Wednesday, October 8, 2025
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From Georgia to the USA: Luka Shares the Flavors of His Homeland at Tamber Bey Vineyards

CAEP

For CAEP intern Luka Chikhradze, cultural exchange goes far beyond the vineyard rows at Tamber Bey Vineyards in Callistoga, California.

While he’s busy learning the craft of winemaking during the day, his evenings often turn into something even more special — a celebration of Georgian cuisine, friendship, and connection.

Living in the company house with other interns has given Luka a unique opportunity to share a taste of home with them. “In general, Georgians love to share our culture with others,” he said. “I have participated in several exchange programs abroad before, and I’ve always tried to represent my country while also gaining new knowledge.” And Luka has done exactly that — by turning ordinary evenings into unforgettable cultural experiences.

During his time at Tamber Bey, Luka has organized two Georgian cultural nights for his fellow exchange friends and winery staff. The first featured khachapuri (a delicious cheese-filled bread), churchkhela (a traditional Georgian sweet made from grape must and nuts), and of course, Georgian wine — the pride of his homeland.

For the second event, Luka teamed up with another Georgian intern to prepare khinkali, flavorful dumplings filled with spiced meat and broth. The group gathered to cook, laugh, and share stories — a perfect blend of cultures coming together over food. “I believe this is a very important part of the internship experience,” Luka shared.

Exchange programs open the door to travel and professional growth. Still, the most inspiring and impactful value lies in the opportunity to share your own traditions, learn from others, and create lifelong memories with people from around the world.

At its heart, that’s what CAEP’s agricultural exchange programs are all about — learning, sharing, and connecting through the universal language of culture. Luka’s passion for both winemaking and hospitality embodies that spirit beautifully.

Cheers to Luka — for bringing the warmth of your home country, Georgia, to California, USA, one shared meal at a time!

CAEP

International Training Program Opportunities for Students and Professionals A CAEP international training program gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while learning a new culture in another part of the world! Whether you are seeking vocational training to enhance your existing skills, or you wish to prepare yourself for a job in agriculture, horticulture, enology, equine or western equine, CAEP has a wide variety of international training programs sure to match your needs. Choose from opportunities in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, and more! Young people around the world are talking about how international training programs are life-changing. Filled with travel and adventure, new knowledge and lifelong friends, international training programs offer real, hands-on experiences that are validated for universities and future employers. Don’t wait! Register today to get started on your experience of a lifetime!