13 Georgian Wine Festivals to Plan Your Trip Around + Tips

If you love wine and want to experience it in the most authentic way, Georgian wine festivals are an excellent opportunity to get a taste of the country’s winemaking culture.

These events showcase traditions that go back 8,000 years, bring together established and new local winemakers to pour their latest vintages, and connect with wine lovers in a relaxed, often informal setting.

While festivals are held throughout the year, late spring in Tbilisi is one of the best times to attend these events. I like to call May the month of wine in Georgia.

It’s when winemakers open their qvevri—the large clay vessels buried underground—to pour the first samples from the previous autumn’s harvest.

If you’re in Georgia during the first week of May, you’ll likely catch one, or all, of several wine festivals in Tbilisi hosted in close succession.

Autumn is another key time for wine travel in Georgia. That’s when Rtveli, the traditional grape harvest, takes place.

It’s a labor-intensive period in the vineyards, and some winemakers offer harvest-related tourist experiences—these can range from symbolic grape picking to full-day participation in the harvest followed by a feast.

Around this time, Kakheti, the prime winemaking region, also hosts wine festivals to taste wines from the previous harvest as they begin to mature.

From large-scale city events like the New Wine Festival in Tbilisi to more intimate regional gatherings such as the Sherekilebi in Iago’s Winery near Tbilisi, these festivals offer a unique way to understand Georgian wine culture and meet the people behind the bottles.

In this post, I walk you through the most notable Georgian wine festivals to add to your trip itinerary and list 13 practical tips to know before you attend one. 

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13 Georgian wine festivals not to miss in 2026

New Wine Festival

The New Wine Festival is one of the first and most established wine festivals in Georgia, held annually on the second Saturday of May in Mtatsminda Park.

With views over Tbilisi and a laid-back, social atmosphere, the event draws in hundreds of wine lovers and even more producers from all over the country.

Organized by the Wine Club, it focuses on newly opened wines from the previous harvest, both qvevri and classic styles. Many are still evolving, so this is a chance to taste them in their early stages.

You’ll find wines from well-known wineries, small family cellars, micro-producers, and newcomers debuting their first vintages. Several work with indigenous grape varieties in qvevri or classic tanks. Winemakers are present at the tables, happy to chat and introduce their wines.

Some producers bring experimental batches that might not make it to retail, or do so in minimal quantity, making the New Wine Festival especially exciting for enthusiasts and professionals.

The festival is outdoors and casual, and it gets crowded, especially in the afternoon, so arriving early helps if you want to have a peaceful walk/tasting and speak with winemakers before things get busy.

Branded wine glasses with the festival’s name are available at the entrance near the Funicular building and the park’s main square with the fountain.

In addition to wine, food stalls serve grilled Mtsvadi, local dishes, and snacks, and there is a handcrafted market featuring locally made goods. Live music performances round out the experience, making it a full-day outing for locals and tourists alike.

Zero Compromise

Zero Compromise is a two-day natural Georgian wine fair organized by the Natural Wine Association, held annually in early May in Tbilisi.

It’s focused exclusively on additive-free, low-intervention wines made using organic or biodynamic methods—many of which are produced in qvevris.

This professional-level tasting event attracts wine buyers, sommeliers, importers, casual drinkers, and wine lovers.

The lineup includes established natural winemakers and small-scale newcomers with limited production, mainly the Association members.

The festival also brings international natural winemakers to showcase their creations to Georgian customers and buyers, including producers from Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, and Taiwan.

Unlike open-air festivals, Zero Compromise takes place indoors, often at venues such as the Silk Factory or Radio City.

Saamuri Wine Salon

The Saamuri Wine Salon is a small, curated wine event organized by Saamuri Wine Bar at Fabrika Tbilisi in one of its conference rooms.

Unlike larger festivals, this offers a more intimate setting and a limited (but slightly packed) crowd, featuring around 30-40 handpicked natural and low-intervention winemakers across Georgia selected by the team behind the wine bar.

Saamuri Wine Bar is known for its bold, unconventional, and experimental wines, which set the salon apart with its diverse, distinctive offerings beyond the mainstream.

Like Zero Compromise, the festival also presents a few international natural winemakers, bringing their wines from Austria, Turkey, Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and others.

Wine Ambassadors

Wine Ambassadors is a boutique-style wine event organized by Food and Wine Ambassadors from Georgia, featuring a well-curated selection of around 70-80 winemakers.

