Join Georgia’s traditional grape harvest in Kakheti
Rtveli is one of Georgia’s most joyful and important traditions. Every autumn, when the grapes are ready for harvest, the vineyards of Kakheti come alive with
work, music, food, wine and celebration. This is the season when Georgian winemaking is not something you only learn about — it is something you take part in.
During this experience, you will join a traditional grape harvest in a Kakhetian vineyard, learn how grapes are transformed into wine, take part in grape
pressing, taste carefully selected local wines and prepare churchkhela, one of Georgia’s most beloved traditional sweets. This is not a standard wine tasting. It is a hands-on celebration of Georgian wine culture, harvest season and local hospitality
Why join this experience?
Rtveli is one of the best moments of the year to visit Georgia’s wine country. It
is colourful, generous, full of energy and deeply connected to Georgian identity. You will not simply visit a winery. You will become part of the harvest day: cutting grapes, feeling the rhythm of the vineyard, seeing how the fruit begins its journey towards wine and tasting the results of Kakheti’s long winemaking tradition. It is a perfect experience for travellers who want something authentic, seasonal and memorable — the kind of day that feels truly Georgian.
Experience itinerary
Arrival at the winery
Your experience begins in a Kakhetian vineyard, where you will meet your host and discover the atmosphere of Georgia’s harvest season. You will learn what Rtveli means in Georgian culture and why grape harvesting is so much more than agricultural work — it is a family tradition, a social ritual and a celebration of abundance.
Grape harvesting in the vineyard
Take part in the traditional grape harvest. You will walk between the vines, collect ripe grapes and experience the warm, lively rhythm of Rtveli. This is the most symbolic part of the day: hands in the vineyard, baskets full of grapes and the feeling of joining a tradition that has shaped Georgian life for centuries.
Traditional grape pressing
After the harvest, you will take part in traditional grape pressing using a wooden press. This is where the transformation begins — from grape to juice, from juice to
wine. You will see the first stage of winemaking and learn how traditional methods are still part of Georgia’s wine culture today.
Winery tour
Continue with a guided visit through the winery. You will learn how Georgian wine is made, how the qvevri method differs from
European-style winemaking, and why Kakheti remains the most important wine region in Georgia.
Wine tasting with a sommelier and CHURCHKHELA WORKSHOP
Enjoy a guided tasting of four carefully selected Kakhetian wines. The tasting will be led by a sommelier and paired with a board of local cheese, bread and traditional Georgian flavours. You will discover the character of Kakheti through its most iconic wines, including Saperavi.
Take part in preparing churchkhela, one of Georgia’s most beloved traditional sweets. You will learn how grape must, nuts and patience come together in this simple but deeply symbolic harvest-season delicacy.
This hands-on moment connects the experience not only with wine, but also with the family table, autumn rituals and the generous rhythm of Georgian rural life.
First taste of the harvest
The experience ends with a symbolic taste of the season — freshly pressed grape juice or young wine, depending on the stage of the harvest and winemaking process.
It is a simple, joyful moment that brings the day together: vineyard, grapes, hands, wine and the Georgian table.
Who is this experience for?
This experience is for travellers who want to feel Georgia, not only see it.
It is ideal for people who:
● love wine or want to discover Georgian wine culture in an authentic way
● are looking for a seasonal experience available only during harvest time
● want to take part in a real Georgian tradition
● enjoy hands-on activities, food, wine and local hospitality
● travel with friends, family or a private group
● want something more memorable than a standard winery visit
● are curious about Kakheti, qvevri wine and the rhythm of rural Georgia
It is a perfect choice for wine lovers, cultural travellers, small groups, corporate groups and anyone who wants to experience Georgia at its most generous and joyful.
What is included?
The experience includes:
● Participation in grape harvesting
● Traditional grape pressing in a wooden press
● Guided winery tour
● Wine tasting of four Kakhetian wines with a sommelier
● Local cheese, bread and traditional tasting board
● Introduction to Georgian winemaking traditions
● Churchkhela workshop
● All materials needed for the activities
What is not included?
● Transportation, unless arranged separately
● Additional food and drinks outside the agreed tasting menu
● Purchases of wine or local products
● Personal expenses
● Optional activities not mentioned in the experience
Practical information
● Season: autumn harvest season
● Region: Kakheti
● Experience type: wine, harvest, food, local tradition and hands-on activities
● Duration: depends on the final arrangement and group schedule
● Group size: from 8 people
● Date: arranged individually during Rtveli season
● Difficulty level: easy
● Recommended clothing: comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for a vineyard
Please note that Rtveli depends on the grape harvest calendar and weather conditions. The exact date is arranged individually according to the harvest period and the needs of the group.
Ask about this experience
Dates are arranged individually for groups of 8 people or more during the autumn harvest season.
Contact us to choose the best available date and take part in one of Georgia’s most joyful and authentic wine traditions.
