Georgian Wild Black Tea Ghmerti is a relatively rare tea produced from wild-growing tea bushes hidden in the forests of western Georgia. Unlike conventional plantation teas, these tea plants have grown for decades without intensive human intervention, naturally surrounded by forest vegetation that provides alternating sunlight and shade together with exceptionally rich woodland soil. The result is a tea with a distinctive character that reflects both the power of nature and the forgotten history of Georgian tea cultivation. More
Georgian Wild Black Tea Ghmerti is a relatively rare tea produced from wild-growing tea bushes hidden in the forests of western Georgia. Unlike conventional plantation teas, these tea plants have grown for decades without intensive human intervention, naturally surrounded by forest vegetation that provides alternating sunlight and shade together with exceptionally rich woodland soil. The result is a tea with a distinctive character that reflects both the power of nature and the forgotten history of Georgian tea cultivation.
According to local tradition, the first tea bushes at this site were planted in the 19th century by the people of the Georgian prince Mikheil (Miha) Eristavi, one of the pioneers of tea cultivation in Georgia. After the plantation was eventually abandoned, the tea bushes gradually disappeared into the surrounding forest, where they continued growing without harvesting for many decades. Thanks to their deep root systems, natural shade and fertile forest soil, they developed exceptional vitality and produced large, vigorous leaves with an unusually complex aromatic profile.
The tea is crafted using traditional artisanal methods from large, carefully hand-picked leaves. Owing to the slow growth in the natural forest environment, it displays almost no unpleasant bitterness or pronounced astringency. Instead, it offers an exceptionally smooth, balanced and harmonious infusion that evolves beautifully over several successive infusions. Its ability to produce a long series of high-quality infusions is one of its most distinctive characteristics.
The liquor has a clear amber to copper color and a rich aroma reminiscent of forest honey, chestnuts, walnuts, wild berries, dried fruit, maple syrup and delicate woody notes. The taste is full-bodied yet remarkably smooth and silky, with natural sweetness and a long, clean finish. With each subsequent infusion, new layers of honeyed, fruity and nutty notes gradually emerge.
Compared to classic Georgian or Ceylon black teas, Ghmerti is rounder, calmer and more natural in character. Its profile is closer to handcrafted mountain teas than to industrial production, and thanks to its large leaves and slow growth it offers exceptional aromatic depth and purity.
The name Ghmerti comes from Georgian mythology, where it refers to the supreme deity, the creator of the world and ruler of the heavens. Like its name, this tea feels calm, dignified and timeless—a tribute to the ancient heritage of Georgian tea craftsmanship.
Flavor profile: Forest honey, chestnuts, walnuts, wild berries, dried fruit, maple syrup, delicate woody notes and a long, smooth finish.
Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶 preparation: For traditional preparation, we recommend using approximately 8 g of tea per 150 ml of water at 95–100 °C. Steep the first infusion for around 20 seconds, then gradually increase the steeping time for subsequent infusions. Thanks to its large leaves, the tea usually provides around 6–8 full infusions, during which the aroma evolves from honeyed fruit notes toward deeper nutty, woody and malty nuances.
Western preparation: We recommend using approximately 4–5 g of tea per 250 ml of water at 95–100 °C. Steep for 3–4 minutes. The tea is suitable for multiple infusions, maintaining its clarity, sweetness and pleasantly smooth character throughout.
