Rtveli

Rtveli in Kakhetia by Grigory Gagarin, 1847

Rtveli (Georgian: რთველი) is a traditional vintage and rural harvest holiday in Georgia accompanied by feasts, musical events and other celebrations. It normally takes place in late September in eastern Georgia and in mid-October in western Georgia.

In Georgia, where wine has an iconic significance, the tradition of rtveli dates back to ancient times, having its roots in the festivity of mid-Autumn abundance and variety. Rtveli usually lasts for several days, with people starting working in early morning hours and ending the day with a feast in the accompaniment of vintage-themed folk songs.[1][2][3]

  1. ^ Robert Parsons. Revelling in Georgia's grape harvest. The BBC News. 26 October, 2003
  2. ^ Nato Alapishvili Move to Revive Georgian Wine Industry. Institute for War and Peace Reporting Caucasus Reporting Service No. 307. 6 October, 2005
  3. ^ Kakheti - Wine Homeland Archived 2011-07-21 at the Wayback Machine. The Regional Government of Kakheti. Retrieved on May 19, 2009