churchkhela. The company produces several varieties of PDO and table wines: Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Kindzmarauli, Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhetian, etc., as well as Chacha.

to buy

The Javakhishvili wine cellar is the best place for family wine degustation and to get a taste of traditional Georgian dishes.

Here, you can enjoy a large wine cellar, two gazebos and a large wine shop. The cellar is big enough to host events.

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SERVICE HALL 9 APRIL PARK

RIKE

Tbilisi Map. Designed at the request of the Georgian National Tourism Administration for non-commercial purposes.

9 MARCH PARK

DEDAENA PARK

PUBLIC SERVICE HALL 9 APRIL PARK

RIKE

BOTANIC GARDEN

Dubai

IoT expected to reshape aviation industry ASThe General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is all set to organise the second edition of Global Investment in Aviation Summit (GIAS) under the theme ‘Enabling global aviation growth through fundraising and key partnership’ at Madinat Jumeirah on 27- 29 January 2020, these topics will be highlighted by experts and professionals attending various segments of the summit.

“Worldwide investment in the aviation sector is very profitable, witnessing an accelerated growth rate of 5% annually.

The Global Investment in Aviation Summit will showcase potential investment opportunities as it connects key industry leaders, experts and investors to build new partnerships.” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA.

Dubai, 14 December 2019: Global spending on the Internet of Things (IoT) is predicted to reach $745 billion in 2019, and like other industries aviation sector is also weighing upon to adopt smart technology to improve passenger experience to airport maintenance and cockpit connectivity.

Furthermore, airport facility automation is one of the benefits of use of IoT, that is expected to deliver the fastest growth in worldwide spending over the 2017-2022 period. Transport is ranked third among the industries that will spend the most on IoT solutions, after manufacturing.

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He also added “The workshops and sessions organized during the summit will represent a great opportunity to raise awareness among international investors and professionals on the latest developments and available investment opportunities in the sector. The details and updates related to IOT applications on most of the operations procedures, the raising of the efficiency of airport management while using the existing capacities and capabilities and avoiding the increase of personnel and ground equipment will be key highlight points discussed by the experts during the summit.”

Smart technology is also used in aircraft maintenance nowadays to rein in costs associated with it and for efficiency besides helping aircraft engineers and maintenance technicians diagnose

dubai

problems sooner and prescribe the right course of maintenance. Some of the smart maintenance technologies and aviation mechanics trends innovative airlines are adopting include drone maintenance, wearable technology, and predictive maintenance.

Other important area where smart solutions are widely used in the aviation industry is cockpit connectivity, a term used to describe the communication between what’s going on in the cockpit and how the team on the ground is affected by it.

Having aircraft set up with cockpit connectivity helps ground operators know in advance what types of decisions they’ll have to make when the aircraft lands.

Decisions made through cockpit connectivity could end up saving the aviation industry an estimated $15 billion annually, not to mention reduce CO2 emissions by 21.3 million tonness annually by 2035.

Drones can improve inspection efficiency by allowing technicians to get a closer, more accurate look at aircraft, reducing maintenance costs while improving aircraft safety. In the future, drones won’t just be used for inspections — they’ll also be used for parts delivery and performing scheduled and automated maintenance.

The future of aircraft maintenance also might leverage wearable technology. For example, Japan Airlines had its engineers wear Google Glass glasses as they worked on the aircraft. The Google Glass sent live images to maintenance specialists who could, in real-time, advise the engineers of what maintenance to perform based on

issues they saw from the Google Glass images.

The recently concluded Airport IT conference in Munich also outlined the importance of disruptive technology in the future of airport management and said that aviation hubs will witness more use of wearables, IoT applications and predictive analysis in the future.

At GIAS, participants get the opportunity to listen and learn from experts and professionals what are the latest trends and smart solutions that would determine the future

course of aviation industry.

To attend the summit, register on https:// www.gias.ae/ Note to editors Global Investment in Aviation Summit was launched in 2018 to establish a socioeconomic sustainable civil aviation system.

