Tbilisi: A 8,000-year-old Drop

Georgia is recognized as one of the oldest countries in the world where viticulture and wine-making are continuously practiced. Situated at the crossroads of the Eastern and Western civilizations, this country now has over 500 indigenous grape varieties and produces wines that are loved by tourists and bartenders around the world. Why not take a wine-tasting tour in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, while spring is in full swing?

(Source: quanjing.com)

Among Georgia's numerous wine varieties, the most distinctive ones are those made from the indigenous grape variety Saperavi, whose name means "dye" in Georgian, and Rkatsiteli, which dates back to the 1st century A.D. Saperavi has thick black skins and is medium grained, and the semi-sweet wine made from it is the near-perfect choice when having fruits and chocolate. Rkatsiteli is an acidic white grape that makes refreshing white wine that goes well with grilled fish and Georgian potato pancakes.

(Source: quanjing.com)

Today, more and more tourists from all over the world are choosing to take a wine tasting tour in Tbilisi. A perfect wine-tasting process includes a bottle of local Georgian wine, as well as local delicacies such as bread cubes, cheese, bacon, olives and sometimes artisanal chocolate. Many of the city's wine cellars offer wine-tasting services and most are managed by English and Russian-speaking staff.

(Source: quanjing.com)

It should be noticed that some of the city's B&Bs now also organize small-scale wine tasting events, and some even allow visitors to experience making Georgian cuisine. If you are lucky enough to be a guest at one of these B&Bs, don't miss this rare opportunity. There's only one thing to remember: don't get drunken.