Taba - Tea House & Tea Garden: A Taste of Georgian Tea Heritage

Taba - Tea House & Tea Garden, located in the village of Melekeduri near Ozurgeti, is a charming destination that provides an authentic glimpse into Georgia's long-standing tea traditions. Guria, the region where Taba is situated, is considered the cradle of Georgian tea culture, with the first tea plants believed to have been introduced here in the early 19th century. At Taba, visitors are welcomed into a family-run business that spans three generations, dedicated to producing the finest traditional Georgian tea. The heart of the estate is the 120-year-old Guri Oda Tea House, a historic structure that embodies the region's hospitality and heritage. Guests can explore the subtropical gardens, where tea leaves are hand-picked to preserve their natural flavor and aroma. The tea-making process combines time-tested craftsmanship with modern technology, ensuring the highest quality in every cup. The experience at Taba goes beyond just tasting tea. Visitors can take a guided tour of the tea garden and witness the tea factory in action, gaining insights into the meticulous steps involved in creating premium Georgian teas. Knowledgeable staff members share their passion for tea, offering recommendations and stories about the origins of different brews. Taba also serves as a tea exporter and wholesaler, allowing guests to take a piece of Georgia's tea heritage home with them. Georgia has a fascinating tea history. Tea cultivation became widespread in the country in the second half of the 19th century, with Guria becoming a key region for tea plantations. During the Soviet era, Georgian tea production flourished, ranking among the top tea-producing countries. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the industry declined. Today, a dedicated community of tea growers is reviving Georgian tea, blending traditional knowledge with modern methods to restore the industry to its former glory.