Organised by Strategic Conferences and Exhibitions, GIAS has seen a participation of more than 850 international delegates and 120 investors from 60 countries, including Saudi Arabia, US, UK, India,

Germany, France. For more details visit https://www.gias.ae/ Strategic Exhibitions and Conference: Since its inception in 2000, Strategic Exhibitions & Conference is the trusted partner for many government entities in developing and managing high-profile conferences and events in the UAE. We are associated with Annual Investment Meeting, World Tolerance Summit, Global Investment in Aviation Summit, International Property Show, Dubai Investment Week and many more.

The Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet in Dubai Fantastic! Invigorating! Electrifying!

The Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet is one of the most famous dance ensembles in the world, enjoying international acclaim since its foundation in 1944 by dance legends Iliko Sukhishvili and Nino Ramishvili.

Founded in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, the Company rapidly gained a reputation that spread far beyond the borders of Georgia itself, however all the time retaining the essential spirit of its homeland. Sukhishvili embodies Georgia: a proud nation, fierce and beautiful, majestic mountains and vine-clad valleys, endowed with natural wonder and rich cultural heritage.

Over the course of the last 75 years the Company has performed in the world’s most famed concert halls and venues.

With an exuberant mix of folk-inspired

traditional dance, graceful balletic pieces and thrilling acrobatics, today the Company is as dynamic and thrilling as it has ever been. now, the very first time in the company’s history, Sukhishvili is coming to Dubai.

Fantastic! Invigorating! Electrifying!

‘Their repertoire is the richness of their culture, an exotic mixture of East and West, reticence and fire’ South China Morning Post ‘The world’s greatest dancers’ The Washington Post

dubai

The New York Times

VENUE: Dubai Opera DATE: 3-4 January 2020 TICKETS: www.dubaiopera.com

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International Medical Travel Show Dubai 2020 2nd of february, 2020, Dubai World trade center, uae

With a millenary history, medical tourism represents a market segment in fast development at global level, offering a variety of aspects for the economic development of scientific research countries.

The medical tourism market is valuable, driven by unsustainable healthcare costs in developed economies and the advent of technologies. Market Research Future (MRFR) has projected that the global medical tourism market will grow swiftly to touch the mark of $226,762.7 million by the end of the forecast period (2017-2023).

Kenz Events Dubai is launching an advanced Medical and Healthcare Travel

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networking platform that brings together healthcare professionals from all over the world. The International Medical Travel Show Dubai 2020 is offering access to a comprehensive menu of a Demonstration Zone, for efficient B2B communication between the healthcare providers and buyers, a Congress with leading experts and discussion of the hottest topics for market development nowadays.

Exclusively for the International Medical Travel Show Dubai 2020, the International Medical Tourism School will offer a Medical Tourism Training Short Course with the worlds’ best-known healthcare management

dubai

adviser and medical travel strategy consultant, Maria Todd.

IMTS.Dubai 2020 will be useful for: • Medical Travel Clusters and Associations promoting their destinations globally; • Government and Private Hospitals and Healthcare Groups working with international patients and want to increase the patient flow; • Medical Tourism Facilitators and Agents actively developing their business and searching for new partners from different countries;

• Healthcare professionals of different specialties who are interested in international cooperation; • Insurance companies that support international medical tourism programs.

medical tourism business based on the adaptation and implementation of global standards for the Russian-speaking market.

The B2B VIP Hosted Buyers Program is undoubtedly one of the main features during the IMTS Dubai, giving an opportunity to meet medical tourism facilitators from 35+ counties of the GCC, Asia, Africa, China and Russian speaking markets.

Maria Todd the CEO of AskMariaToddTM is often called the world’s single most knowledgeable adviser on health travel and medical tourism business strategy and management.

One day of intensive work will save participants’ budgets and time by establishing strong contacts with potential partners from the market they are targeting. The strong advertisement and informational marketing campaign of the event gives additional value to the event itself, as the information about participants will be delivered to more than 50 countries globally.

