Georgian Supra a Traditional Wine Feast
May 27, 2015, Updated Jun 12, 2024
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The Georgian supra, a traditional wine feast, is a vibrant and convivial gathering featuring abundant food, toasts led by a tamada (toastmaster), and a deep appreciation for Georgian culture and hospitality.
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This post is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of La Crema. The opinions and text are all mine. One of my favorite parts of visiting the Republic of Georgia was experiencing the longstanding tradition of the Supra dinner- a spirited, lively, and overwhelming feast where wine, food, and fellowship are the highlight.
About the Traditional Supra Dinner
Not technically a party, and yet so much more than a dinner- a Supra has a lot of components that come together to form an outstanding gathering. They are incredibly well-planned and orchestrated beautifully- making a traditional Supra one of the most beautiful and fun experiences you can have!
Progression of Supra Toasts
The Rules. Georgians claim that they invented toasting- and are very serious about the toast. Georgian “rule” dictates a specific order for the toasts given. While the toastmaster can come up with plenty of things to toast (supras can easily turn into an all-day and all-night event)- there is a specific order to toasting that is usually followed. Some are strict- some more of a tradition. While the Tamada speaks, it is ok to eat- but one should refrain from talking and drinking wine – raise a glass until he is done. When the Tamada is done toasting, he will drink his wine. If another person wants to speak on the topic the Tamada just gave, guests will continue holding their glass up and wait for their turn to speak on topic to drink their wine- though you can drink at any point after the Tamada if there’s something that resonates with you and you do not wish to speak. The critical rule of toasting- one cannot toast with a glass half full of wine! Of course, if you are a visitor (especially a woman), this rule is flexible- but Georgians toast with full glasses. There are generally pitchers and bottles of wines set around the Supra table so guests’ glasses remain full for toasting. There is a specific order traditional Georgian toasts progress in, which is obviously up for interpretation if you’re throwing your own Supra outside of Georgia. If you’d like to stick to a traditional progression (though, this depends on who you ask and these “rules” except for the first are not so hard and fast), the toast order goes as follows.
The Order of Supra Toasts
The first toast should always be to God.
The second toast should be to Georgia (and the nations of those in attendance as a sign of hospitality).
The third toast should be to mothers and children – though this was sometimes changed up depending on where the Supra was held, and what it was held for- so toasting Bride and Groom, specific saints, etc. could go here- though mothers, and the next generation, are incredibly important to Georgians.
Additional toasts go to saints, family members, and on to topics- anything the Tamada and the guests would find moving. One of our supras had over 12 toasts! I am working on an idea for a traditional supra sometime soon- of course with the help of my friend who invited us to his family’s home for our first supra in Georgia. It is a tradition I’d love to bring to my friends and family who weren’t on the trip with us. When you have good wine, good food, and good friends,what more do you need?
Components of a Supra
Tamada– the toastmaster. Depending on how strictly you’d like to adhere to Supra tradition, the Tamada is the only one allowed to lead toasts – and is expected to down his glass of wine after giving each toast. Guests are also encouraged to do the same- however not expected to (especially women- though you’ll be loved if you try). The Tamada should be witty, smart, and thoughtful (and for a group like ours- speak the language of everyone present.) One night, we had a Tamada giving the toast in Georgian, English, and Russian. Thankfully, he understood brevity and kept his toasts meaningfully short! Tamadas can go on for a while though- so appreciate the toasts as a chance to take a break from all the eating and drinking and enjoy the friends and family around you. While the Tamada is expected to drink, drink, and drink some more- the Tamada is not supposed to ever act drunk and is expected to keep the toasts, and the evening, going. Choosing a proper Tamada is a very important part of the Supra tradition!
Alaverdi– someone the Tamada calls on to extend the toast. The toast can continue from person to person as the Tamada choses- making some toasts extremely long.
Food- Georgian Supras are multi-course meals- but think of the courses as more “waves” of food. The table will be full of food when you arrive, and more and more food will keep coming so it is always mercilessly packed. Georgian Supras are a celebration- and there is food everywhere. In Georgian culture, it would be rude to not have an overflowing table for guests- even when they are full. There is a ton of food coming at you from all angles, and the family hosting you will just keep bringing more until the Supra is done- so don’t expect to make much of a dent in the meal. I was a bit taken aback at the effort by our hosts to bring so much delicious (and beautiful) food, I felt bad there was so much leftover at the end. This is intentional on their part- it would be seen a sign of rudeness to not have an embarrassment of food for guests at a celebration. The type of food served varies from region to region, but almost always involves Khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread), Churchkeli (a grape and walnut candy), pork, chicken, eggplant stuffed with walnuts, bread and cheese- as well as family favorites and plenty of sweets or cakes.
