Festivals and celebrationsCentral Asia and the CaucasusSecular and civic
Rtveli
In its own language: რთველი
A Georgian harvest festival marking the grape picking season with feasts and folk songs.
Rtveli is a traditional rural holiday in Georgia that celebrates the annual grape harvest. It brings communities together for days of work followed by feasting, music, and singing. The custom honors the land's bounty and the deep cultural importance of wine in Georgian life.
When is Rtveli in 2026?
Rtveli 2026 runs from 20 September to 19 October 2026. The date follows the moon or a local calendar, so it can move by a day. Other years: 2027, 20 September to 19 October 2027; 2028, 20 September to 19 October 2028.
Rtveli marks the start of the grape harvest in Georgia. This rural holiday blends hard work with joyous celebration. Families and neighbors gather to pick grapes, then share meals and sing vintage-themed songs. It reflects the deep connection between the people and their land.
Origins and history
The tradition dates back to ancient times in Georgia. It began as a festivity celebrating mid-autumn abundance and variety. Wine holds iconic significance in Georgian culture, making this harvest period deeply meaningful. The practice has survived through generations as a core part of rural life.
How it is kept
Rtveli usually lasts for several days. Participants begin working in the early morning hours to gather the grapes. The day ends with a feast accompanied by vintage-themed folk songs. Musical events are common throughout the celebration. People come together to honor the season's yield.
When and where
The timing varies by region within Georgia. In eastern Georgia, the festivities typically take place in late September. Western Georgia observes the harvest in mid-October. These dates align with the ripening of local grape varieties across the country.
How Rtveli is kept
People start working in the early morning to pick grapes. Days last several days with communal labor. Evenings feature feasts and folk songs about the vintage. Musical events accompany the celebrations. Neighbors gather to share food and drink.
When and where
Late September in eastern Georgia and mid-October in western Georgia
Throughout Georgia, particularly in rural areas where vineyards are located
What Rtveli means
Rtveli honors the land's bounty and the season's abundance. It celebrates the variety of autumn harvests. The tradition reinforces community bonds through shared labor and feasting. Wine's iconic status in Georgia makes this harvest a sacred time of gratitude.
Rtveli dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Rtveli date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 September to 19 October 2026 |
| 2027 | 20 September to 19 October 2027 |
| 2028 | 20 September to 19 October 2028 |
This date follows the moon or a local calendar and can move by a day, so check with a local source nearer the time.
Questions people ask about Rtveli
When is Rtveli in 2026?
Rtveli 2026 runs from 20 September to 19 October 2026. The date follows the moon or a local calendar, so it can move by a day. Other years: 2027, 20 September to 19 October 2027; 2028, 20 September to 19 October 2028.
Where is Rtveli kept?
Rtveli belongs to the traditions of Georgia.
Who keeps Rtveli?
As our sources describe it, Rtveli is kept by Georgians. Many other communities and families now share it too.
See also
NowruzThe Iranian new year at the March equinox, kept with fire, greenery and picnics
HoliA spring festival of colours and bonfires that marks the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil.
Mid-Autumn FestivalAn annual harvest festival celebrating family reunions, full moons and mooncakes
MaslenitsaA seven-day Eastern Slavic festival of pancakes and bonfires marking the end of winter before Lent.Good reading and sources
- BBC NEWS | Programmes | From Our Own CorrespondentBBC, Article
- BBC NEWS | Programmes | From Our Own CorrespondentBBC, Article
- Rtveli on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Rtveli", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.
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