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Rtveli, the traditional Georgian grape harvest, is one of the most important and joyful events in Georgian culture.

More than simply collecting grapes, Rtveli is a celebration of family, friendship, hard work, wine, music, and tradition. Every autumn, villages across Georgia come alive with the sounds of laughter, singing, and the harvesting of ripe grapes from vineyards that have been cultivated for generations.

For Georgians, wine is deeply connected to identity and history, and Rtveli represents the beginning of the sacred journey from grape to wine.

From Kakheti to Imereti, families gather together to harvest grapes by hand, prepare traditional food, make fresh wine, and celebrate the abundance of the season.

Rtveli is the traditional grape harvest season in Georgia.

It usually takes place during early autumn, mainly in:

• September

• October

The exact timing depends on:

• Region

• Weather

• Grape variety

• Sugar levels in the grapes

The harvest is especially important in wine-producing regions such as:

• Kakheti

• Kartli

• Imereti

• Racha

• Samegrelo

Rtveli is not only agricultural work — it is also a major family event.

Relatives and friends often travel from cities to villages to help with the harvest. Vineyards become full of activity as people:

• Cut grape clusters by hand

• Carry baskets of grapes

• Sort the harvest

• Prepare food for workers

• Sing traditional songs

The atmosphere is both hardworking and festive.

For many Georgians, Rtveli creates some of the strongest childhood memories.

In Georgia, grapes are traditionally harvested by hand.

Workers carefully cut grape clusters and place them into:

• Wooden baskets

• Plastic crates

• Traditional harvesting containers

The grapes are then transported to:

• Marani (wine cellar)

• Pressing area

• Traditional satsnakheli (wooden grape press)

Hand harvesting helps protect the grapes and maintain wine quality.

One of the oldest and most iconic parts of Rtveli is the satsnakheli — the traditional wooden grape press.

The satsnakheli is usually made from large carved wood and shaped like a long open container.

Traditionally, people stood barefoot inside the satsnakheli and crushed grapes using their feet.

As grapes were pressed:

• Juice flowed naturally

• Grape skins and seeds remained inside

• Fresh juice was collected for wine production

This process remains one of the most symbolic images of traditional Georgian winemaking.

Even today, some villages continue this practice during festivals and traditional Rtveli celebrations.

Kakheti is considered the center of Georgian wine culture.

During Rtveli, Kakheti becomes especially lively as vineyards fill with workers harvesting grapes under the autumn sun.

Common grape varieties include:

• Saperavi

• Rkatsiteli

• Kisi

• Mtsvane

After harvesting, many families continue directly to the marani to begin wine production in qvevri.

No Rtveli is complete without a traditional Georgian supra.

After long hours of harvesting, families and workers gather around large tables filled with:

• Khinkali

• Mtsvadi

• Khachapuri

• Fresh vegetables

• Churchkhela

• Homemade wine

• Chacha

Music, toasts, and laughter continue late into the evening.

Rtveli supras celebrate:

• Nature

• Harvest

• Friendship

• Gratitude

After the grapes are pressed, the juice is transferred into traditional qvevri vessels buried underground.

Georgia’s ancient qvevri winemaking method is recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

Inside the qvevri:

• Fermentation begins naturally

• Wine develops slowly

• Traditional Georgian wine gains its unique character

Rtveli marks the beginning of this ancient winemaking process.

Traditional Georgian music is an important part of Rtveli.

Harvest workers often sing:

• Folk songs

• Polyphonic songs

• Regional melodies

Music helps create energy and joy during long working days.

In many villages, Rtveli feels more like a festival than simple agricultural labor.

Today, Rtveli combines both ancient tradition and modern winemaking.

Large wineries use modern equipment and machinery, while many families still preserve traditional harvesting and qvevri methods.

Modern Rtveli also attracts:

• Tourists

• Wine lovers

• Photographers

• International visitors

Many travelers visit Georgia specifically to experience Rtveli firsthand.

Rtveli represents far more than wine production.

It reflects:

• Georgian hospitality

• Family unity

• Agricultural heritage

• Ancient winemaking culture

• Respect for nature

For centuries, Rtveli has remained one of the strongest symbols of Georgian identity.

Conclusion

Rtveli is one of the most beautiful traditions in Georgia.

From hand-harvested grapes and wooden satsnakheli presses to supras, songs, and qvevri wine, Rtveli connects generations through celebration and shared work.

Every grape harvested carries a story — and every bottle of Georgian wine begins with Rtveli.