God's Own Country

Georgia may be known as the birthplace of Stalin, but the country will enchant you with its historic beauty, rolling green hills – and especially its wine

- Lyn Hughes

Legend has it that when God was dividing the land among the people of the world, the Georgians were too busy drinking and missed out. God was angry at them and asked where they had been. They responded that they had been toasting his health with wine, and this was why they were late. God liked their answer and gave them a piece of the land that he kept for himself. Thanks to that, Georgians live in a paradise on earth. That story, which I was to hear several times, gave me an immediate insight into Georgia. It’s a beautiful country with magnificent mountains, fertile soils and plentiful water. It’s one of the most religious countries on earth. The Georgians have been making wine for many thousands of years and enjoy consuming it too. Even Mother Georgia, the huge statue which overlooks Tbilisi, holds a bowl of wine in her hand.

Under the influence

“I’ve had more wine this week than in the last seven years!” said one of my companions as we participated in yet another wine tasting. I was in ​Georgia with a group of Wanderlust readers, all keen like me to get to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Our tour leader was Dario Ghirlanda, a previous winner in our annual World Guide Awards. Although an Ethiopian he has spent a season in Georgia for several years and fallen for its many charms. Within a few hours of exploring the capital Tbilisi, we were falling under its spell too.