Dato Turashvili, Writer

CHATEAU MERE

Every time I want to leave Tbilisi, Chateau Mere springs to mind, not because it is just one hour away, but because of the wonderful environment there- perfect for getting away from everyday problems. I’m not a famous gourmet, but in Chateau Mere my appetite comes alive as here, in the heart of Kakheti, they make such delicious Imeretian Khachapuri that is hard to beat anywhere else- even in Imereti. Their matsoni (yoghurt) is “cosmic,” bringing tears of joy to my eyes when I eat it. However, the main advantage of Chateau Mere is not in its kitchen or amaz- ing swimming pool (or the comfortable ooms), but in the host – Gia Piradashvili, who decided that integrating into Europe is much more likely though an individual integration program, because returning to Europe together (for Georgians) will take quite a while. Nowhere in Georgia have I met such a helpful owner greet the guests personally, treat them, recommend things and escort them regretfully to the gate when they leave, all tirelessly and with professional love.

TUSHETI

If you have time and are not lazy to travel further, from Kakheti you can go to mountainous Tusheti. The road to Tusheti is not comfortable and I’m always amazed at how we Georgians manage to be so gifted yet so unwise. There are plenty of tourists and guests who want to travel to this wonderful place, but there are no regular flights, so the mountains lose numerous potential visitors.

MKINVARTSERI

Since I’m pointing out the mountain peaks, of course I can’t not mention Mkinvartseri - I think the most beautiful mountain on earth. Those traveling to Stepanstminda and staying overnight should ask their hosts to wake them up at dawn to see the Mkinvartsveri in all its grace, easily comparable to the Alps or Himalayas, and to write me at dturash@ gmail.com if I’m wrong.

SVANETI

Luckily there are flights to Svaneti, but purchasing tickets is a problem, as is finding a spare seat in the plane in summer. However, unlike Tusheti, the road to Svaneti is wonderful and whoever has yet to go there can get to Mestia from Zugdidi in just two hours, where a true wonder awaits. Apart from beautiful mountain peaks, I recom- mend every Georgian and foreigner to visit the Mestia Museum to make their trip even more pleasantly shocking.

VARDZIA MONASTERY COMPLEX

And finally, so that the readers and guests don’t think we only have mountain ranges and peaks, I recommend every foreigner (Georgian citizens as well) to head to the Meskheti region to see the Vardzia Monastery Complex and the unique city carved into the rocks. In Meskheti there were unique vine species cultivated on terraces for centuries, some of which are preserved or being restored. And while you're there, try the Meskhetian wine...