La Petite Géorgie in Bordeaux - Ana Alasania

La Petite Géorgie is Ana Alasania's first independent platform, building a wine tourism bridge between Georgia and France.

T: Anako, how was the idea for the La Petite Géorgie platform born?

Putting Georgia on the world map of wine lovers - that's my big dream. I've already been living in France for seven years, and for four years I've been working in wine tourism in the Bordeaux region. It was precisely here, through this experience, that I came to understand what a powerful economic and cultural force quality tourism represents for a country's development.

I'd wanted to create a connection between the two countries for a long time, and I decided to start from Bordeaux. Now I invite Georgian guests and offer them a chance to get to know this city as it truly is. Looking ahead, my goal is to introduce French and international guests to Georgia, with its unique wine culture and traditions.

T: La Petite Géorgie - why this name?

In France I'm often called "Petite Géorgienne" - the "little Georgian." The platform's symbol is inspired by The Little Prince - a story that teaches us to see the world with love, heart, and curiosity. That's exactly the kind of experience I want to share with my guests too.

T: What experience does La Petite Géorgie offer Georgian guests in France?

La Petite Géorgie offers a private, personal wine tour in Bordeaux. Our website presents a 6-day program, though each tour is fully customizable - based on the number of guests, their wishes, and their interests.

I personally oversee the organization of the tour, and the entire program runs in Georgian, which creates maximum comfort for guests. For those who don't need a full tour, I also help with selecting and booking châteaux.

The program includes high-level wine tastings, Bordeaux's standout restaurants, and special, private activities. My goal is for each tour to become not just a trip, but a true bridge between the wine cultures of Georgia and France.

T: In your opinion, what's the main difference between the Georgian and French wine worlds, and what unites them?

France has maintained consistently high quality for decades. Wine here is an inseparable part of history and culture, and at the same time one of the main pillars of the country's economy. The sector is constantly receiving serious investment, the market is strictly regulated, and quality always takes precedence over quantity.

What unites these two worlds is that for both countries, the vine and wine are rooted deep in their culture. Georgia today is recognized worldwide as the homeland of wine, while France is one of the global centers of winemaking. Still, we have much to learn - especially when it comes to consistency of quality and long-term vision.

T: Anako, how has your wine journey - from Médoc to Saint-Émilion - shaped your vision of wine tourism and hospitality?

I was initially involved in the wine production process in Médoc, but I soon realized that communicating with people, hospitality, and tourism were much closer to who I am. I love wine very much, but I love people even more. So I chose a path that combines the two.

Today, wine tourism is one of the main driving forces in Bordeaux. I can say from personal experience: last year, at the château where I work, more wine was sold through local wine tourism than the sales team sold in external markets.

I believe this should also become one of Georgia's main strategic directions. The potential is huge - what's needed is simply more attention to quality, consistent development, and strengthening tourism. This, in turn, will contribute both to economic growth and to protecting and promoting our cultural heritage around the world.