On October 15, 2022, the "Georgian Wine Festival 2022" took place in Gurjaani, Kakheti region. The visit of members of the "Guria Tea Route Association" and the "Guria Guest Hospitality Route" to Kakheti was organized as part of a joint project by the USAID Economic Security Program and Bakhvi HPP.
At the festival, Gurian entrepreneurs showcased local products, including Gurian wine, tea, honey, dried fruit, and churchkhela. These products were highly appreciated in Kakheti for both their visual appeal and taste.
"The goal of establishing the Tea Route Association is to promote local entrepreneurial and tourism opportunities. To achieve this goal, the association, with the support of partner organizations such as Bakhvi HPP and the USAID Economic Security Program, organizes and participates in agro and tourism festivals across Georgia's regions. Participation in the Gurjaani festival is a new challenge for the association's members. Tea, wine, churchkhela, dried fruits, and honey garnered significant interest from festival visitors," stated Aleko Mameshvili, Head of the Tea Route Association.
"Strengthening the Tea Route Association is one of our key projects, implemented in partnership with the USAID Economic Security Program. Our aim is the following: firstly, to strengthen the association, which has the direct responsibility to develop the Gurian tea brand, and secondly, to create a completely new hospitality experience in Guria. This experience will leverage the authentic opportunities that distinguish the Guria region from other parts of Georgia, offering tourists unique experiences only available in this beautiful region," said David Koberidze, ESG Manager at Bakhvi HPP.
Entrepreneur Kakha Nachkebia commented, "Such festivals help each entrepreneur in both the development of our businesses and in assessing modern market demands."
The entrepreneurs who represented Guria at the Gurjaani festival included: • Mzia Sharashidze ("Mzia’s Churchkhelas") • Davit Bezhuashvili ("Exofruit" - dried fruit production) • Zaza Tsintsadze ("Gurian Honey")