"Komli"

Lika Megreladze
“Komli”

“Komli” is a Georgian word for a rural homestead. It comes from the word for “smoke” and implies a family hearth where the fire is lit and the house is lively. Lika Megreladze’s “Komli” is an authentic Gurian homestead with a 150 year-old oda-house, a vineyard of unique Gurian varieties, authentic cuisine, tea and bamboo gardens. Here one will find a variety of characteristic items of the Gurian way of life: traditional Ketsi, a stone-carved pan used for baking traditional corn-breads and Gurian cheese-pies; Chamuri (stone mortar) used for crushing millet and other local grains, Tcharika (large wine pitcher), remains of ancient wine cellar and much more. But, more importantly, this homestead is alive and a place where ancient traditions and stories are made vibrant in a family setting.

“Komli” offers unique accommodations to its guests: immense wine barrels transformed into cozy glamping stays. Following the “farm to table” principle, here guests can order traditional Gurian dishes made from home-grown organic vegetables and home-made wine and tea tastings. Guests can also schedule masterclasses on Gurian cuisine, tea-making and wine-making, book in depth tours to hear the story of tea in Georgia as well as the family stories which echo the troubles of the 19th and 20th centuries. Most importantly, the guests of “Komli” have an opportunity to meet the three generations of joyful women-hosts madly in love with Guria, its ancient traditions and who make these traditions and stories come alive for their guests.

Lika’s mother, husband and two daughters help her to manage and develop “Komli.” For Lika, her greatest achievement is the awakening of her community through the example of “Komli” and her new young friends, team-members, partners who support and strengthen each other and often gather to discuss the future development of the region.

Most importantly, for the members of “Komli”, protecting their environment is an uncompromisable principle. This is attested by the newly built eco-friendly earth and straw house and a septic system, which are rare in Georgia. “Komli” is alive! Lika and her children enable their “Komli’s” life to continue and keep telling its story.