Tbilisi in Georgia is not widely known as a European destination(Image: Getty Images)

Little-known European city is the perfect destination for wine lovers as new flights launch

Direct flights will be launched to Tbilisi in the republic of Georgia next year. The destination is not widely known by British people, but it has a superb reputation for wines

05 Oct 2024, 01:00 by Graeme Murray · The Mirror

A European destination for travellers is the perfect place for wine lovers as direct flights are announced.

Two airlines EasyJet and British Airways will run from London to Tbilisi in 2025. And Georgian winemaker Tbilvino is looking forward to bring the unique flavours of their winemaking tradition closer to consumers from the UK. The area is well known among wine experts for its ancient traditions. Georgia is even said to be the ‘birthplace of wine and produced the drink from as early as 8,000 BC.

It has around 500 indigenous grape varieties and almost 120 million bottles of Georgian wine were exported worldwide last year.‌ The country is quickly rising in the ranks of must-visit destinations and travellers are drawn to a rich tapestry of cultures. including its art, music, and literature. Its world-renowned wines have also began to make a name for themselves in the UK and have surged by 28% in the last year.

Abanotubani in the ancient district of Tbilisi, Georgia, which is known for its sulfuric baths( Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

‌Research from Tbilvino, an ancient family-run Georgian winery, found less than a third (29%) of UK wine drinkers knew Georgia is a European country. Among those quizzed, 19% think it is an area inside Russia while 15% believe it is in South America, and 1% say it is within the Bermuda Triangle. The unusual findings also showed nearly two-thirds (62%) did not know the capital was Tbilisi. After the new flights were announced and the spotlight is on the country, Georgian wine is poised to captivate the palates of British consumers.

A panoramic view of Tbilisi, showing the banks of river Mtkvari (Kura), cathedral and old part of the city( Image: Getty Images)

This year the republic secured 14th place among 38 winemaking countries, at The International Wine Challenge which highlighted its growing reputation.‌ The country's most famous wine varieties include Saperavi which is often referred to as the ‘king of Georgian grapes’, and Kisi an aromatic white grape variety typically used in orange or amber wine. And according to researchers 98% of Brits were open to exploring new wines.

‌Zurab Margvelashvili, founder of Tbilvino Wines said: "We're thrilled to learn about the new flight routes from the UK to our capital. It's a fantastic opportunity to share the magic of Georgian wine with a wider audience.‌ Our vineyards are situated in Kakheti, the main winemaking hub thanks to its ample water supplies, fertile soil and bright, warm summers. Based only a 90-minute drive from the capital city, Tbilisi, we look forward to welcoming UK wine lovers to experience our award-winning wines firsthand". The capital city will be connected to Britain via a flight from Luton to the capital of the former Soviet republic.

Dusk view of Narikala fortress and the Mtkvari River in the old town in Tbilisi( Image: Getty Images)

Tbilisi is said to be a major cultural and educational centre with university and other higher education institutions. It is also a key industrial centre of the region and made machine tools, agricultural machinery and electrical equipment. It also repaired of trains and rolling stock and makes textiles, leather goods and footwear. But it is also known for its beer, wine, and spirits and a range of local foodstuffs