Wine- Unsurprisingly, wine is the drink of choice at a Georgian meal. Georgia is fiercely proud of it’s wine culture- and the Supra literally revolves around wine. However, you only drink wine after the Tamada gives a toast. It’s ok to drink water, soda, or another drink during the meal- but wine is reserved for toasts. Of course, as a visitor, you’re a bit off the hook- but it’s expected to drink a glass of wine after every toast. For more about the history of wine- wine actually originated in Georgia- head to this post over on La Crema’s blog.
Horns– Many people use traditional wine horns- either from a ram or other animal- or porcelain, brass, and even metal- during supras. Large horns can hold up to three glasses worth of wine- to be downed by the toastmaster or guests during the supra. If you plan on drinking out of a horn, figure out how much it holds and pace yourself! Also, some horns can be tricky to drink out of.
Tips for Attanding A Georgian Supra Traditional Wine Feast
Embrace the Toasts: Be prepared for numerous toasts led by the tamada (toastmaster); it’s a central part of the celebration, and guests are often invited to participate.
Pace Yourself: The feast can last for several hours, so eat and drink slowly to fully enjoy the experience.
Try Everything: Sample a variety of dishes, as Georgian cuisine is diverse and each dish has a unique flavor and significance.
Respect the Tamada: Follow the lead of the tamada, as they guide the flow of the evening and the order of toasts.
Learn Some Georgian Phrases: Basic greetings and polite phrases in Georgian can go a long way in showing respect and making a good impression.
Be Open to New Experiences: Be ready to engage in traditional songs, dances, and cultural rituals that may be part of the celebration.
Observe Local Customs: Pay attention to and respect local customs, such as standing for toasts and other traditional practices.
Socialize: Mingle and converse with other guests to fully immerse yourself in the social aspect of the supra.
Show Appreciation: Express gratitude for the hospitality, as Georgian hosts take great pride in their ability to entertain and provide for their guests.
FAQs
If you need to leave early, do so politely and thank your hosts before departing, understanding that it’s customary to stay for the duration.
Bringing a small gift, such as a bottle of wine or a local specialty, is a nice gesture but not mandatory.
Often, a supra includes traditional Georgian music and dancing. Feel free to join in if invited and enjoy the cultural experience.
Express gratitude verbally, participate actively, and possibly bring a small gift as a token of appreciation for the hospitality.
Taking photos is generally acceptable, but always ask for permission, especially if capturing personal moments or cultural rituals.
Be mindful of standing for toasts, participating in songs or dances if invited, and showing respect for the cultural rituals observed during the supra.
Yes, guests are often invited to make toasts, but wait for the tamada to invite you or signal when it’s appropriate.
While wine is a central part of the supra and toasts, it’s okay to decline or drink moderately. Non-alcoholic options are often available.
Expect a variety of traditional Georgian dishes, including khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (dumplings), various meats, cheeses, and salads.
Dress comfortably but respectfully, with attire suitable for a formal yet relaxed gathering.
Visiting Georgia
For more about Georgia, the country’s history, and our travels to the birthplace of wine, please check out this post on La Crema! It’s full of fun information we learned in Georgia, as well as some previews to the experiences I had while there. I’ll be detailing a lot more about our trip on Sweet C’s Designs, but this primer is the perfect way to learn more about where wine began!
It’s fitting that my first (of many) travel recaps for Georgia on Sweet C’s Designs is of the supra tradition- because it was one of my first, and favorite experiences in Georgia. Not only did we head to a supra almost immediately upon landing in the country- hosted by one of our dear friends from church back home whose family lives in Khashuri- but we had a few over the length of our trip, and each one was full of delicious food, lively conversation, and was completely and totally unlike anything I had experienced before. Supras are a complicated (but smooth) dinner that runs more like an elaborate feast, a bit like a waltz with food and wine. There are traditional roles for the host, the guests, and the person making toasts- and wine, of course, plays a vital role. This guide will help you learn about Supras, and hopefully inspire you to open some bottles of La Crema and throw your own!
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I love learning about new cultures and interesting traditions! What an amazing experience! So beautiful.
Wow – what an amazing trip. Loved learning more about Georgia and the Supra!