What is rtveli?

Rtveli is a traditional grape harvest and winemaking celebration in Georgia, which is usually held in late September or early October. The word "rtveli" means "the time of picking grapes," and it is a very important occasion for Georgian winemakers and their families.

The rtveli ceremony involves a lot of singing, dancing, feasting, and of course, wine-drinking. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the end of the grape harvest and to give thanks for the abundance of the crop.

During the rtveli, the grapes are gathered together and crushed by foot in a large vat, known as a "satsnakheli." The resulting grape juice is then fermented in clay vessels, or "qvevri," which are buried underground. This traditional winemaking process has been practiced in Georgia for thousands of years and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Overall, the rtveli celebration is a deeply rooted tradition in Georgian culture, and it is a time when people come together to celebrate their history, their community, and their love of wine.