Shopping is one of the unforgettable adventures during a vacation, and Georgia is a treasure trove for those seeking delicious and unique purchases. From local cheeses and wines to sweets, adjika, and chacha, Georgia offers a cornucopia of flavors. Additionally, you can find exquisite silver jewelry, beautifully crafted daggers, and handmade carpets.
Most shops in Georgia operate from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with larger cities often staying open until 9:00 PM. There are also 24-hour supermarkets, while markets typically open their doors early in the morning, around 6:00 AM.
An aspect worth noting is the sales schedule in the country, which features two discount seasons: winter sales in January and February, and summer sales in July and August. It’s also a great opportunity to explore the works of Georgian designers, who offer bold and original ideas.
For those in search of authentic pieces, Georgian stores showcase beautiful and affordable silver jewelry. If you’re looking for something unique, consider minankari, the distinctive cloisonné enamel products that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Georgia.
Popular souvenirs that encapsulate the essence of Georgia include daggers, carpets, and ceramics. In many shops in central Tbilisi, you can find replicas of famous daggers as well as ceramic items like wine jugs adorned with intricate patterns and colorful glazes. The markets, such as the one at the Dry Bridge in Tbilisi, are excellent places to discover these treasures.
Make sure to bring an extra suitcase for your delicious finds. The most popular gastronomic souvenir is sulguni cheese, readily available in any supermarket or market. The Deserter’s Market in Tbilisi offers a fantastic selection of cheeses, where you can also purchase spices to recreate the flavors of Georgia at home, such as the traditional kharcho or lobio. Here, you can find khmeli-suneli, cilantro, dried adjika, and Svan salt, all at more interesting prices than in supermarkets. For sauces like tkemali, satsabeli, or adjika, the packaged options in supermarkets are more reliable for transportation.
Georgian sweets deserve special mention, particularly the jams and honey. Supermarkets stock a variety of jams made from walnuts, cornelian cherries, mandarins, and figs, alongside different types of honey. Don’t miss out on churchkhela, a delightful treat made of nuts strung on a string and dipped in grape juice, which can be found at every turn in Georgia.
Of course, no trip to Georgia would be complete without indulging in its wines. With hundreds of grape varieties cultivated, the range of wines is vast and diverse. Be sure to try “Tsinandali,” a light and slightly fruity classic, which is one of the most famous wines in Georgia. Red wine enthusiasts will appreciate “Saperavi,” a true Georgian brand, as well as “Mukuzani,” another exquisite dry red wine.
For those who prefer semi-sweet wines, “Kinzmarauli,” a popular Kakhetian wine, is a must-try, along with the elite “Khvanchkara,” perfect for connoisseurs of fine beverages.