The Calvert Journal: "Georgia on my mind: How Russian trendsetters fell in love with Tbilisi and why soon you will too"

Why are trend-setting bloggers from Russia falling in love with Georgia's capital Tbilisi?

Freelance journalist Sasha Raspopina explains the attraction of Georgia – formerly the Soviet Union’s top resort destination – after visiting the country in her new report for The Calvert Journal, an online magazine on the culture of central and Eastern Europe.

"Everyone seems to be falling hopelessly in love with the mountainous ex-Soviet republic," says Raspopina while noting the resurgence of travel reviews, photo reports and blogs among users of social networks like Instagram and Facebook.

The comment sections fill up with envy and tips about wine tastings and the best places for hikes and horseback riding. Praise for khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread) and kindzmarauli (semi-sweet red wine) is approaching the Western internet's meme-driven obsession with bacon and Nutella," she writes.

But Raspopina also finds the new-found affection with Georgia can be traced to official media, citing the series of "travel hacks" on the My Planet Russian TV channel as an example.

Besides naming the country's cuisine, she also mentions the "hospitality and wine traditions" discovered by tourists who visit Georgia.

Tourist interest in the country has been building up over the last few years, and now the travel trend is starting to leave the hipster realm and enter the mainstream. Finding an organised guided tour is easier than ever, and there are plenty of trips to suit different tastes," reads the article.

Other reasons for Georgia's status as the Caucasian equivalent of Italy, or its attraction for hip young travellers and fashion brands, could be its climate, culture or even politics, says Raspopina.

[Georgia] will capture your soul with the highest mountains, the greenest fields, and so much history you will spend your dinners captured in deep poetic thought," she concludes.