The Art of the Toast
The Tamada
“Want to be a great host? Be a Tamada. The guide of kindness, the weaver of stories, the keeper of the ancient Georgian feast.”
The Essence of Supra
The Soul of the Table
The Tamada is more than a toastmaster. They are a perfect guide who leads people in giving and receiving kindness around the feast. The Tamada encourages toasts along with happy conversations over a glass of Lanchava Collection wine.
We all hold the wonderful ability to be great storytellers, drawing a picture with the knowledge we share, described by the emotions we express. Wine is the best companion with whom you can communicate. It shares your ups and downs. Focus on drinking wine by making great conversations, around friends and family.
Kindness
Inner happiness is influenced by the small acts of kindness that we engage in. The Tamada guides people in giving and receiving kindness around the table.
Storytelling
We all hold the wonderful ability to be great storytellers, drawing a picture with the knowledge we share, described by the emotions we express.
Positivity
Emphasize the overarching feeling that defines your relationships, be it unity, camaraderie, justice, love, or any sentiment that resonates with your togetherness.
Connection
Wine is the best companion with whom you can communicate, it shares your ups and downs. Focus on great conversations, around friends and family.
The Sacred Protocol
The Code of
the Table
A Georgian Supra is not merely a dinner. It is a centuries-old ritual where the Tamada bridges past, present, and future, toasting ancestors and descendants alongside every guest at the table.
Gaumarjos!
გაუმარჯოს
The word you will hear at the end of every toast. Gaumarjos literally means “to victory.” It shares the same root as the everyday Georgian greeting Gamarjoba, which comes from Gamarjveba (გამარჯვება), meaning “victory.” Every time Georgians raise a glass or greet one another, they are wishing victory and success in whatever battles life brings. Say it with feeling.
You may also hear Gagvimarjos, meaning “may we be victorious.”
The Choice
At a small gathering, the head of the household assumes the role. At a large celebration, the family selects someone known for their eloquence. Among friends, the table decides together. A good Tamada speaks clearly, cleverly, and can say in an original way things heard at every Supra.
The Order of Toasts
Toasts follow a particular sequence, traditionally beginning with God, peace, and Georgia, then moving to guests, hosts, parents, siblings, and ancestors. No one may propose a different toast without the Tamada's permission. To do so is an offense to the role.
The Alaverdi
The Tamada may say “Alaverti” to a guest, symbolically granting them the power of speech to elaborate on the toast. That person becomes the center of attention and expands on the Tamada's theme. All present then drink to the same subject.
The Drinking
No one drinks before the Tamada has spoken and raised their glass. Only then, in order around the table, do others echo the toast. If the toast is made to you as a visitor, you must wait until everyone else has drunk before you. Toasts are made only with wine or brandy, never beer.
The Table
Leaving the Supra without the Tamada's permission is considered impolite. Eating during toasts is welcome, but talking is not. When clinking glasses, it is polite to touch the other person's glass below their grip, a gesture of respect.
Archaeological Discovery
7th Century BC · Vani
Ancient Origins
The Tamada Statue
A bronze statue of a Tamada from the 7th century BC was discovered during archaeological excavations in the city of Vani, Georgia. This ancient artifact depicts a toastmaster holding a drinking horn aloft, proof that the tradition of the Tamada has been central to Georgian culture for nearly three millennia.
The statue stands as one of the most iconic symbols of Georgian wine culture. It represents not just a historical practice, but a living tradition that continues to this day at every Georgian gathering. The Tamada is more than a host, they are the keeper of stories and the guardian of connection.
The Choosing
Anyone can be Tamada, they must be chosen by the collective will of the table. Whether family, friend, or a new acquaintance, the Tamada is the one who brings the light of knowledge and the warmth of positivity to every guest.
The Protocol
The Path of
Five Toasts
“Try not to limit words to just saying cheers. Let us embark on a journey of communication.”
Toast to Peace
Identify shared interests with the people you are dining with. Toast to peace and extend well-wishes for it to prevail in everyone's personal lives, families, and workplaces. Wherever peace resides, happiness is closer.
Toast to Togetherness
Observe the community around you and pinpoint the most significant emotion that binds everyone together. There's a reason you've come together for this feast. Toast to that very reason.
Toast to Someone Special
Pick a special person and say a toast for them. Share something distinctive about that person, a characteristic that honors their work or actions, bringing joy to their hearts.
Toast to Unity
Propose toasts for members of the table with common characteristics, the best household members, the finest coworkers, or those exemplifying sacrificial friendships. Emphasize unity.
Toast to Memories
Highlight the significance of those around you, recall important dates in their lives, and let everyone's attention be on these milestones. Wish them many more years of kindness and a fulfilling life.
And Beyond...
Once your mood brightens and the desire to talk more arises, allow yourself the pleasure of uplifting those around you with beautiful words and positive energy. A deep conversation produces the best moments for everyone.
Start Your Supra
Ready to Be a Tamada?
Don't forget, Georgian wine must not be drunk by being quiet. Gather your friends and family, pick your Tamada, and let the wine guide your conversations. Here's to the stories that bind us, the laughter that unites us, and the emotions that make our connections meaningful.