Georgian Wine - National Wine Agency

“Through the reforms planned in the direction of improving wine quality, Georgia must further strengthen its position and establish itself on the international market as a premium wine-producing country. Granting approval for the establishment of commercial vineyards serves precisely this objective and includes recommendations related to obtaining high-quality harvests, as wine quality indeed begins in the vineyard,” stated Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency.

Levan Mekhuzla emphasized that only those individuals who plan to engage in commercial activities will have to obtain permission to cultivate vineyards, and it does not apply to those who intend to cultivate vineyards for personal use.

“At this stage, the pace of massive vineyard cultivation has slowed down. According to recent statistics, up to 500 hectares of new vineyards are being built every year. Based on this data, we can say that obtaining permission to plant vineyards will affect approximately 100 people. Those who are currently building a vineyard should realize that a vineyard is an investment of the future and its cultivation should be planned properly," noted Levan Mekhuzla.

According to the data of International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), global wine consumption is currently at its lowest level since 1961.

"The decrease in consumption particularly affected wines in the low-price category; the situation is more stable in the premium segment. In order for the harvest to be of high quality, the vine seedlings, soil, cultivation location, and cultivation project must all be in line with the quality. The state spends a lot of resources on the development of the sector, and those who want to benefit from this support should take into account our relevant recommendations," noted the Chairman of the National Wine Agency.

The Georgian Parliament has already approved amendments to the Law on Vine and Wine in its first reading. According to the amendments, a norm is added to the law that defines the concept of granting consent for the cultivation of a vineyard.