Davit Songulashvili: Racha Subsidy Programme Encourages Wineries to Purchase Local Grapes

Georgia’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Davit Songulashvili, visited the Khvanchkara winery in the village of Khvanchkara to review its operations and grape deliveries during the harvest season.

He was accompanied by Gocha Enukidze, the parliamentary delegate for Ambrolauri, Oni, Tsageri, Lentekhi and Mestia, and Papuna Margvelidze, State Representative in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti.

The winery has purchased nearly 90 tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes from local growers this season and continues to accept deliveries.

Songulashvili said developing viticulture and winemaking in Racha requires both support for high-quality grape production and opportunities for growers to sell their harvest.

“The subsidy programme operating in Racha gives private wineries an additional incentive to process Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes,” he said.

Khvanchkara winery director Giorgi Chanturia identified grape quality as the company’s priority. He said state subsidies expand private companies’ purchasing capacity and help growers deliver their harvest without disruption.

The winery has an annual processing capacity of 350 tonnes and produces an average of 150,000 bottles of wine each year. Its products are sold domestically and internationally, including in European markets.

Under the state subsidy programme, companies qualify for support if they purchase and process at least three tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown in the Khvanchkara microzone and pay growers at least GEL 8 per kilogram. The subsidy amounts to GEL 4 per kilogram for both varieties.

Racha’s grape harvest is forecast at 3,000 tonnes.

Deputy Minister Solomon Pavliashvili, National Wine Agency Chairman Levan Mekhuzla and local government representatives also joined the visit.