Georgia isn't just a land of wine but of honey too. It's home to the famous Caucasian grey mountain bee, hundreds of plant species bloom in its mountains, and archaeologists have found one of the world's oldest honey samples here. Here's which honey to try, where to buy it and how to tell the real thing.

The world's oldest honey

In the early 2000s, archaeological excavations in Georgia uncovered clay vessels with traces of honey around 5,500 years old — one of the oldest known honey finds in the world. Beekeeping and honey have remained an important part of Georgian culture ever since.

The Caucasian grey mountain bee

The Caucasian grey mountain bee (Apis mellifera caucasica) is a breed prized by beekeepers worldwide:

  • it has a long tongue, so it can reach nectar in flowers other bees can't;
  • it's calm and gentle;
  • it works well in cool, rainy weather;
  • it produces high yields in the mountains.

The bee has been exported to many countries to improve local breeds.

Types of Georgian honey

Chestnut honey

One of the best known: dark, with a slightly bitter taste and strong aroma. It's gathered in Adjara, Guria, Imereti and Samegrelo, where chestnut forests grow. Chestnut honey is considered healthy and suits those who don't like very sweet flavours.

Acacia honey

Light, almost transparent, slow to crystallise, delicate and sweet. Gathered in eastern and central Georgia.

Linden honey

Pale yellow and fragrant with a fresh note; traditionally used for colds.

Alpine (mountain) honey

Gathered on the high meadows of Kazbegi, Svaneti, Tusheti, Racha and Adjara. It's a wildflower honey from hundreds of flower species, with a vivid aroma and rich flavour. High-mountain honey is especially prized.

Honeycomb

Markets often sell honey in the comb — in pieces or whole frames. It guarantees authenticity and has a special taste.

Rhododendron honey

Some mountain areas produce honey containing rhododendron nectar ("mad honey"), which can cause poisoning if eaten in quantity. If a seller mentions such honey, be cautious and don't buy unknown honey described this way.

Where to taste and buy

  • Markets — Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi and markets in Kutaisi, Batumi and Telavi, with wide choice and tastings.
  • Beekeepers in the regions — in the mountains (Kazbegi, Svaneti, Tusheti) guesthouse hosts often keep hives and sell their own honey.
  • Fairs — regional honey is sold at Tbilisoba and other festivals.
  • Farm shops — labelled honey from trusted producers.
  • Monasteries — some keep apiaries and sell honey.

Spotting real honey

  • Ask to taste — real honey has a complex flavour and a slight tickle in the throat (especially wildflower and chestnut).
  • Aroma — real honey smells of flowers, not just sweetness.
  • Crystallisation — most natural honeys thicken and crystallise over time (except acacia). That's normal.
  • Very cheap honey is a red flag — it may be fake or from sugar-fed bees.
  • Buy from beekeepers you know or on your guesthouse host's recommendation.

Honey in Georgian food

  • Gozinaki — walnuts in honey, a must at New Year.
  • Honey with cheese — sulguni or fresh cheese with honey and walnuts.
  • Honey with tea — especially mountain herbal blends.
  • Honey with mchadi — a simple village treat.
  • Honey-infused chacha — popular in Tbilisi bars.

Beekeeping and tourism

In some regions you can visit an apiary, watch beekeepers at work and taste honey straight from the hive — especially interesting in the mountains in summer, when bees work the alpine meadows.

Taking honey home

  • Honey is a liquid, so you can't carry more than 100 ml in hand luggage. Put jars in your checked bag.
  • Wrap jars in sturdy bags and clothing — a broken glass jar of honey will ruin your suitcase.
  • Check your country's import rules for animal products — some countries restrict honey imports.

In short

Georgian honey has a history spanning millennia: one of the world's oldest honeys was found here, and the Caucasian grey mountain bee is valued by beekeepers everywhere. Try bittersweet chestnut honey, delicate acacia, fragrant alpine honey and honeycomb. Buy at markets and from mountain beekeepers, taste before buying — and take home a jar of real Georgian honey.