Rtveli

How to Celebrate Rtveli

Grape Picking

Start your day with a hands-on experience by joining a local family in the vineyards. Early mornings are the best time to pick the ripest grapes before the sun becomes too hot.

This activity brings together family, friends, and even visitors who want to lend a hand. You’ll learn the proper way to harvest grapes using traditional tools, and it’s a great way to kick off your Rtveli adventure.

Witness Traditional Winemaking

Once people collect all the grapes, the magic happens in the wine cellars. Many winemakers use ancient techniques to create their wine.

You’ll get to see how grapes are crushed and placed into large clay vessels called qvevris for fermentation. This method, used for centuries, is unique to Georgia and produces wines with distinctive flavors. Some places even allow you to try crushing grapes with your feet, just for fun!

Enjoy a Supra Feast

After a day in the vineyard, join in a traditional Georgian feast known as a supra. Expect tables piled high with delicious Georgian dishes like khachapuri, mtsvadi, and churchkhela, along with plenty of homemade wine.

The tamada, or toastmaster, will lead the toasts, and the celebration will continue with songs, dances, and endless laughter. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in Georgian hospitality.

Explore Local Vineyards and Cellars

Take a tour of the famous wine regions like Kakheti, where many vineyards open their doors to guests during Rtveli.

You can visit smaller family-owned wineries or larger commercial vineyards, each offering a different perspective on Georgian winemaking. Many tours include tastings, where you can try various wines and learn about the unique grape varieties grown in the region.

Participate in Folk Music and Dance

Music and dance are an essential part of Rtveli. You might find local musicians playing traditional instruments and performing folk dances in the vineyards or at the supra.

Join in if you feel like it! Participants perform Georgian songs in polyphony, a UNESCO-recognized tradition, adding a beautiful soundtrack to your Rtveli experience.