Rtveli
Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration.
It’s a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations.
The festival extends beyond the fields, with feasts and toasts echoing the communal spirit that defines Georgian hospitality.
During Rtveli, the connection between people and nature is palpable. The harvest aligns with the moon phases to ensure the best quality grapes. This attention to detail shows the deep respect Georgians have for their land and its produce.
As the grapes are collected, they’re taken to traditional wine cellars, where the winemaking process begins. Large clay vessels called qvevris are filled with crushed grapes, beginning a natural fermentation process.
This ancient method, still in use today, highlights the continuity of tradition and the dedication to preserving Georgia’s unique winemaking culture.
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.
History of Rtveli
Rtveli, Georgia’s grape harvest festival, traces its roots back thousands of years. It started when winemaking began in this region, making it one of the oldest wine traditions in the world.
Archaeological findings suggest that people in Georgia have been making wine for over 8,000 years, making it an essential part of their culture from ancient times. Early farmers discovered that the region’s soil and climate were ideal for growing grapes.
The tradition likely began with early Georgian communities celebrating the end of the grape-growing season. They marked the occasion with songs, dances, and feasts, bringing everyone together.
This communal celebration honored both the harvest and the winemaking process, showing respect for the land and its bounty. Over the centuries, it evolved into a cultural ritual passed down through generations.
The festival is more than just about gathering grapes. It symbolizes the deep connection Georgians have with winemaking.
Families and villages would come together, making wine in large clay vessels called qvevris. This method is still popular today and is unique to Georgia, highlighting its rich heritage. The event has maintained its importance and remains a vibrant part of Georgian life.
From ancient times to now, Rtveli has represented community, tradition, and a love for the land. It’s a celebration that has survived invasions, wars, and changes in society, remaining a cornerstone of Georgian identity​.
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