Rtveli, a cherished harvest holiday in Georgia, unfolds as a vibrant, multi-day celebration each year, typically occurring in September or October, depending on the region.
For any astute traveler seeking a deeper understanding of a country’s ethnic identity, national traditions, and unique cultural essence, participating in Rtveli offers an unparalleled experience. This festive occasion is a true reflection of Georgian spirit, filled with laughter, sweet melodies, lively dances, good-natured humor, and the joyous clamor of celebration, all of which embody the heart and soul of Georgia.
Family holds a sacred place in Georgian culture, and Rtveli beautifully encapsulates this value by bringing families together for an annual gathering. Grown children who have ventured away to bustling cities return to their ancestral lands to engage in this colorful ritual, uniting generations as they harvest the bountiful grapes.
However, the festivities of Rtveli extend beyond just family circles. Travelers visiting Georgia are warmly invited to join in the celebrations. Vineyard owners, whether they manage expansive estates or small family plots, are eager to welcome guests and appreciate the extra hands to assist with the grape harvest.
During the peak of the harvest festivities, men return from the vineyards in droves, bearing large baskets overflowing with ripe, amber-hued grapes. This marks the beginning of a religious rite as ancient as Georgia itself, where the grapes are pressed in large vats. Meanwhile, women gather around the fire to prepare traditional sweets, most notably tatara (a mixture of grape juice and flour boiled together) and the beloved churchkhela—walnuts coated in grape syrup, a favorite treat among Georgian children.
The Rtveli supra, or traditional feast, is artfully prepared by the hostess and showcases an impressive array of Georgian delicacies. Guests are treated to aromatic kebabs, rich khinkali dumplings, spicy satsivi made with chicken and walnuts, flavorful lobio (bean dishes), and the iconic khachapuri cheese bread, accompanied by an abundance of fresh greens, vegetables, and fruits. Wine flows abundantly, and the head of the family, acting as the tamada (toastmaster), raises the first toast: “For our homeland!” The evening continues with elegant speeches and heartfelt toasts, accompanied by melodic tunes that fill the air.
Typically, the Rtveli harvest holiday lasts for three full days. Although the work can be long and labor-intensive, the entire family eagerly anticipates gathering at the table each evening to enjoy a well-deserved Georgian supra and the cherished companionship of family and friends. This celebration not only honors the harvest but also strengthens the bonds of community and tradition, making Rtveli a truly unforgettable experience.