I visited the European city set to be huge with new easyJet flights

UNDISTURBED views of hazy mountains are all around.

My focus, however, is on the plate in front of me, piled high with cheeses including sulguni, a sour and briney variety famous in this part of the world.

I take a glug of red wine and notice everyone at my table, like me, has been rendered speechless by the sumptuous spread.

You may think I’m in the South of France or Italy — but no, I’m in Georgian capital Tbilisi, and the place is stunning.

In April this year easyJet launched a direct route to this former Soviet republic from Luton — and with the city’s magnificent wine scene and travel prices that won’t break the bank, it’s not hard to see why it is soaring in popularity.

Now is an ideal time to visit, when temperatures are in the low twenties — perfect for exploring and, more importantly, eating until you’re fit to burst.

Georgians take great pride in their culinary excellence and there are several dishes which simply have to be tried while you’re here.

Khachapuri, a national delicacy, is top of my list and can be picked up from most cafes and restaurants in the city.

Made of gooey cheese melted into a thick, hollowed-out, loaf-like bread, and often served with runny-yolked egg, this traditional staple is as heavy as it is tasty.

Luckily, virtually every meal in Tbilisi comes with a Georgian salad, consisting of tomatoes and cucumbers, so don’t worry about getting towards your five-a-day.

It’s amazing how much flavour the city’s chefs can add to the simplest of ingredients — and beans are no exception.

I tried them in a dish loved by locals, lobiani. Mashed kidney beans are cooked in onions and spices and stuffed into a flatbread.

Sofiko restaurant does an excellent version and what’s better is that its dishes are served alongside mesmerising city views.

When you are able to eat no more, Tbilisi’s cobbled streets are ideal for walking off all the food.

The city’s architecture reflects a fascinating blend of Persian, Arabic and Soviet styles, due to its occupations by all of these empires over the years.

Just make sure you pack comfy shoes. I’d booked a tour with a local guide, Nik, who told me: “Georgia would be the biggest country in the world . . . if it was flat”.

Bearing this in mind, I opted for the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress —an ancient stronghold built by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali in the fourth century, which looks over Tbilisi.

Up there you can see the imperious Mother of Georgia statue, a 20-metre figure built in 1958 to mark the city’s 1,500th anniversary.

In one hand she carries a sword — and in the other wine, to reflect the area’s fine vineyards.

Some of the world’s most celebrated grapes are grown in Georgia’s Kakheti region and no restaurant or bar is short of a good local white or red.

Kiketi Farm, a natural wine cellar around 45 minutes from Tbilisi, is the place to head if you want to sample some of the best tipples.

For such quality, I expect a steep bill for my tasting session. But the 30 lari I am charged works out at a very affordable £8.50.

Don’t guzzle too much, though, as you’ll also want to take advantage of everything else on offer at the farm — which includes horse riding.
Staff are so friendly that they even attempted to give me a culinary masterclass.

It’s safe to say that despite their efforts to teach me how to make khinkali — a type of dumpling crammed with meat or veg — I reckon this job is best left to the local chefs.

If you’re after even more rural delights, an hour or so from Tbilisi is the Kass Land attraction park and its spectacular Diamond Bridge.

Bestriding the Dashbashi canyon 300 metres below, this transparent glass walkway is no more than two metres wide but 240 metres long — and features a colossal diamond- shaped structure at its centre, housing an all-glass sky bar with panoramic views.

Some find the experience rather daunting but I found it truly spectacular — especially when you can sip wine while drinking in the knockout views.