How to Host a Georgian Supper: Wine, Toasts, and Tradition

Looking for a way to truly experience Georgian culture? In Georgia, wine is never just a drink—it’s the centerpiece of the supra, the traditional Georgian feast. A supra is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of community, storytelling, and hospitality where food, wine, and heartfelt toasts bring people together.

Whether you’re hosting your first Georgian-style dinner in the USA or simply want to honor tradition at your table, here’s how to recreate the spirit of a Georgian supper.

The Role of the Tamada (Toastmaster)

At every Georgian supra, the tamada, or toastmaster, guides the evening. This person leads the toasts, setting the tone with wisdom, humor, or reflection. Toasts are central to the feast and cover everything from honoring ancestors to celebrating friendship and love.

Hosting tip: Choose someone at your table to serve as tamada—it doesn’t need to be formal, but it adds authenticity and creates flow throughout the evening.

The Importance of Toasts

Georgian toasts are not quick “cheers.” They’re thoughtful moments that give depth to the gathering. Each toast is followed by everyone raising a glass—often filled with wine from the region of Kakheti, Imereti, or Kartli.

Common toast themes include:

• Gratitude for family and friends

• Remembrance of loved ones

• Wishes for peace and health

• Celebrating creativity, love, or milestones

Encouraging guests to add their own heartfelt words makes the supper feel authentic and memorable.

Recommended Wines to Serve at a Georgian Supper

Wine is the lifeblood of a supra, and choosing the right bottles brings the feast to life. Here are traditional Georgian wines to include:

Saperavi (Dry Red) Perfect With: Grilled meats, hearty stews, barbecue lambBold and full-bodied, Saperavi is the classic Georgian red. Its deep berry and earthy notes make it ideal for the center of the table. Try a bottle from Marani, GK Winery, or Mtevino.

Amber Wines (Qvevri-Aged Whites) Perfect With: Walnut dishes, roasted vegetables, cheese platesMade by fermenting white grapes with their skins in clay qvevri, amber wines have tannic depth and savory spice. Rkatsiteli Amber or Kisi Amber from producers like Wine Ponto or GRW are perfect for traditional Georgian recipes.

Dry Whites (Rkatsiteli or Mtsvane) Perfect With: Fresh salads, seafood, and lighter fareBright and refreshing, these wines add balance to the richness of the table. A Mtsvane from Mtevino pairs beautifully with fish or herb-forward dishes.

Semi-Sweet Reds (Kindzmarauli or Khvanchkara) Perfect With: Spicy foods, cheese, and dessertThese wines bring a smooth sweetness that complements the spices and flavors of a feast. Kindzmarauli from GK Winery or Khvanchkara from Racha are crowd-pleasers for new wine drinkers.

Setting the Table, Georgian Style

A Georgian supper is abundant. Plates of food cover the table, from pkhali (walnut-vegetable pâté) to khachapuri (cheese bread), grilled meats, and fresh herbs. Dishes are meant to be shared, emphasizing hospitality and community.

Hosting tip: Don’t worry about perfection—the beauty of a supra is in generosity and connection, not formality.

Where to Buy Georgian Wine in the USA

Bringing Georgian tradition to your home is easier than you think. You can find authentic bottles from top producers like Marani, Mtevino, GK Winery, Kalo, and GRW through our [distributor partners]. These trusted retailers and online shops make it simple to stock up for your feast.

Final Sip

A Georgian supper isn’t just about food and drink—it’s about slowing down, raising a glass, and celebrating what matters most: people. With heartfelt toasts, authentic Georgian wines, and shared dishes, you’ll bring centuries of tradition to your table.

So pour a glass, raise a toast, and let your Georgian feast begin.