I tried the famous Rtveli harvest in Georgia, and here's everything you need to know

If you're a wine lover or a cultural traveler looking for a unique wine experience, then you must visit Georgia in autumn for Rtveli, the country’s traditional grape harvest. This centuries-old winemaking festival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to harvest grapes, stomp them barefoot, and taste natural Georgian wines right from the source.

This was, without a doubt, the highlight of my trip. I had been eagerly anticipating the moment I would get to stomp grapes and get my hands (and feet!) dirty in Georgia’s beautiful wine region.

I had the absolute best time experiencing Rtveli at Brothers Khutsishvili Wine Cellar in Kakheti. It was incredibly immersive, fun, and surprisingly a great workout (grape stomping is harder than it looks!). If you're considering joining a Georgian wine harvest experience, here's everything you need to know:

When is Rtveli?

Rtveli is the Georgian grape harvest festival, and it usually takes place in September and October. The exact timing depends on the region and how ripe the grapes are, so you’ll want to keep an eye on the harvest schedule. For us, we were in Kakheti during the perfect window, and it couldn’t have been better.

Where can I experience Rtveli?

The best place to experience Rtveli is in Kakheti, Georgia's most famous wine region. This is where many of the country's wineries are located, and it offers an authentic, hands-on experience of traditional winemaking. We visited Brothers Khutsishvili Wine Cellar, where the family has been making wine for generations. They offer a private wine-tasting experience combined with the harvest process, so you can truly get involved in every step.

(Check out my article Everything you need to know to visit Kakheti: Georgia's premier wine region for more details on how to plan a trip here)

What to expect during the Rtveli experience

If you love wine as much as I do, then you have to visit Georgia in autumn and try your hand during the harvest. It all starts in the stunning Georgian vineyards, handpicking the perfect grapes. They are then thrown into a large wooden container and pressed the old-fashioned way—by foot! This traditional method has been used for centuries, keeping Georgia’s winemaking heritage alive.

And let me tell you—this was so much fun but also such a workout! Stomping grapes requires way more effort than I expected, and I have a new appreciation for how winemaking was done before modern equipment. But in Georgia, every step—literally—brings you closer to the heart of wine.

The experience was truly immersive. You’ll start by grape picking in the vineyard, then move on to stomping them barefoot in a wooden vat. Prepare to get messy! 🍷 But if you’re not keen on going barefoot, they do provide rubber boots so you can still join in without getting your feet completely covered in grape juice.

Pricing and booking tips

The cost for this incredible experience was GEL 60 (around EUR 20) per person, and it was worth every penny. It’s a hands-on, immersive experience that you won’t get anywhere else. However, I would highly recommend booking in advance. Rtveli experiences are quite popular, especially during harvest season, and spots can fill up quickly with both locals and visitors looking to take part in the festivities. Many wineries, including Brothers Khutsishvili, offer packages that include the full harvest experience, wine tasting, and even a tour of the wine cellar. Trust me, you’ll want to lock in your spot early to ensure you don’t miss out.

I can’t emphasize enough how much fun I had at Rtveli. The combination of beautiful vineyards, delicious wine, and the chance to be part of a centuries-old winemaking tradition made this one of the most memorable experiences of my entire trip to Georgia. Whether you’re a wine lover, an adventure seeker, or just someone who loves to experience new cultures, the Rtveli harvest in Georgia is an unforgettable way to connect with the country’s rich heritage.

If you’re planning a trip to Georgia, make sure to add Kakheti and a Rtveli harvest experience to your itinerary. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Georgia’s amazing wine culture. And next time, I’ll definitely be going barefoot from the start!

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