Georgian Wine - National Wine Agency

Representatives of the National Wine Agency met with residents of all villages in all eight municipalities of the Kakheti region where viticulture is developed.

One of the main topics of the meetings was the upcoming grape harvest. By decision of the Government of Georgia, in the event of a surplus harvest and if the private sector does not express interest in purchasing grapes, the State will purchase grapes at differentiated prices determined according to sugar content. For grape varieties permitted under the Law of Georgia “On Vine and Wine”, where sugar content exceeds 20%, the purchase price shall be GEL 1.30; where sugar content is from 17% to 20% - GEL 0.80; and where sugar content is below 17% - GEL 0.30. With regard to Saperavi grapes, where sugar content exceeds 22%, the purchase price shall be GEL 1.50; where sugar content is from 17% to 22% - GEL 0.90; and where sugar content is below 17% - GEL 0.30.

It was noted that during the grape harvest period, all wineries will be equipped with modern sugar content measuring devices. In addition, harvest accounting will be carried out by means of electronic scales integrated into a unified electronic database, which will increase the transparency of the process and strengthen the confidence of grape growers.

Amendments introduced to the Law of Georgia “On Vine and Wine” were also discussed. In particular, from 1 May 2026, the establishment and restoration/renewal of commercial vineyards shall be permitted only subject to approval by the National Wine Agency. Approval for vineyard establishment is required only for the establishment of new commercial vineyards and does not apply to the restoration/renewal of existing vineyards. Approval shall be issued free of charge; the procedure is simple and transparent, and the prescribed period for obtaining approval is 20 working days.

During the meetings with grape growers, emphasis was placed on the fact that the reform is aimed at improving wine quality and that the grapes used for the production of Georgian wine must be of consistently high quality.

According to data of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), global wine consumption is currently at its lowest level since 1961. The decline in consumption has particularly affected wines in the lower price segment; the situation remains more stable in the premium segment, where demand for high-quality wine continues to be maintained.