Every year, during the last week of May, Tbilisi’s historic center transforms into a living stage for Georgia’s centuries-old culture: wine, food, and legendary traditions of hospitality.
The “Georgian Wine and Regional Festival” has become one of the city’s buzziest cultural events. It offers guests a unique opportunity to discover the diversity of Georgia’s regions – their distinct traditions, folklore, culinary arts, wine, and craftsmanship – all in a single day.
The concept of the festival was born at “Tsiskvili,” one of Georgia’s most famous restaurants, dedicated to promoting Georgian culture and hospitality for over 24 years now. The idea emerged to unite Georgia’s multifaceted heritage – its wine, folklore, regional cuisine, and traditions – into a large-scale public celebration where every corner of the country would be represented in its most authentic form.
“Initially, the event did not have a specific format. Our only goal was to gather Georgia’s diverse cultural heritage in one space – at ‘Tsiskvili.’ The first festival was held in the courtyard of our restaurant on Beliashvili Street. Throughout the summer, different regions hosted guests every weekend. We organized presentations of regional cuisine, prepared traditional Georgian dishes, and held performances showcasing traditional folk song and dance. Separate areas were set up for local products brought directly from the regions: cheese, felt, honey, handmade crafts, traditional souvenirs, and more. It was this unique atmosphere and the immense public interest that gave us the idea to expand the festival’s scale. After months of discussion, we chose Meidan, the heart of Old Tbilisi. A place that for centuries served as a hub for trade, cultural exchange, and a meeting point for people from all walks of life was the perfect fit for the festival’s concept,” says Anano Tavkhelidze, Head of Marketing at Tsiskvili Group.
Through the collaboration of “Tsiskvili Group” and “Meidan Group,” the festival moved to Tbilisi’s historic center and now hosts thousands of Georgians and international visitors.
The fourth annual “Georgian Wine and Regional Festival,” held on May 30, 2026 at Gorgasali Square, stands as a testament to this growth. Nearly 60 wine companies, family cellars, and local entrepreneurs participated. Guests had the chance to taste a wide variety of Georgian wines, discover natural honey, churchkhela, Georgian cheese, handmade items, and other locally produced goods. The gastronomic experience was traditionally led by the “Tsiskvili” team, offering guests some of the most famous and beloved dishes of Georgian cuisine.
One of the festival’s primary goals is to promote local wine culture. The wine information hub drew significant interest, allowing visitors to learn about the history of Georgian winemaking, traditional production methods, and the modern industry. Interactive games, quizzes, and educational activities were held throughout the day.
The cultural program reflected the rich diversity of Georgia’s regions. Folklore and choreographic ensembles from Imereti, Samegrelo, Kakheti, Adjara, Svaneti, and Guria took to the stage, introducing the audience to the authentic music and dances of their respective homes. The evening program continued with the ethno-jazz band “Egari” and the rock group “Chimera,” adding a contemporary musical dimension to the festivities.
Today, the “Georgian Wine and Regional Festival” is more than just a regular culinary or wine event. It is a space where Georgia presents its true self – its history, culture, traditions, regional diversity, and unique culture of hospitality. Once a year, in the last week of May, the heart of Old Tbilisi becomes the gathering spot for the entire country.
The festival has already become a beloved tradition for both Georgians and international travelers visiting the country during this period. If you wish to discover the 8,000-year history of Georgian wine, taste authentic dishes from different corners of the country, listen to traditional folk music, and experience the hospitality for which Georgia is world-renowned, the last week of May is the perfect time to visit Tbilisi.
Here, among the historical streets of Old Town, Georgia becomes one grand, living stage – a place where wine, music, food, and traditions meet to reveal the true character of the country.
In May 2027, the Georgian Wine and Regional Festival will once again await its guests in the heart of Tbilisi – the place where all of Georgia comes together.
