Alaverdoba
An old harvest and church festival at Alaverdi Cathedral, with liturgy, songs and wine in the Alazani Valley.
Alaverdi MonasteryPhoto: Max Benidze, CC BY-SA 2.0Alaverdi's 11th-century cathedral, 50 m tall, was founded on the site of St Joseph's monastery, one of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers who came to Georgia in the 6th century. His feast day draws pilgrims from all over Kakheti, and the festival was once also a great harvest fair, with trading and horse races outside the walls.
Today the church service is the core of the day. The monks of Alaverdi make wine in qvevri in their own cellar, and the festival falls in the middle of Rtveli, so the whole valley is busy.
- Arrive early: the liturgy starts in the morning and the courtyard fills fast.
- Dress modestly; long skirts and headscarves are lent at the gate.
- Combine with Gremi and Nekresi nearby.
Where to see it
Last checked Oct 2026 by the Maspindzeli team. Mountain conditions change: ask us before you go.
Tours around Alaverdoba
More in September and after
Batumi's city festival, with concerts, fairs and fireworks in the old town and on Europe Square.
Autumn; date and host town (Ambrolauri or Tsageri) vary by yearRacha-Lechkhumi Wine FestivalA regional wine fair for the producers of Khvanchkara, Usakhelouri and Tvishi in the mountains of western Georgia.
Season: from early or mid-September into October; start announced each year by the authorities and wineriesRtveli: Grape Harvest in KakhetiHarvest season in Georgia's main wine region: picking, pressing, qvevri filling and long supras in the vineyards.