VERSANT

THE GEORGIAN
SUPRA
Learning the delicate art of eating and toasting
by Jonathan Hirshon
In the deeply traditional culture of Georgia, a Supra (Georgian: სუფრა) is an age-old Georgian
feast and an important part of Georgian social culture. Georgian wine flows freely and several to
several dozens of courses of food come out throughout the night, often followed by dancing and
signing. A supra can commonly go until 2 or 3 in the morning. Broadly, it is a traditionalized feast
ideally characterized by an extremely abundant display of traditional foodstuffs.
The supra is also an occasion for ritualized imbibing. Drinking wine or liquor at a supra is
accompanied by ceremonial toasts, which are directed by the toastmaster, who combines the
consumption of alcohol with specialized, emotional and articulate spoken word. Knowing the
history and etiquette of a supra will ensure survival of the fittest when visiting Georgia.
Photo © Corinne Thrash