The Official Host country of ITB Berlin 2023 is putting its gastronomy and culinary heritage on display for the world to taste
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There are number of daily activities including culinary and gastronomy masterclasses taking place at the Georgian stand in hub27.
Georgia’s diverse history and geography is reflected in the flavours and products of its authentic cuisine. The country’s fertile soils mean almost all of its cuisine is produced with locally grown ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and herbs. Visitors can take advantage of the country’s culinary heritage through a wide range of activities, including gastro tours, cooking classes, wine tastings and much more.
Georgia is considered by many to be the birthplace of wine after archaeological findings at Shulaveri Gora suggested residents had been fermenting grapes for more than 8,000 years. Nowadays, around 50 000 hectares of the country’s soil is covered by vineyards that yield up to 250,000 tons of grapes every year. To leverage the potential of its wine making tradition the Georgian National Tourism Administration has launched the Wine Route project, which maps each and every wine cellar and winery in the country.
Georgia’s culinary and gastronomy are being highlighted as part of its campaign at ITB Berlin 2023 which centres around the concept of “Infinite hospitality”. Food and hospitality, two sides of the same coin, play a central role in Georgian culture and national identity for all generations.
The importance of food and hospitality for Georgians is reflected in many of its core cultural elements, such as Supra – the feast tradition. One of the most illustrative symbols of Georgian culture, Supra brings people together to celebrate and share food and drink, while enjoying each other’s company.
There are plenty of tasty dishes to choose from such as Khachapuri, a Georgian favourite, made with bread and cheese, or delicious dumplings filled with spicy meat, cheese, snails or mushrooms, known as Khinkali. Visitors can sample some of Georgia’s finest delicacies at their stand in hub27, where around 80 exhibitors from the tourism, hotel and aviation industries are represented.
Each region has its signature dishes which are prepared according to local recipes and tradition. While eastern parts of the country are famed for their meat, bread and wine, western Georgia serves a variety of meals packed with herbs and flavours. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from.
Those planning to explore Georgia’s culinary landscape should consider The Wine Harvest, locally known as Rtveli, which takes place between September and October every year. During this time, visitors can participate in a wine range of ‘harvesting activities’ from grape picking, crushing and fermenting, to wine tasting, local folk music and dancing.
hub27 / Hall 4.1
Photo: © shutterstock
Get a Taste of Georgia….
Culinary Masterclass
Every day @ 12:00 – 15:00
Location: Hub 27 | 201
Dj & Georgian Wine
Every day @ 16:30 – 18:00
Location: South Entrance
Don’t miss your Georgian adventure at ITB Berlin
Natural borders with the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, as well as a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, makes Georgia a great destination for adventure travellers who are looking to get off the beaten track. A session on “Discovering Adventure Tourism in Georgia” will be held from 2 to 3 pm today in Hall 5.3, in the Hybrid Studio. Speakers include Urs Wellauer, President of the Intl. Federation of Mountain Guides Association IFMGA, Nick Paliani, freeride skier and IFMGA mountain guide, and la Tabagari, Chair of the Georgian Incoming Tour Operators/ GM of the Lost Ridge Group.
Session Explore Adventure Tourism in Georgia
Today, 14:15 – 15:00
Hall 5.3 Hybrid Studio
