Churchkhela is one of the most recognisable foods in Georgia: strings of walnuts or hazelnuts coated in a thick, dark, chewy layer of grape juice, hanging in market stalls like colourful candles. This masterclass takes you into a local family’s home to see how it is made, from preparing the nuts to cooking the grape must and dipping the strings by hand. It is a short, charming and hands-on experience, and a good option when you want a cultural activity that is not just eating a meal. The sweet is closely linked to the grape harvest. After wine pressing, the juice is boiled down with flour to a thick mixture, and the strings are dipped repeatedly, dried and hung. In the past the sweet was a portable food for travellers and soldiers, a role that earned it a nickname as the Georgian energy bar. Today it is a favourite souvenir and snack.
Your host will demonstrate each step and then let you try. Threading nuts needs patience, and dipping the string in the hot mixture needs a steady hand, but the process is forgiving and the results are always edible. Expect some sticky fingers and plenty of laughter. Children often like the process, and adults enjoy hearing family stories while they work.
The tasting tends to come with other local flavours, such as tea, fruit and sometimes a glass of homemade juice or wine. You will learn how to tell good churchkhela from a poor imitation: authentic pieces are made with real grape juice and have a deep, natural colour, while mass-produced ones can be overly sweet. The host may also suggest where to buy the best from markets.
Practical points
The workshop is short and informal, so it fits well between other plans. Wear clothes that can handle stickiness and avoid white. Tell the host about nut allergies, since the activity is built around nuts. Fresh pieces need time to dry, so ask how to transport yours home. If you want something to take back immediately, buy finished pieces from the host or at a market.
The class sits well in a food-themed day. Pair it with a cooking class for khinkali and khachapuri and a family cellar tasting, and you will cover the sweet, savoury and wine sides of Georgian cuisine. It is also an easy rainy-day activity, since it takes place indoors. For families and anyone with a sweet tooth, it is a delightful, different afternoon.
It is worth asking your host about the other seasonal foods of the family. In autumn there may be fresh grape juice, new wine and walnuts from the garden, while in other seasons dried fruit, preserves, honey and pickles take their place. The workshop is a chance to learn about a household tradition that is passed down through generations, and the hosts are often pleased to share stories.
Buying a few finished pieces supports the family and gives you gifts that travel better than fresh produce. Store them in a cool, dry place away from strong smells. Wash your hands well before starting, tie back long hair and roll up sleeves, since the grape mixture is sticky and warm.
What to expect
The experience
A short, hands-on workshop with a local family, ending with a tasting.
Best time
Daytime, when children and adults have energy for a craft activity.
How long
One and a half to two hours.
Tips
Wear clothes that can get sticky, ask about nut allergies, and pick up a few finished pieces as gifts.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and curious foodies who want something different.
- Families
- A fun, hands-on activity that children usually enjoy.
- Couples
- A light, charming activity with a sweet result.
- Pair with
- A cooking class or wine tasting.
- Time needed
- Around two hours.
Good questions
What is churchkhela?+
Churchkhela is a traditional Georgian sweet made by threading walnuts or hazelnuts onto a string and dipping them repeatedly in a thick mixture of grape juice and flour, then drying them.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes, the activity is hands-on and safe, although the nuts make it unsuitable for anyone with nut allergies.
Do I take anything home?+
Hosts often let you take your creation home, though fresh churchkhela needs time to dry, so ask what is possible.
Is it vegan?+
The sweet is traditionally made from grape juice, flour and nuts, so it is often vegan, but check with the host.
Why is it called the Georgian Snickers?+
Because it is a nutty, energy-rich snack, traditionally carried by travellers and soldiers on long journeys.