On the second day, the 3rd of February, a Familiarization Tour will be organized by IMTS Dubai for B2B VIP Hosted Buyers Program Delegates with a target to discover the UAE Healthcare system and medical tourism potential.

Considering the complexity of the marketing and business tools that IMTS Dubai Organizers are applying in February 2020, we can say that it is one of the strongest platforms in the Middle East region today for inbound and outbound medical tourism development globally.

the MeDical touriSM traininG Short courSe The medical tourism training short course – is a professional skills improvement program for medical travel sector specialists.

Attending this course will help you to improve your business best practices for

About Course Instructor

Maria Todd is our workshop leader. She has presented two outstanding courses for us here in Ukraine in recent years, and this one will be just like the rest: Packed with information, tools, tips, and best practices to improve your business success in medical tourism.

She generously shares her professional experience and training having worked in the medical tourism industry for more than 30 years!

Some of her clients have included: major pharmaceutical, international medical device manufacturers, Stem Cell and Infertility Clinics, Cleveland Clinic, Fortress Investment Group, University of Colorado, University of Denver, Emory University, Michigan State University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Texas, WHO, GIZ, IMF, ERDB, and foreign government agencies throughout the world.

Maria’s Unique Medical Tourism Experience without Comparison

Maria holds advanced degrees in health administration (MHA) and PhD, with professional work experience as a former surgical nurse and hospital executive.

She brings reality and practical advice to you from her training and the experience she has developed owning a medical tourism facilitator business, and training hospitals, clinics, thermal springs and seaside sanatoria around the world to prepare for accreditation, marketing, social media, patient logistics coordination and international patient department set up.

She shares critical comparisons, contrasts, and ideas from working on health tourism national strategies and situation analysis in more than 30 countries on four continents.

She shares specific information about what to say, how to say it, how to price your services, how to negotiate with insurance schemes, and how to plan unique strategies that differentiate your medical tourism brand.

dubai

Maria is the author of four technical books on medical tourism, and another ten books on medical business topics including, physician integration, insurance contracting, physician employment contracting, and concierge medical practice design. In 2010, she was awarded a trademark registration for a new term of art used to describe the world’s largest globally integrated health delivery system® designed especially to work as a medical tourism provider network and third party administrator (TPA).

For more information, please contact: info.imts@kenzevents.ae imtshow.com

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Business Listing BANKS

As of December 2018, the Bank’s total assets exceeded GEL 327 million.

vtB Bank GeorGia

PaSha Bank

ProcreDit Bank

14 G. Tchanturia St.

37M I. Chavchavadze Ave.

21 Al. Kazbegi Ave.

(+995) 322 26 50 00

(+995) 32 220 22 22

(+995) 322 50 55 05 www.vtb.com.ge

www.procreditbank.ge

tBc Bank 7 Marjanishvili St. (+995) 32 227 27 27 www.tbcbank.com.ge

halyk Bank 40 Shartava St. (+995) 322 24 07 07 www.hbg.ge

Bank of GeorGia PASHA Bank is a Baku-based financial institution operating in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, providing corporate

29a Gagarin St. (+995) 322 44 44 44 www.bankofgeorgia.ge

medium and small enterprises.

finca Bank GeorGia

PASHA Bank is a part of PASHA Holding

71 Vazha-Pshavela Ave.

- a diversified investment group with

(+995) 322 24 49 49

and investment banking services to large,

interests in banking, insurance, property development, construction, tourism and

liBerty Bank

other sectors.

74 Chavchavadze Ave.

www. nca.ge

(+995) 322 55 55 00 The Bank has been operating in Georgia since 2013, serving large and medium

www.libertybank.ge

enterprises. In 2019 the Bank opened its

BaSiSBank

doors to smaller enterprises too, and now

1 K. Tsamebuli Ave.

it provides corporate and investment

(+995) 322 92 29 22

banking services to legal entities with

www.basisbank.ge

annual turnovers exceeding one million GEL.

