What do people drink in Georgia, and how do Georgians drink wine?
Wine, chacha, lemonades, mineral water and feast etiquette.
Short answer
Wine is Georgia's main drink, enjoyed at the table with toasts led by the tamada, from glasses or, on special occasions, a horn. Chacha, a grape spirit, is the popular strong drink, while soft drinks include tarragon and other flavoured lemonades, Borjomi, Nabeghlavi and Sairme mineral waters, and tea. Beer is also common, especially in summer.
Why
- At a feast, people drink after toasts rather than at will, and draining the glass is not always expected.
- The famous Georgian lemonades date back to the 19th century and Mitrofan Lagidze.
- Everyone decides how much to drink, and politely declining at the table is fine.
Details
Chacha can be very strong, homemade versions sometimes above 60% alcohol, so drink it slowly. Alcohol is sold in Georgia to people over 18.
Tip
At a feast, drink with the toasts and pace yourself, as wine flows freely.
What may differ
In the mountains and villages people drink more homemade wine and chacha; in cities, bottled.
People also ask
- What do Georgians drink?
Sources
- National Wine Agency of GeorgiaChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Alcohol is sold to over-18s; drink in moderation.
What Georgians drink besides wineRelated questions
-
What is chacha, what is it made from, and how strong is it?
Chacha is a strong Georgian spirit distilled from the grape pomace left over from winemaking.
-
What should you eat with Georgian semi-sweet red wine?
Georgia's semi-sweet reds, such as Khvanchkara, Kindzmarauli, Akhasheni and Ojaleshi, go well with fruit, desserts, churchkhela, nuts and mild cheeses like sulguni and Imeretian.
-
Where can you buy good wine in Tbilisi, and how much does it cost?
In Tbilisi, good wine is sold in specialist wine shops and wine bars in the Old Town and Sololaki, in winery brand stores and in large supermarkets.
-
Where can you buy good wine in Batumi, and how much does it cost?
In Batumi, good wine is sold in specialist wine shops, winery brand stores and large supermarkets, where a decent bottle costs roughly 15 to 40 GEL.