Racha is Expecting Up to 1700 Tons of Grapes This Year

Grape picking has started in Racha,  the Ambrolauri municipality.   As of October 9, 275 tons of Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes were processed. The estimated harvest amount is between 1500-1700 tons. About 30 companies will be involved in the process of grape accommodation.

"The vintage has started in Racha; The winegrowers deliver the grapes smoothly. The Racha region is special in the field of viticulture and winemaking in Georgia since the PDO wine "Khvanchkara" is produced here. It is important to actively involve the private sector in the vintage process, to stimulate private enterprises to fully purchase grapes grown in the region and to keep the state enterprise's involvement in the process to a minimum. That is why, according to the government's decision, the subsidy program is being implemented in the Racha region", said the chairman of the National Wine Agency, Levan Mekhuzla.

All companies that will purchase and process at least 3 tons of Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown in the microzone of Khvanchkara for at least 7 GEL will receive a subsidy. In the Racha-Lechkhumi region, companies are given a state subsidy of 4 GEL for 1 kg of Alexandrouli and 1 kg of Mujuretuli.

At this stage, up to 25 grape delivery points have been opened at different locations in the Ambrolauri municipality, which allows the population to collect the harvest without interruption. To protect the varietal accuracy and quality of the "Khvanchkari" wine of local origin, ampelography monitors the grapes to be delivered at all grape receiving points. In addition, special checkpoints have been set up at the entrances of the region to prevent grapes from being brought in from other municipalities and mixed with Mujuretuli and Alexandrouli.

To organize the vintage 2022, the vintage coordination HQ  was launched in the city of Ambolauri. Additional information can be obtained on the hotline of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture - 1501.