The New Wine Festival is a cherished annual tradition in Tbilisi, taking place in the stunning setting of Mtatsminda Park on the second Saturday of May. This festival marks a delightful opportunity to sample the young wines that have been maturing through the winter months, as Georgian winemakers eagerly open their clay qvevris to the public. The event is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and joy as the best of Georgian winemaking is showcased.
Winemakers from every corner of Georgia gather in the inviting shade of the park atop the mountain, presenting their finest products and sampling new creations from fellow producers. The festival welcomes both large wineries and small family-owned vineyards, ensuring a diverse selection of wines from various regions, including Kakheti, Imereti, Samegrelo, Racha, Lechkhumi, Kartli, Javakheti, Guria, and Adjara.
As visitors indulge in wine tastings, they are treated to a captivating show program featuring talented singers and musicians performing a blend of popular modern songs and heartfelt folk melodies on stage. The festival traditionally kicks off with the stirring national Georgian feast song, “Mravalzhamieri,” performed in the rich style of Georgian polyphony. During the opening ceremony, qvevris filled with new wine are ceremoniously opened, allowing representatives from wineries and wine factories to begin treating guests to their exquisite offerings.
In addition to the delightful wines, many wineries provide festival-goers with hearty snacks, including an array of cheeses, nuts, fresh bread, and vibrant fruit platters. For those craving something more substantial, food stalls serve up delicious Georgian shashlik, grilled to perfection over open barbecues, ensuring no one leaves hungry.
The festival also features exhibitions of traditional crafts, where handmade items can be purchased as memorable souvenirs. This lively event attracts not only local residents and tourists but also journalists, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and tour operators, creating an excellent platform for networking and showcasing a dynamic urban celebration.