Georgian Vine and Fruit Tree Varieties Planted at the Leuville Georgian Estate in France
Local Georgian grapevine and fruit tree varieties have been planted at the historic Georgian Estate of Leuville in France. As part of the project, a vineyard has been established and both pome and stone fruit trees have been planted, including Georgian varieties of apple, pear, peach, plum, and cherry plum (tkemali).
The project was reviewed on-site by Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of Georgia’s Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, during his working visit to France. The initiative is being implemented through cooperation between the Georgian National Museum, the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, and Chateau Zegaani LLC, with the aim of promoting Georgia’s agrobiodiversity internationally.
“Local Georgian grapevine and fruit tree varieties have already been planted at the Leuville Estate, marking an important step in promoting our agrobiodiversity on the international stage. This project not only showcases Georgia’s unique agricultural varieties but also contributes to further strengthening cooperation between Georgia and France. Our goal is to introduce Georgian agricultural heritage and its diversity to an even wider international audience,” said Levan Ujmajuridze.
The establishment of the vineyard and orchard was preceded by extensive preparatory work, including land assessment, site leveling, drainage channel maintenance, and mechanized soil cultivation. Research into the soil’s physical and agrochemical characteristics, as well as water quality analysis, was carried out by the Soil Research Laboratory of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture.
A trellis system has also been installed in the newly established vineyard to support proper vine growth and training. Financial support for the project is provided by Chateau Zegaani LLC, while the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture is responsible for providing technical consultation on the establishment and maintenance of both the vineyard and orchard.
