Georgia, the country with the oldest wine-making tradition in the world, has participated as a guest at Madrid Fusión 2024, the world’s leading gastronomic congress. The event, which took place from January 29 to 31, attracted thousands of culinary professionals and enthusiasts who had the opportunity to taste and learn more about Georgian cuisine, wine, and tourist products.
Georgia: a hidden gem of culinary and wine tourism
Georgia is a small country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. It is also home to more than 500 indigenous grape varieties, some of which date back to 8,000 years ago. Georgia is considered the cradle of wine, as it is the first country where grape juice was fermented in clay vessels called qvevri. This ancient method of wine-making is still practiced today and has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Georgia’s cuisine is equally diverse and unique, reflecting its geographical location and historical influences. It is characterized by the use of fresh and seasonal ingredients, aromatic herbs and spices, and a variety of dairy products, especially cheese. Some of the most famous dishes include khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (meat dumplings), mtsvadi (skewered meat), and pkhali (vegetable pâtés). Georgia also has a rich tradition of baking bread, making sweets, and preserving fruits and vegetables.
Georgia’s gastronomy is closely linked to its hospitality and culture. Georgians love to host guests and share their food and wine with them. A typical Georgian feast, called supra, is a social and ritual event where dishes are accompanied by toasts, songs, and stories. The supra is led by a toastmaster, called tamada, who sets the tone and topics of the conversation.
Georgia’s presentation at Madrid Fusión 2024
At Madrid Fusión 2024, Georgia had a special stand hosted by the National Tourism Administration, where visitors could sample Georgian wines and dishes, watch cooking demonstrations, and get information about the country’s tourist attractions. Georgia also had a prominent role in the congress’s main program, with two presentations by Georgian chefs and sommeliers.
The first presentation, titled “Georgia: the origin of wine”, was delivered by Davit Narimanashvili, a renowned chef and owner of the restaurant Nunuka in Tbilisi. He introduced the audience to the history and diversity of Georgian wine, as well as the qvevri technique and its influence on the wine’s taste and quality. He also prepared some traditional Georgian dishes that pair well with wine, such as badrijani (eggplant rolls with walnut paste), satsivi (chicken in walnut sauce), and churchkhela (walnut-stuffed grape candy).
The second presentation, titled “Georgia: a culinary journey through the regions”, was given by Nino Gvantseladze, a sommelier and wine educator. She showcased the variety and richness of Georgian cuisine, highlighting the regional specialties and influences. She also explained the concept and etiquette of the supra, and how to pair food and wine according to the mood and occasion. She also cooked some regional dishes, such as lobio (bean stew), chakapuli (lamb stew with tarragon), and gomi (cornmeal porridge).
Georgia’s impact and recognition at Madrid Fusión 2024
Georgia’s participation as a guest at Madrid Fusión 2024 was a great success, as it raised awareness and interest among the international culinary community and media. Georgia received positive feedback and praise from the congress’s organizers, speakers, and attendees, who were impressed by the quality and uniqueness of Georgian wine and gastronomy. Georgia also received several awards and recognitions at the congress, such as:
- The Best Wine Stand Award, for its attractive and informative display of Georgian wines and qvevri.
- The Best Culinary Book Award, for the book “Tasting Georgia: A Food and Wine Journey in the Caucasus”, written by Carla Capalbo and published by Interlink Books.
- The Best Emerging Destination Award, for its potential and attractiveness as a culinary and wine tourism destination.
Georgia’s participation as a guest at Madrid Fusión 2024 was a milestone for the country’s promotion and development of its gastronomic and wine tourism sector. It also contributed to the strengthening of the cultural and economic ties between Georgia and Spain, as well as other countries. Georgia hopes to continue showcasing its wine and gastronomy at other international events and platforms, and to welcome more visitors to discover and enjoy its hidden gems.