Unlike some other wine festivals, this indoor event focuses on small wineries known for their high-standard and structured wines. It presents only those that successfully pass the professional tasting process.

This year’s event took place at the Wyndham Hotel Tbilisi, just off Freedom Square. The conference room initially felt spacious, but by the afternoon, it was packed with visitors, making it feel a bit stuffy inside.

The tables were well-spaced, and winemakers were personally present to walk you through their wines.

Thankfully, since the event was held on the top floor, guests could easily step out onto the terrace for some fresh air and a short break from the crowd.

There are a few bar tables for socializing, networking, or taking a break. The food court is also available if you need to take a bite in between.

Sherekilebi

Sherekilebi, meaning ‘the Eccentrics’ in English, is a small wine festival held in the yard of Iago’s Winery in the village of Chardakhi, just a short drive from Tbilisi.

The festival has a very intimate feel, bringing together around 10–15 winemakers from across Georgia who primarily focus on natural wines, many of whom you won’t easily come across at other festivals.

Sherekilebi isn’t heavily advertised or commercial, making it an excellent chance to connect with Georgian wine producers in a relaxed setting that feels more like a friendly gathering than a festival.

Transportation isn’t provided, so getting there requires a car (use LocalRent), a Bolt taxi, or a private transfer via GoTrip starting from 69 GEL.

Merano Wine Festival

The Merano Wine Festival in Georgia is one of the country’s most prestigious international wine events and will return to Château Mukhrani. This marks the fourth edition of the festival, co-organized with the Georgian Wine Association.

Originally founded in 1992 in Merano, Italy, the festival has long been a key meeting point for wine professionals, journalists, buyers, and collectors. In 2022, it expanded beyond Italy for the first time, choosing Georgia as its first international host. Since then, Château Mukhrani has become its home.

The focus is firmly on high-quality, distinctive wines, with particular attention to Georgian producers alongside international participants, including large, medium, and small wineries.

In addition to the tastings, the event typically includes wine seminars, culinary masterclasses led by Georgian and international chefs, and gastronomy corners featuring regional products.

Bolnisi PDO Wine Festival

The third edition of Georgia’s first Protected Designation of Origin (DPO) wine festival takes place in the German-founded town of Bolnisi and its German Quarter.

The Bolnisi PDO Wine Festival brings together more than 60 wineries from across Georgia that produce wines under a protected designation of origin, recognizing the region’s unique terroir and grape varieties.

It’s the only event in the country focusing entirely on PDO wines, so expect more small family-run cellars and a few large producers.

While the festival features wines from various microzones and PDOs, I’d recommend starting with those from the Bolnisi PDO, also often referred to as Bolnuri in Georgian.

Producers here use a mix of winemaking styles, so it’s a good chance to taste the diversity coming from this specific region—and don’t worry, it’s not an overwhelming number.

One you absolutely shouldn’t miss is Shala wine, either from Bolnisi or Asureti (another former German settlement nearby). German settlers cultivated this grape, and it is still closely tied to the area’s winemaking identity.

Moreover, it’s not the easiest to find outside the region, though a few specialty wine shops in Tbilisi carry it.

A key festival highlight is its wine competition, where producers compete for Grand Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. The top 10 wines of 2025 were showcased at the Merano Wine Festival in Italy later in the year.

This is one of the newer Georgian wine festivals and offers an introduction to a region often overlooked by many travelers.

In addition to tastings, the festival features food stalls, a handful of craft vendors, and occasional live performances by local musicians or dance groups.

WinExpo Georgia

WinExpo is Georgia’s most extensive professional wine and spirits trade fair, held annually at ExpoGeorgia, Tbilisi’s iconic Soviet-era building.

Although it’s more geared towards business networking, informative seminars on wine production, and understanding the industry’s latest trends, the event is open to the public and wine lovers over the three days.

The festival sees over 140 producers participating—ranging from large export-focused wineries to boutique and natural wine labels nationwide.

Some of the winemakers also partook in earlier spring wine festivals, so if you’ve already done a few rounds of tasting, this is a good opportunity to skip repeats and focus on unfamiliar producers.

The fair is spread across multiple pavilions, including the large 11th pavilion, which features bigger wineries, brandy producers, and businesses offering everything from corks and glass bottles to wine production tech and equipment.

Some booths are massive—especially those of well-known brands—while smaller winemakers are tucked into adjacent halls and outdoor areas.

