Manavi - Georgia

It was time to leave the capital, Tbilisi, and explore rural Georgia. So, we hired a car for a few weeks and plotted an itinerary to provide us with a sample of Georgian nature, as the mountains were calling us. Don't miss our Georgian driving tips below.

Aware of our leisurely pace and the finite window of our month-long visit, we acknowledged that not all of Georgia could be explored this time around. Thus, we decided to focus on a specific region that held the promise of unforgettable experiences, leaving the rest for another adventure.

Our sights were set on Stepantsminda, nestled in the northeastern part of Georgia, a 3-hour drive from Tbilisi. After researching and following recommendations, this was precisely what we had been looking for. We can't wait to share more on this soon; love at first sight!

To keep our travel days short and sweet, we planned several stopovers en route, including a stay in the famed winery region. After all, who could resist the allure of waking up in a vineyard?

Our first stop brought us to the Giuaani Winery in the historic village of Manavi, situated in the heart of Kakheti, Georgia's premier wine region.

This boutique winery provided not just a serene place to rest but also an inspiring workspace. True to our hopes, it was the perfect introduction to the Georgian countryside, complete with delightful culinary experiences and the freshest breakfasts.

As we navigated through Georgia's wine culture, our palates began to show a keen interest in Saperavi, a vibrant red, and a selection of aged Qvevri wines, particularly the esteemed orange wines.

Driving in Georgia

Before we move on to the next destination, let's talk a little about driving in Georgia, which differs significantly from what we've experienced before.

Our two tips:

1. Always assume the car behind you is already overtaking you

2. It is to realise that the oncoming traffic is also overtaking.

Too often, three cars are alongside each other on a two-way road. The oncoming traffic will overtake you in the near distance or on a bend, so you don't see them coming. You often have to slow to a stop to let them back into their lane. This gets even more daunting as you take on the mountain roads and hairpins at 2000m elevation.

Assume traffic entering your path from the crossroads will always jump out. It's best to be fully aware, and there are no rules; it's quite the experience, but one you soon become all too familiar with, and it's just the Georgian way.

In addition to navigating the Georgian drivers, you'll also encounter wandering animals like horses, cows, sheep, pigs, and dogs sharing the roads. This experience is in itself entertaining, and our drives become the highlight of the day with so much activity!

And if this isn’t enough to keep you entertained, you have passengers hanging out the sunroof at 2000m high, nothing like respecting other drivers trying to navigate all the above and the tight hairpins too!

Kudos to Wayne for keeping us safe on Georgian roads, after a few weeks he is now driving life a local, with the exception of the risky overtaking due to wanting to stay married!

As we delve deeper into Georgia, echoes of our three months in Morocco resonate, from roadside butchers to the simple, square architecture and the vibrant life in small villages. This journey not only connects us with the landscapes and flavours of Georgia but also with the rich tapestry of its culture and traditions.

Date visited: 8 November 2023