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teraBank 3 K. Tsamebuli Ave. (+995) 32 255 00 00 www.terabank.ge

reBanki 10 T. Abuladze I Close

Socar GeorGia PetroliuM

(+995) 322 22 25 25

24 300 Aragveli St.

www.rebank.ge

*0001 www.sgp.ge

COMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES MaGticoM 7 A. Politkova St. (+995) 32 217 00 00

FUEL COMPANIES

www.magticom.ge/

Gulf 34 Chavchavadze Ave. (+995) 32 249 64 4 4 www.gulf.ge

PHARMACIES PSP

Beeline

148a D. Agmashenebeli Ave.

39 Gorgasali St.

TEL (+995) 32 240 20 20

(+995) 32 220 06 06, 11 01 01

www.psp.ge

www.beeline.ge

WiSSol Opposite side of 71 K. Tsamebuli Ave., 74b Chavchavadze Ave.,

averSi

9 D. Agmashenebeli Ave.

148 Agmashenebeli Ave.

(+995) 32 291 53 15

(+995) 32 298 78 60

www.wissol.ge

www.aversi.ge

CHAMBERS IN TBILISI aMerican chaMBer of coMMerce in GeorGia

GPc roMPetrol GeorGia

142 Beliashvili St. (+995) 32 294 07 40

36a L. Asatiani St. (+995) 32 222 69 07 www.amcham.ge

www.gpc.ge

12 M. Aleksidze St. (+995) 32 291 07 27 www.rompetrol.ge

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icc 3/29 P. Kakabadze St. (+995) 32 298 81 76 www.icc.ge

the BritiSh GeorGian chaMBer of coMMerce

alDaGi 10 B. Kvernadze St. (+995) 244 49 99 www.aldagi.ge

1 Tabidze 1 Building, 2 Leonidze St., Regus office (+995) 599 46 53 64 contact@bgcc.org.uk www.bgcc.org.uk

arDi

iSrael-GeorGia chaMBer of BuSineSS

3 Vazha-Pshavela Ave. (+995) 32 210 10 10 www.ardi.ge

4 Liberty Sq. (+995) 32 299 70 35/36

the chaMBer of coMMerce anD inDuStry france-GeorGia

INSURANCE COMPANIES ic GrouP 24 I. Mosashvili St.

61 Agmashenebli Ave.

(+995) 32 220 33 33

(+995) 32 222 69 40

www.icgroup.ge

www.ccifg.ge

GeorGian chaMBer of coMMerce anD inDuStry 29 N. Shataidze St. (+995) 32 269 47 47 www.gcci.ge

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GPi holDinG 67 Kostava St. (+995) 32 250 51 11 www.gpih.ge

GloBal Benefit GeorGia 5 Chanturia St. (+995) 32 250 00 01

iMeDi l 9 A. Politkovskaia St. (+995) 32 292 22 22 www.imedil.ge

GiDMeDi PluS 3 Larsi St. (+995) 32 220 25 15

Advanced Pediatric Care

The Right Pediatrician for your Child!

neW hoSPitalS 12 Krtsanisi St. (+995) 32 219 01 90

toDua clinic 13 T. Mgvdeli St.

Comprehensive Healthcare for Infants, Children, and Adolescents

(+995) 32 234 81 19, 234 28 30

Routine Check-ups, Immunizations, ะกounseling and Healthcare Packages 24/7 On-Call Pediatrician and Home Visits

24/7 Hotline numbers: Tbilisi:* +995 (32) 250 00 20 Batumi: +995 (32) 250 00 77

aMc tBiliSi

*Includes Gudauri, Svaneti and other regions

11 D. Arakishvili St. (+995) 32 250 00 20 Kyiv Odessa Lviv Tbilisi Batumi Almaty Astana

www.amcenters.com

kuzanov clinic 5 Pekini St. (+995) 32 242 40 05

CLINICS IN TBILISI

DaviD tatiShvili MeDical center

evex MeDical corPoration

7 Abuladze St.,

142 A. Beliashvili St. (+995) 32 255 05 05 www.evex.ge

MeDinveSt 44/5 Paliashvili St. (+995) 32 225 19 60

2b Marijani St. (+995) 32 291 31 19

GeoSWiSS MeDical center 5 Pekini St. (+995) 32 236 33 64, 225 08 38, 225 18 90

caraPS MeDline 48 Ljubljana St. (+995) 32 251 60 60

MeDihelP 39 Chavchavadze Ave. (+995) 32 243 43 10, 596 11 43 43

chachava clinic 38 Kostava St. (+995) 32 295 33 11, 298 73 39

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TOURISM INFORMATION CENTERS tBiliSi touriSM inforMation center

