Georgia’s Soviet-era plantations brew up a renaissance – The Guardian ¤

In the heart of Tbilisi, a quiet revival is underway as Georgia’s Soviet-era tea plantations awaken from decades of dormancy. Long overshadowed by political upheaval and economic hardship, these historic tea estates are now at the center of a burgeoning renaissance, attracting entrepreneurs and connoisseurs eager to reclaim a lost tradition. Once a key component of the Soviet agricultural network, Georgia’s tea industry is steadily reclaiming its place on the global map, promising new opportunities for local communities and a fresh chapter in the country’s cultural heritage. This article explores the unexpected resurgence of teatime culture in Tbilisi and the efforts to revive an industry intertwined with Georgia’s complex history.

Teatime Traditions Reawakened in Tbilisi’s Historic Soviet Plantations