Consider this your morning briefing: Georgia is rewriting its culinary narrative. Once defined by wine and traditional coffee, the country now thrives on a dual legacy of fermentation mastery and global curiosity. Its specialty coffee scene, fueled by a blend of ancient techniques and modern innovation, is no longer an afterthought—it’s a catalyst. Tbilisi’s cafés, once dominated by Turkish brews, now buzz with pour-over rituals and espresso artistry. This shift isn’t accidental; it’s a cultural collision. Georgia’s winemaking heritage, which has shaped its identity for millennia, now serves as a blueprint for coffee’s evolution.
The same reverence for terroir and artisanal craft that elevates Georgian amber wines is now guiding its coffee roasters. At Shavi Coffee Roasters, head roaster Alsu Karimova explains how the country’s deep appreciation for fermentation translates to coffee processing. “We source natural and experimental coffees because their profiles align with Georgian palates,” she says. A recent blend featuring a jonjoli (pickled flower) note was designed to evoke nostalgia, bridging tradition and modernity. This approach mirrors the country’s cuisine—bold, seasonal, and communal—values that now define specialty coffee culture.
Georgia’s position as a crossroads between Europe and Asia accelerates this transformation. While Turkish coffee remains a household staple, younger consumers in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi are embracing espresso and pour-over methods. The result? A market maturing rapidly, with consumers demanding higher quality and deeper knowledge. Shavi’s recent accolades—Best Coffee Shop at the 2025 European Coffee Trip Awards, silver at the Global Coffee Awards—reflect this shift. “We’re blending data-driven roasting with old-school craft,” says co-owner Anastasia Costache. “It’s about creating coffees that are expressive, balanced, and unmistakably Georgian.”
KEY POINTS: Georgian coffee culture is rooted in its winemaking legacy, blending ancient fermentation techniques with modern experimentation. Shavi Coffee Roasters exemplifies this duality, using heritage-inspired roasting to create distinct flavor profiles that resonate with local and global audiences. The country’s strategic location and growing consumer education are driving international brands like Costa Coffee and Starbucks to test the market, while Georgian roasters expand globally, including Shavi’s recent US launch.
CLOSE: How do you think Georgia’s coffee scene will evolve as it balances tradition with global influence.
CLOSE: How do you think Georgia’s coffee scene will evolve as it balances tradition with global influence? Share your thoughts below.
Questions & Answers
What drives Georgia’s specialty coffee growth?
Rising consumer demand, increased café openings, and a focus on quality beans and brewing methods are key factors driving Georgia’s specialty coffee market expansion.
Are there notable coffee regions in Georgia?
Yes, regions like Kakheti and Imereti are known for producing high-quality coffee beans, supporting Georgia’s growing specialty coffee industry.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