Gori touriSM inforMation center

telavi touriSM inforMation center

Pushkin Sq.

23a Kutaisi Str.

9 Erekle II Str.

(+995) 595 215 86 97

(+995) 370 270776

(+995) 350 275317

Daily 9 am - 9 pm

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

Daily, 9 am - 6 pm

tBiliSi touriSM inforMation center (tBiliSi international airPort)

9 am - 6 pm (summer)

MtSkheta touriSM inforMation center

BorJoMi touriSM inforMation center

3 Arsukidze Str.

Rustaveli Str.

Tbilisi International Airport

(+995) 32 2512128

(+995) 367 221397

(+995) 32 231 00 07

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

24/7

10 am - 6 pm (summer)

9 am - 6 pm (summer)

MeStia touriSM inforMation center

kvareli touriSM inforMation center

7 Seti Sq.

8 Rustaveli Str.

akhaltSikhe touriSM inforMation center

(+995) 551 08 08 94

(+995) 352 221340

1 Kharischirashvili Str.

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

(+995) 365 22 50 28

9 am - 6 pm (summer)

10 am - 6 pm (summer)

Daily, 9 am - 6 pm

kutaiSi touriSM inforMation center 8a Rustaveli Str.

SiGhnaGhi touriSM inforMation center

aMBrolauri touriSM inforMation centre

(+995) 431 241103

10 Kostava Str.

17 Vazha-Pshavela Str.

Working days: Every day

(+995) 355 232414

(+995) 439 22 16 18

Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter),

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

Daily, 10 am - 6 pm

9:00 – 18:00 (summer)

9 am - 6 pm (summer)

144

BolniSi touriSM inforMation center

BatuMi touriSM inforMation center

115 Sulkhan-Saba Str.

Ski-lift surrounding area

(+995) 358 22 23 19

(+995) 422 29 44 10,

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

577 90 90 93

9 am - 6 pm (summer)

24/7

ESSENTIALS

TIME ZONE GMt + 4 currency Georgian Lari (GEL). One Lari is divided

kutaiSi touriSM inforMation center (kutaiSi airPort)

SarPi touriSM inforMation center

Kopitnari settlement

(+995) 577 90 90 93

(+995) 595 08 82 19 Working days: Schedule determined by flights

Sarpi Custom House

koBuleti touriSM inforMation center

into 100 Tetris.

eMerGency - 112 112 can be dialed free of charge from most mobile telephones and landline telephones in order to reach emergency services (ambulance, re and rescue, police).

(+995) 422 29 44 13

tBiliSi international airPort

24/7

(+995) 231 03 41

(+995) 422 29 44 14

khulo touriSM inforMation center

kutaiSi international airPort

Working days: Schedule determined

29 M. Abashidze Str.

by flights

(+995) 577 90 90 15

BatuMi touriSM inforMation center (BatuMi international airPort) Batumi International Airport

BatuMi touriSM inforMation center

1 Agmashenebeli Str.

24/7

(+995) 0431 23 70 00

GeorGian railWay (+995) 1331, 219 90 10

2 Ninoshvili Str., Batumi,

GeorGian national touriSM aDMiniStration

(Central entrance of Boulevard)

4 SANAPIRO STR.

(+995) 422 29 44 12,

(+995) 243 69 99

577 90 90 91 24/7

DialinG coDe: +995 32

145

17 Ioane Shavteli Str., Tbilisi +995 32 211 21 21 , info@ambassadori.casino www.ambassadori.casino