Georgia is a country with deep winemaking traditions, and one of its most vibrant national holidays is Rtveli. It's not just the grape harvest — it's a whole cultural tradition that lasts for weeks and turns into a true celebration.
What Is Rtveli
Rtveli (Georgian: რთველი) is a multi-day grape harvest festival in Georgia. It is not tied to a specific calendar date but depends on the ripening time of grapes in different regions. Typically, Rtveli takes place:
The traditions of Rtveli are rooted in ancient pagan harvest festivals. The harvest process itself is a family event: all relatives gather, picking grapes from early morning until evening, then crushing them in large vats (satsnakheli) and traditional presses.
The juice is poured into huge clay vessels called qvevri, which are buried underground in the wine cellar (marani). The history of qvevri dates back over 8,000 years, and this winemaking method is inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
What Is Rtveli
Rtveli (Georgian: რთველი) is a multi-day grape harvest festival in Georgia. It is not tied to a specific calendar date but depends on the ripening time of grapes in different regions. Typically, Rtveli takes place:
- In Kakheti (the main winemaking region) — in late September
- In Western Georgia — in mid-October
The traditions of Rtveli are rooted in ancient pagan harvest festivals. The harvest process itself is a family event: all relatives gather, picking grapes from early morning until evening, then crushing them in large vats (satsnakheli) and traditional presses.
The juice is poured into huge clay vessels called qvevri, which are buried underground in the wine cellar (marani). The history of qvevri dates back over 8,000 years, and this winemaking method is inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
How the Rtveli Festival Takes Place in Georgia
Rtveli is not just work — it's a true celebration. Every evening of the festival is accompanied by feasts with folk songs, dances, and polyphonic singing. During Rtveli, it's customary to drink last year's wine to free the vessels for the new harvest. The festival lasts for several days until all the grapes are harvested.
Tourists are offered not only visits to vineyards and wine cellars but also the chance to actively participate in the harvest. Many tour operators organize special wine tours where you can:
Kakheti — The Heart of Georgian Winemaking
Kakheti is especially famous for its winemaking — a land of ancient traditions and a rich diversity of grape varieties. Record volumes of grapes are harvested and processed here every year. In 2025, Georgia harvested nearly 320,000 tons of grapes.
Georgia is home to over 500 grape varieties, of which 430 are indigenous — meaning they grow exclusively here. The most famous varieties are Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Kisi, and Aladasturi.
Winemaking is an important source of income for Georgia's economy. Last year, wine exports brought more than $250 million into the country's budget.
Rtveli is not just work — it's a true celebration. Every evening of the festival is accompanied by feasts with folk songs, dances, and polyphonic singing. During Rtveli, it's customary to drink last year's wine to free the vessels for the new harvest. The festival lasts for several days until all the grapes are harvested.
Tourists are offered not only visits to vineyards and wine cellars but also the chance to actively participate in the harvest. Many tour operators organize special wine tours where you can:
- Pick grapes in the plantations
- Take part in traditional juice pressing
- Taste premium wines and chacha
- Try making churchkhela
Kakheti — The Heart of Georgian Winemaking
Kakheti is especially famous for its winemaking — a land of ancient traditions and a rich diversity of grape varieties. Record volumes of grapes are harvested and processed here every year. In 2025, Georgia harvested nearly 320,000 tons of grapes.
Georgia is home to over 500 grape varieties, of which 430 are indigenous — meaning they grow exclusively here. The most famous varieties are Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Kisi, and Aladasturi.
Winemaking is an important source of income for Georgia's economy. Last year, wine exports brought more than $250 million into the country's budget.
Why Rtveli Matters for Life in Georgia
If you live in Georgia or are just planning to move, Rtveli is a unique opportunity to connect with the country's culture and traditions. It's not just winemaking — it's part of the national identity that unites families and entire villages.
For Georgians, Rtveli is:
For foreigners and relocators, it's:
When to Visit Rtveli
Rtveli takes place in September–October. Tour companies organize special tours during this period. If you already live in Georgia or are planning to visit in the fall, be sure to find time to visit Kakheti during this season — you'll see Georgia from its warmest and most hospitable side.
Want to learn more about life in Georgia or find property in regions rich in winemaking traditions? The GPI team will help you choose housing in Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kakheti.
If you live in Georgia or are just planning to move, Rtveli is a unique opportunity to connect with the country's culture and traditions. It's not just winemaking — it's part of the national identity that unites families and entire villages.
For Georgians, Rtveli is:
- A family celebration they look forward to all year
- An occasion to gather with relatives and friends
- A way to pass traditions on to the next generation
For foreigners and relocators, it's:
- A chance to better understand Georgian culture
- An opportunity to make new connections
- A unique experience you can't get anywhere else
When to Visit Rtveli
Rtveli takes place in September–October. Tour companies organize special tours during this period. If you already live in Georgia or are planning to visit in the fall, be sure to find time to visit Kakheti during this season — you'll see Georgia from its warmest and most hospitable side.
Want to learn more about life in Georgia or find property in regions rich in winemaking traditions? The GPI team will help you choose housing in Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kakheti.