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Read the full details in the Google calendar below for each date BEFORE BOOKING.
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This is NOT a wine harvest! Instead, join a local family for a hands-on day of:
🥃 Chacha (Georgian Grappa) Making – Distill Georgia’s famous pomace brandy using the leftover must from winemaking.
🍬 Churchkhela Making – Learn how to make Georgia’s iconic walnut-and-grape juice dessert in a large-scale family production.
📅 Late October through November – Book via the booking calendar on this page. See the Google Calendar below for exact dates and itineraries.
This is the real Georgia – not the wine (which was excellent) not the food (also excellent) but being part of the cultural experience. I will recommend this to anyone and everyone going to Georgia.
*Start times vary, check the Rtveli booking Google calendar for times and itineraries below.
All our Real Family Rtveli tours are weather dependent and subject to last-minute changes and substitutions.
Please note in 2023 and 2024 we only substituted 1 Real Rtveli for a simulation. The weather in this period is mostly reliable. We hope for good weather again, but to protect our business and your expectations, we have the following rules in place. If it doesn’t work for you, please do not book :-) We honestly don’t want to change anything, it’s more work for us! But the weather is out of our control…
Real Rtveli happens in many different locations. So the times and itineraries vary
Click each calendar entry for more information about the location and itinerary.
Go to the BOOKING calendar to make a booking (in the sidebar (desktop) or bottom of the page (mobile)).
We cannot guarantee if you book a specific date that it will be at the named location, but there is a good chance it would be for most.
Departure times are from central Tbilisi. Departures from alternative locations vary.
NOTE: In the case of moderate to heavy rain the day before or morning of the tour, a Real Rtveli may be replaced with a simulation tour. The ONLY difference is you will pick grapes for much less time (or not at all if heavy rain during the allotted picking time) and the grapes picked will normally not be used to make wine. All other activities (including supra) remain the same. Please read the full terms and conditions on the booking page before booking.
Read the full weather guidelines and info on what happens if it rains or the date changes in the FAQ below.
At the very end of the wine harvest season, vendors start to make chacha from the remnants of the grape must, and churchkhela from the spare grape juice and from walnuts. This is another celebration day as they make a lot all at once! And, of course, this is followed by a supra (Georgian Feast).
Check the Google calendar above to know if you are booking a chacha day or wine harvest day. The first chacha days will start from after 20th October.
We have Rtveli in many locations – most are within 1 to 2.5 hours drive from Tbilisi.
Most depart from Tbilisi. Some select dates depart from Kutaisi. Some can pick up in Telavi on the way.
Pickup in Signagi is not possible (its on a mountain, and there are basically no vineyards at that altitude). Taxi options are possible to connect you to the tour (20 to 40 minutes each way). See notes below.
Start times vary. See Google Calendar above. Between 8am and 10am typically. Most starting 8:30am. Tours typically run for 11 to 12 hours in total.
If you have a group of 7 or more persons, book a private version of this tour – limited dates available (surcharge may apply in some cases).
Yes, from the central Tbilisi pickup point (normally Big Bicycle Monument).
Free Pickup from Telavi is possible on certain dates. See the date list above for “Telavi” or “Tsinandali” dates ONLY.
Signagi pickup is never possible, but a taxi to the winery is sometimes possible, at your own expense.
NOTE: Pickup outside Tbilisi OR Taxi OR self-drive arrival does not include any discount. Our fixed costs for providing transport for the whole group are the same, whether you arrive separately or not. Taxi pickup normally incurs a fee, we can help you book one. Given the amount of alcohol available, self-drive is very discouraged.
We expect to operate 1 or more Real Rtveli tours from Kutaisi. Check the calendar above for announcements.
If you need customizations or a different date when this tour is not scheduled to run, book a private or custom tour instead of using the booking calendar.
Taste Georgia’s 8,000-Year Wine History & experience the traditions of the Rtveli (wine harvest festival).
The harvest experience will take place at a home family winery, you will help the family start the winemaking process. All dates are weather dependent and please read our substitution/cancellation policy below for full details of what happens if it rains or if the sugar level of grapes is not enough for the winemaker to harvest.
REMINDER:
The pricing listed in the booking form is the maximum price you will pay. We anticipate ALL tours having at least 7 persons join (normally 12+), but in the event that any date has less than 7 there may be an option to still go ahead, if you are happy to pay extra. It depends on the winery though.
| 4 to 6 Adults | 7 to 14 Adults |
| 400 GEL pp | 340 GEL pp |
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If traveling with children under 18, you must book a private tour (group size 7 minimum) or family day.
We are planning to do a couple of “Family Day” Rtveli’s for people with kids. Check the google calendar above for announcements. Kids aged 2 and above. Email [email protected] for more info.
NOTE: Photos from various Real Family Rtveli events. The exact location and winery can vary compared to the photos, but the general feel is the same – authentic, family hosts.
The format of each trip is always approximately the same, but the timings and the optional activities vary depending on the winery location and the preferences of the winemaker.