One of the key features of WinExpo is its international wine competition. A diverse panel of sommeliers, enologists, and wine experts—both Georgian and international—evaluates the submitted wines.

Only producers who choose to pay for submission are included, and the complete list of awarded wines is usually published on the event’s official Facebook page.

While I didn’t do much tasting this time, one standout for me was the cherry wine from Eno One—unexpected and genuinely worth a try if you’re into fruit-based, sweet, and bodied experimentation.

Sparkling Wine Festival

The Sparkling Wine Festival returned to Tbilisi for its third edition in June 2025, hosted by the Wine Club.

Typically held at the Underwheel Club beneath Mtatsminda Park’s iconic Ferris Wheel, this one-day event brings a refreshing and bubbly twist to the city’s wine festival calendar.

The festival focuses on sparkling wines made using various techniques, including Champagne, Pet Nat (naturally sparkling), Charmat (Sharma), and other traditional styles. While Pet Nat took center stage in 2025, there is a solid mix of sparkling wines to try.

Smaller than many other wine festivals in Tbilisi and across Georgia, this one has a more intimate yet lively atmosphere. Being indoors offers a break from the summer sun, which is definitely a plus, though the space can get quite noisy as the day goes on. 

That said, the views from the Underwheel Club’s terrace over Tbilisi are unbeatable and worth stepping out for between tastings.

The event brings a bit over 30 wineries, including family-run producers and larger names from Kartli, Lechkhumi, Imereti, and Kakheti. With fewer producers than the city’s major wine events, it’s a good opportunity to take your time and discover some truly interesting Georgian sparklings that are often under the radar.

Gurian Wine Festival

The Gurian Wine Festival is a small but steadily growing event that shines a light on the lesser-known wine traditions of Guria, western Georgia. 

Hosted in the village of Goraberezhouli in 2025, in the courtyard of the House of Gurian Eristavi in Chokhatauri, the festival brought together winemakers from across the country—but with a special focus on Guria’s rare and often underrepresented grape varieties.

Announced just a few weeks ahead of the date (on June 11 via their Facebook page), the 2025 edition was scheduled for June 28.

48 family wineries and producers have confirmed participation, making it an excellent opportunity to taste unique and endemic wines that are difficult to find outside the region.

The festival also includes traditional music, dance performances, and local food vendors, offering a relaxed, intimate, community-driven atmosphere.

Gurjaani Wine Festival

Held in Gurjaani’s central park, this is one of my favorite and best-organized regional wine festivals in Georgia.

It takes place in early October and stands out for its scale and the effort put into communication, decorations, and logistics. I love that organizers announce the date several months ahead, which helps immensely with planning.

The event features a mix of commercial wineries, boutique producers, and family-run cellars, offering a wide selection of natural, biodynamic, organic, and classic wines.

One of my favorite parts of the event is the presence of unofficial participants—local families bringing homemade products like cheeses, pickles, condiments, and even wine in repurposed plastic bottles.

I appreciate this aspect because it allows these families to partake in the larger event and offers a way to support the local community, both culturally and economically.

With these local families, you’ll often see pelamushi being cooked on-site, strings of walnuts for churchkhela dipping, bread baked in clay tone ovens, and plenty of homemade, ready-made churchkhela and jams for sale.

Besides them, the festival also features food stalls from various Tbilisi-based bistros and restaurants. There’s a separate section for the handicraft market, where you can find artisanal Georgian souvenirs, accessories, and jewelry.

This full-day event, which usually kicks off around 2 pm, includes a stage with live music throughout the day, featuring performances by local bands and folk ensembles.

If you’re visiting Tbilisi in autumn and want to go beyond, the Gurjaani Wine Festival makes a great day trip—offering a mix of local traditions, food, and cultural experiences in the heart of Kakheti.

Rtveli Grape Harvest

Rtveli is not a conventional festival, but a traditional grape harvest across Georgia in autumn. It is one of the most authentic ways to understand how wine is made and how deeply it’s tied to everyday life.

Depending on the region and climate, it typically starts in mid-September and can last through mid-October. It’s a time of hard work, celebration, and family gatherings in the countryside.

Some wineries offer Rtveli tourist experiences you must register for in advance and pay to participate in.

Depending on the winemaker, it can be a symbolic experience involving grape picking, crushing, and a lunch, or a full-day activity that includes hands-on harvesting, grape pressing, and a shared supper.

