Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeological Project Expedition (GRAPE) 2026 Season

Location: Marneuli, KK, GE

Season: May 24, 2026 to July 18, 2026

Session Dates: Minimum four weeks are required, and we are offering stays in sessions: Session 1: May 24-June 19, 2026 Session 2: June 21 July 17, 2026

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.archaeotek-archaeology.org/grape-neolithic-excavations

Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
ArchaeoTek, University of Toronto, Georgian National Museum, and National Wine Agency of the Republic of Georgia

Project Director:
Stephen Batiuk, University of Toronto, Mindia Jalabadze, Georgian National Museum,

Project Description:

The Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeological Project Expedition (GRAPE) is a joint venture between the University of Toronto, the Georgian National Museum (GNM) and the National Wine Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture (of the Republic of Georgia) to investigate the emergence and evolution of Prehistoric Cultures in southern Caucasia and the development of horticultural practices and resultant secondary products, with a focus on viticulture and viniculture. GRAPE represents the archaeological component of a larger interdisciplinary project sponsored by the Georgian National Government entitled the Research and Popularization of Georgian Grape and Wine Culture. The excavations are directed by Mindia Jalabadze (GNM), and Stephen Batiuk  (ArchaeoTek Director & University of Toronto) directing excavations at Shulaveris Gora and the Regional Survey. GRAPE’s aim is to investigate the development of agricultural and horticultural practices across a series of rural settlements in the Middle Kura region of the Kvemo Kartli province south of the modern city of Marneuli, with a larger aim of examining the Neolithic landscape of the Middle Kura region and its diachronic changes through time.

The 2026 season will continue to offer volunteers a rare opportunity to contribute to the search for examining the Neolithic cultures of the south Caucasus.

Two four week sessions options are available

 

Period(s) of Occupation: Neolithic (6000-5200 BCE), Chalcolithic (5000-3500 BCE)

Notes:
This will be the sixth year of the ArchaeoTek and the University of Toronto’s summer program in Georgia. The Gadachrili Gora Regional Archaeological Project Expedition (GRAPE) is an international multidisciplinary research project investigating the emergence of farming economies in the South Caucasus and the influence of the Near East on the development of local Neolithic cultures and, conversely, the influence of Caucasia on the Near East. This program provides a unique opportunity to receive intensive training in archaeological field and survey methods at the sites of Gadachrili Gora and Imeris Gora. Be part of the research team that uncovered the earliest evidence of winemaking! The 2018 season took part in this incredible discovery under the supervision of researchers from the GRAPE.

Project Size: 25-49 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 4 weeks

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
Volunteers will stay in small hotel near the town of Marneuli. This is an expedition so please note that our accommodations (2-3 to a room) are comfortable but rustic. Breakfast, and dinner will be provided five days a week while together. For lunches it is the student's responsibility to organize (sandwiches or what not either bought from stores or collected at breakfast). Meals on the weekends are the students responsibility as well. Weekends are free for students will be able to travel to Tbilisi or around Georgia although weekend trips visiting other archaeological and historical sites, as well as wineries and museums are organized for extra cost. • Internet (wifi) • Laundry • Showers • Shared, hotel rooms (gender-segregated) • Vegan or gluten free diets cannot be accommodated. • Welcome and Farewell Georgian Supra • Experimental archaeology sessions – pottery and lithic manufacture • Archaeological Survey • Local community engagement at several public events (e.g., Georgian Independence Day) Cost: US$2645 per each 4-week session Participants must arrange their own travel to and from Georgia, and health/travel insurance, and are responsible for their own meals on weekends. Á la Carte Options: Charted bus pickup in Tbilisi to Hotel in Marneuli Weekend Field trips Credit from the University of Toronto More information of Cost available at: https://www.archaeotek-archaeology.org/grape-neolithic-excavations Interested parties should fill out the following form: https://grape.utoronto.ca/application/

Academic Credit:
Half course (one semester) credit credits available for the 2026 season through the University of Toronto!