When is Tbilisi Cheese Festival?

The last occurence was on June 9th, 2024.

Tbilisi Cheese Festival (June 9th, 2024)

Quick facts
When is it?	June 4th, 2023 June 9th, 2024
Tagged as:	Cheese Countries & Cultures Food & Drink
What's the hashtag?	#TbilisiCheeseFestival
We first published this page on:	Sep 29th, 2024
We last updated this page:	Sep 29th, 2024

The Tbilisi Cheese Festival is a vibrant celebration of Georgia’s rich dairy heritage. Visitors can choose from a wide array of local cheeses, including the soft Kalti, spicy Chogi, and the distinctive Tenili, a braided cheese from the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

This festival is a true feast for cheese enthusiasts. Guests can experience rare varieties like Guda, aged in sheepskin, and the crumbly Dambalkhacho, a cheese with a preparation method recognized by UNESCO.

Alongside cheese, local producers offer honey, wine, and other traditional products, making it a comprehensive showcase of Georgian gastronomy.

The event has grown to include participants from neighboring countries, adding even more flavors to this celebration. It’s a perfect occasion to explore the diverse tastes of the region in one lively, welcoming setting.

How to Celebrate the Tbilisi Cheese Festival

The Cheese Festival in Georgia is a delightful celebration for cheese enthusiasts and anyone curious about the country’s diverse dairy culture. Here are some engaging ways to make the most of your experience at this event.

Attend Cheese Tastings

Start by sampling cheeses from different regions. Georgia boasts over 250 unique types, from the crumbly Dambalkhacho to the soft Kalti.

Try to savor each one, noting its texture and flavor profile. Many vendors are happy to share their production stories, adding a personal touch to each taste.

Join a Cheese-Making Workshop

Participate in a hands-on workshop where local cheesemakers demonstrate traditional techniques. Learn how to craft Tenili cheese or how Guda is aged in sheepskin bags.

These sessions provide an insightful look into the artisanal processes that have been passed down through generations.

Pair Cheese with Local Delicacies

Pairing cheese with local delicacies is a must. Enjoy your cheese with Georgian wines, honey, or even dried fruits.

This enhances the flavors and gives you a deeper appreciation of the region’s culinary landscape. Some stalls may offer tasting menus that guide you through perfect pairings.

Explore the Artisan Market

Beyond cheese, the festival often features an artisan market. Discover handcrafted items like pottery, textiles, and organic products from local farmers.

This market is a wonderful place to find unique souvenirs while supporting local craftspeople.

Enjoy Live Performances

Live music and performances are an integral part of the festival atmosphere. Take some time to relax and enjoy these cultural showcases.

It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Georgian traditions and make your visit more memorable.

These suggestions provide a holistic way to experience the Cheese Festival in Georgia, making it not just about tasting but also learning and enjoying the rich cultural context of this delicious tradition.

History of the Tbilisi Cheese Festival

The Cheese Festival in Georgia was established in 2015 by the Georgian Cheese Makers Union, spearheaded by Ana Mikadze-Chikvaidze.

Her goal was to bring attention to Georgia’s rich cheese-making traditions, as there was a risk of forgetting them. The festival was a platform to celebrate and preserve these traditional methods, while also showcasing the diverse range of Georgian cheeses to a broader audience.

From the beginning, the festival was held in Tbilisi, drawing local cheese makers from various regions. Each year, they bring unique varieties such as the spicy Guda cheese from Tusheti and the braided Tenili cheese from the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

The event also serves as a gathering for cheese enthusiasts to share knowledge and techniques, making it a valuable networking opportunity for the industry.

The festival quickly gained popularity and began attracting international participants. Cheesemakers from Armenia and Azerbaijan have joined in recent years, broadening the festival’s scope.

This addition has transformed the event into a multicultural celebration, where visitors can experience a wider range of flavors and cheese-making traditions from across the Caucasus.

The event features not just tastings but also workshops and demonstrations, where visitors can learn about the intricate process behind creating these cheeses. This interactive element has made the festival not only a celebration but also an educational experience for attendees.

The Cheese Festival has become a key event in Georgia’s cultural calendar. It attracts thousands of visitors every year, from locals to international tourists, all eager to explore the flavors of this ancient land.