Cluster Members

The 'House of Georgian Traditional Crafts - Mike' is a family venture pioneered by the household's patriarch, Tengiz Mikenaya. His son, Sandro, joins him successfully in this endeavor. The workshop thrives not only in decorative wood and iron craftsmanship but also excels in the realm of partition enamel and gold. The essence of Georgian heritage is intricately woven into every creation emerging from the workshop. 'Mike's' masterpieces enjoy popularity both domestically and internationally.

"Mego Bar" stands as the first social bar within the Samegrelo region, uniquely amalgamating two distinct spaces. On one facet, it offers a liberated workspace tailored for the youth, replete with organized daytime training sessions, conferences, and workshops. On the other, it functions as a cafe-bar, with the proceeds channeled into sustaining the cost-free workspace and nurturing youthful ideas. On average, about 400 young individuals avail themselves of this open workspace monthly.

“Sisatura” is an ethnographic village nestled within the heart of Samegrelo. Spanning three hectares, this meticulously planned space serves as a showcase for the rich history, vibrant culture, cherished traditions, gastronomy, and enchanting folklore of Samegrelo. Within the cognitive zone, various types of dwellings and ancillary structures are thoughtfully arranged, tracing their evolution chronologically through different developmental stages. The collection includes archaic household and economic artifacts, providing visiting guests with an immersive introduction to the local culture and historical heritage.

Nestled within the village of Torsa, the small factory known as Chirige produces dried fruit sourced from the bountiful orchards of the village. In this village, a distinct sense of warmth and fondness prevails, as the fruits harvested from these gardens carry with them the flavors of cherished childhood memories.
Chirige is fostering the creation of a forward-thinking village that champions equality in employment opportunities.

'Tafli Kolkhuri' was established in April 2015 and received cooperative status in October of the same year. The cooperative comprises 11 members, including 4 women and 7 men.
The cooperative's members collectively own around 800 beehives. In addition to honey, 'Tafli Kolkhuri' produces various other bee products, including royal jelly, bee pollen, wax, propolis, and breeds mother bees.
Apitherapy has been introduced as part of the cooperative's offerings. During apitherapy sessions, the individual lies on the hives and breathes sterile air while bees sanitize the air with their wings. This therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory issues such as asthma, lung, and bronchial problems. It also aids in immune system reinforcement, suitable for both adults and children.

The age-old family tradition of winemaking had been interrupted long ago, owing to the blame, 'The smell of candles emanates from your cellar, Andronike!' The very cellar that once served as a church function was dismantled during the communist era. It is this historical backdrop that bequeaths the name 'Vin de Kortua' to the family wine cellar, a legacy initiated by the great-grandfather of the cellar's founder, Andronike Kortua.

Ariki's small family distillery offers an intriguing experience for its visitors. Utilizing modern distillation equipment, the distillery produces an array of fruit vodkas and liqueurs. Guests at the distillery are provided the chance to witness the vodka distillation and filtration process, as well as gain theoretical insights into crafting high-quality vodka.

Orkol Studio is a family-run ceramic workshop with a legacy spanning 35 years. Its roots trace back to the artist-ceramicist Robert Absandze's original workshop. In 2019, the workshop underwent modernization and reemerged in the market as Orkol Studio.g
"Orkol," a Megrelian word meaning 'pitcher,' embodies the essence of this venture. With passion, every member of the Absandze family contributes to crafting environmentally friendly tableware and decorative artistic pieces from Kolkhi clay.

The 'Green House' family hotel offers a space for relaxation and lodging. The hotel's serene and comfortable ambiance is well-suited for various types of visitors, including families with children, seniors, and business travelers. Notably, the hotel has been designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities as well.
For business-oriented guests, the hotel provides amenities conducive to a professional environment. A dedicated space is available for business activities, such as meetings and training sessions.

Choirmaster and gardener Besik Chitanava have established the first folklore house in Georgia. However, even before visitors step into the House of Folklore and become acquainted with Beso's work, his touch is evident throughout Zugdidi—adorning planted squares, lining green streets, and gracing house yards.
Upon entering the House of Folklore, you will be greeted by an environment adorned with Beso's embroidery and old Georgian folk instruments, many of which the choirmaster himself skillfully plays and employs to create songs.

Casa de Khasia is a cozy and comfortable family hotel located in the heart of Zugdidi. The house boasts a vintage-style design coupled with modern household appliances, creating a welcoming environment for guests. The beautifully landscaped yard adds to the overall charm, providing a delightful outdoor experience. Stepping into the thoughtfully arranged interior often evokes a sense of nostalgy, reminiscent of 'returning to grandma's house.' Within the yard stands an old Megrelian kitchen, known as a 'Jargvali,' furnished with antique pieces and accessories characteristic of Samegrelo. Visitors frequently remark that it feels like a small yet authentic museum. For those interested, breakfast and dinner can be enjoyed in an ethno-historical setting.

Zugdidi Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Georgia. Planted in the first half of the 19th century, the botanical garden is renowned for its inclusion of plants listed in the 'Red Book' and 'Global Red List.' It is also known for hosting valuable endemic and exotic plants. Its construction began actively in 1840, with Davit Dadian taking care of the garden and subsequently entrusting its management to his wife, Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadian.

"Destination Management Organization (DMO) Samegrelo" is a joint private law  non- entrepreneurial (non-commercial) legal entity established by 8 municipalities (Abashi, Zugdidi, Martvili, Senaki, Chkhorotsku, Tsalenjikhi, Khobi and Poti) in the Samegrelo region.