New Wine Festival in Tbilisi

The New Wine Festival is an annual tradition in Tbilisi that takes place in the picturesque Mtatsminda Park on the second Saturday of May. It's the perfect time to taste the young wine that has been maturing over the winter months, as Georgian winemakers open their clay qvevris to the public. This event is celebrated with much fanfare, and visitors can expect a noisy revelry that showcases the best of Georgian wine-making.

Winemakers from all over Georgia gather in the shady park on the mountaintop to showcase their products and taste new wines from other producers. The festival is open to both large wineries and small family vineyards, so visitors can expect a wide selection of wines from different regions of the country, including Kakheti, Imereti, Samegrelo, Racha, Lechkhumi, Kartli, Javakheti, Guria, and Adjara.

The wine tasting is accompanied by a show program featuring singers and musicians who perform popular modern compositions and touching folk songs on stage. The festival traditionally opens with the national Georgian feast song "Mravalzhamieri," which is performed by Georgian polyphony. At the opening ceremony, qvevris with new wine are also opened, and representatives of wineries and wine factories can begin to treat guests to their wine.

Many wineries also offer festival visitors hearty snacks, such as cheese, nuts, fresh bread, and fruit platters. For those who want something more substantial, food stands are available where delicious Georgian shashlik is grilled on an open barbecue.

During the festival, visitors can also enjoy exhibitions of traditional crafts, and handmade items can be purchased as souvenirs. The festival attracts not only local residents and tourists but also journalists, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and tour operators. It's an excellent opportunity to showcase a vibrant urban event and to find promising partners.

Overall, the New Wine Festival is a must-visit event for wine enthusiasts and those looking to explore the rich cultural traditions of Georgia. With its lively atmosphere, delicious wine, and vibrant show program, it's a festival not to be missed!