While it may appear curious to some more western folk, Georgians¹ take their traditional toasting very seriously. What outsiders may call a very relaxed activity actually has a structure and balance. This may be partly due to the area's celebration of the Greek god of wine and revelry, Bacchus. Bacchus was the centre of the Bacchic cult in the first century. This cult's traditions eventually affected Georgian manners and rituals.

During a formal dinner, or Supra, Georgians propose a toast, led by a sort of toastmaster, the tamada. He or she will lead the many toasts, some of which may be to; being together, the reason for being together, the hostess, the guests, children, parents², dead ones, friendship, peace, Georgia, women³, the toastmaster and finally to a safe journey home.

Etiquette

Toasts are made with either wine or cognac, and nothing else⁴. Georgians are in fact very proud and generous with their wine, and since toasts are the only occasion when one is supposed to drink their wine, there are many toasts. In fact, Georgians will use just about anything as an excuse to toast. A foreign visitor is a great excuse to do so, which presents the problem of etiquette to visitors of Georgia.

If you are being toasted, you are supposed to wait until the tamada is finished, stand up and thank the toaster. Then, you should wait until everyone else is done before drinking your wine to the bottom. If the tamada says Alaverdi to you, you should elaborate on his toast. If a large ram or goat's horn (called the khantsi) is brought out during the meal filled with wine an honoured guest, perhaps you, is supposed to drink it to the bottom.

If someone else is being toasted, the easiest advice is to wait until everyone else is drinking to drink your wine. Other than that, it's good advice to be quiet while the tamada is talking, and remember the various other rules of etiquette in Georgia, some of which are, not putting feet on the furniture and not chewing gum in public.

Follow these tips and help have a happy visit. Share and enjoy.