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Tbilisi

Wine Factory #1 | ღვინის ქარხანა #1

This 1896 wine factory in Vera sat quiet for decades before reopening in 2017 as a sprawling courtyard complex of restaurants, bars, vintage shops and a flower market. Grab khinkali at Veriko or a burger at Black Dog Bar, then wander past cellars that once stored century-old wines. Venues keep different hours, so come after 18:00 when everything is open — summer evenings bring the open-air cinema and the courtyard fills with locals.

Babale

Why it matters: Babale is a social enterprise that works with children and adults with Down syndrome, who help create the whimsical clothing, textiles and homewares sold in this Old Town showroom. The signature buy is the sock collection inspired by famous Georgian paintings – each pair reproduces a work by artists like David Kakabadze or Petre Otskheli, with a note about the artwork printed on the back. You’ll also find Christmas ornaments, jewellery and magnets that beat any generic souvenir stall. Hours vary, so check their Facebook page before making the trip.

Social Concept Store ESKI

Why it matters: this little boutique near Orbeliani Square stocks handmade goods from 25+ Georgian social enterprises under one roof – makers include people with disabilities, single mothers and former inmates, so every purchase funds real employment. It is the easiest one-stop shop in Tbilisi for gifts with a story: Bebias beanies knitted from Tushetian wool, wooden toys handmade on the grounds of Sameba Cathedral, Ethnodesign ceramics and Babale’s painting-inspired socks. Open daily 10:00-20:00; go before you leave town and skip the airport souvenir markup.

Cafe Mziuri

Why it matters: this cafe tucked into Vake’s beloved Mziuri Park is a social enterprise whose profits go straight back into maintaining the park – and it was the first cafe in Georgia designed to be fully accessible to blind, visually impaired and wheelchair-using guests. The menu is vegetarian-friendly with solid vegan options, and the cafe runs Meat Free Mondays alongside a steady calendar of community events and workshops. Come on a weekday afternoon, grab a table, and let kids loose in the park afterwards – the cafe sits below street level inside the park itself, so it feels like a secret even to some locals.

Latino dance parties

Salsa Caliente Tbilisi Invites all Latin American and other social dance lovers to party in Dariani. This is the best Latino dance/party spot in Tbilisi with friendly and professional stuff. Usually parties…

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