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Tariel Chubinidze - Tifli
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Tariel Chubinidze's connection with tea began at the tender age of seven when he first picked a tea leaf in Kvatsikhe, a village in the Imereti Region. However, the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union led to the demise of collective farms, leaving the plantation of his childhood memories abandoned for three decades. But Tariel's passion for tea never waned. As an adult, driven by his early experiences and fond memories, he decided to breathe new life into these forgotten tea gardens.
Despite many doubting his vision, Chubinidze, now the director of the Kvatsikhe Tea Bouquet Cooperative, took it upon himself to restore the 13-hectare plantation. Today, he is on the verge of introducing "Tifli tea" not just to Georgia, but to the global stage.
Despite many doubting his vision, Chubinidze, now the director of the Kvatsikhe Tea Bouquet Cooperative, took it upon himself to restore the 13-hectare plantation. Today, he is on the verge of introducing "Tifli tea" not just to Georgia, but to the global stage.
Looking ahead, Chubinidze is ambitious and hopeful. He aims to produce 10 tonnes of tea for international export. Currently, they're producing 3.5 tonnes, but he believes they'll achieve their goal in a few years. Furthermore, he's excited about introducing a range of teas, including blueberry, forest berry, and herbal varieties, to tea enthusiasts both in Georgia and across the world.
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Dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of purity, the teas from Kvatsikhe Tea Bouquet Mountain are grown without artificial additives, emulsifiers, or dyes. They're cultivated using organic fertilizers, resulting in a product that is ecologically clean with a distinctive aroma and unique taste.
During the harvest season, which runs from April to October, over 55 locals work on the plantation, handpicking tea leaves. Quality is paramount for Chubinidze; the leaves are picked at a specific stage of ripeness and processed within 3-5 hours of harvesting to maintain their pristine qualities.
Support from the GRETA initiative, co-financed by the EU, Sweden, and Austria, was instrumental in equipping the cooperative with the necessary machinery. This has allowed them to diversify their offerings, including black, green, and white teas.
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