Georgian Wine Showcased in Seoul with Support from USAID Agriculture Program

A riveting event showcasing the rich tapestry of Georgian wine took center stage in Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea, bolstered by the cooperation between the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Agriculture Program and the National Wine Agency.

Yuri Nozadze, the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, set the tone for the "Georgian Wine Evening" with an eloquent welcome speech. The guest list included esteemed personalities such as Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency, and Tarash Papaskua, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Korea.

In his address, Nozadze highlighted the significant role of USAID in the marketing campaign of Georgian wine. He emphasized how initiatives like this one serve as a launchpad for Georgian producers to showcase their products to local wine professionals, importers, and media representatives in South Korea, the USA, and Germany. "These kinds of events are crucial in augmenting the export of Georgian wine," Nozadze added.

Echoing Nozadze's sentiments, Papaskua expressed his conviction about the promising potential of Georgian wine in the Korean market. He stated, "Our embassy leaves no stone unturned in promoting Georgian wine in Korea. The event in Seoul saw participation from 20 Korean companies interested in importing Georgian wine, leveraging its potential."

During the "Georgian Wine Evening," the spotlight was on the wines from 16 different Georgian producers. Chan Joon Park, director of the Eastern and Central European Wine Institute, addressed the gathering, remarking on the growing interest in Georgian and Western European wines among Korean importers and consumers, especially the younger demographic. He credited the National Wine Agency's marketing campaigns for this heightened interest, stating, "Georgian wine holds immense potential in the Korean market."

Tata Jayani, the communications and business development manager of the Association "Georgian Wine", further accentuated the event with a detailed presentation on Georgian wine culture and the modern industry.

Based on extensive discussions with the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture, the National Wine Agency, private sector representatives, and an analysis of Georgian wine export statistics and trends, USAID identified Germany and South Korea as priority markets for diversifying Georgian wine exports. The recent event in Seoul marked the beginning of this partnership, forming the first step in this ambitious journey to further globalize Georgian wine.