These events are often limited to small groups and include homemade food and wine as part of the experience.

If you’re curious about participating in Rtveli, my friends and partners at Eat This! Tours run a couple of great options in Kakheti, available from August through November.

You can join their Real Family Rtveli for a hands-on experience, including grape picking, traditional winemaking, and a home-cooked feast with a local family. It’s as authentic as it gets.

Prefer something more relaxed? Their Easy Rtveli Simulation gives you a taste of the harvest spirit, minus the heavy lifting. It’s a great option if you’re short on time or want a softer intro to this Georgian tradition.

Both tours include unlimited wine, regional food, and an up-close look at how Georgian wines are made. Plus, if you book either, don’t forget to use the code RFD5 at checkout to get 5% off your tour.

Amerimeri

Amerimeri is one of Georgia’s key natural wine festivals and the second major event organized by the Natural Wine Association. First held in 2017, the festival brings more than 80 wineries and presents over 300 natural wines.

Participation is limited to association members only, which keeps the focus firmly on low-intervention, natural winemaking.

The festival attracts not only wine lovers from Kutaisi and Tbilisi to the beautiful Soviet-era restored sanatorium, but also exporters, restaurateurs, wine journalists, and international wine experts.

It offers a rare chance to taste small-batch wines, speak directly with winemakers, and buy bottles that are often difficult to find elsewhere.

14 practical tips for attending Georgian wine festivals

Attending wine events is a fun experience, but a little preparation can go a long way. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Tastings are free once you’re inside

Whether a wine festival is ticketed or free, you don’t pay per tasting. This might seem obvious to locals, but it’s worth pointing out, especially for international visitors.

My friends from New Zealand told me it’s common to pay both an entrance fee and a small charge at each table. All tastings are included in Georgia, so once you’re in, you are free to explore and sip unlimited wine.

Bring your own wine glass, or buy one at the entrance

Most festivals offer branded glasses for sale at the gate, which you can keep as a souvenir. But bringing your own is totally fine. The glasses cost 10-15 GEL. Participants do provide plastic or paper cups.

You’ll likely taste more than 100 wines

Bigger festivals like New Wine, Zero Compromise, or Gurjaani often host dozens of producers, each presenting multiple wines. Be selective with your tasting, take breaks, and snack in between.

Keep the pouring size in mind

Georgian winemakers are generous with their pours, much more so than at international tastings. Even small sips can quickly add up to full glasses if you’re not careful.

Spitters may or may not be available

Spitters are typically provided at every table at more structured events like Zero Compromise or Wine Ambassadors. But at most open-air festivals, they’re rare. If it matters to you, bring your own (I’ve even seen someone having a mid-sized mug for it!).

Don’t be afraid to skip a few tables

You don’t have to try everything. Focus on what excites you—amber qvevri wines, sparkling Pet Nats, or crisp rosés.

Check if the festival is ticketed

Some festivals are free, while others require advance tickets via platforms like TKT.ge. Tickets usually go live a few weeks to a month ahead and can sell out quickly.

Double-check the festival location

While most events stick to the same venue each year, a few may change locations. It’s always worth confirming the details either here on the blog or on the festival’s official social media pages.

Wine festivals in May are often scheduled back-to-back

If you’re planning a visit in early May, remember that several major events are often held within a few days of each other. A few might overlap.

In 2026, for example, four festivals are scheduled between May 1 and May 4—so it’s worth checking the calendar ahead of time to pace your visits. And, three festivals are on the same day – May 3.

Eat before (and during) the festival

Most festivals offer food, but it’s easy to forget to eat amid hours of wine tasting and networking with winemakers. Grab a hearty meal beforehand and keep snacking throughout the day to avoid getting lightheaded too early.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Water stations aren’t guaranteed, and bottled water isn’t usually free. You can bring your own or buy some at the food stalls.

Cash is still king in some festivals

Some vendors accept cards, but many prefer cash or local bank transfers. Bring small bills for wine, food, or crafts—especially at rural or regional festivals.

You can usually buy bottles directly

Many winemakers sell bottles on the spot, often at better prices than in shops. If you like something, ask.

Don’t be shy to chat with the winemakers

One of the highlights of wine festivals in Georgia is how approachable the producers are. Many are the ones pouring the wine. Even with limited English, they’re usually happy to explain their wines or just share a smile.