Record 2.2 Thousand Tons of Grapes Processed in Racha as Harvest Nears Completion

As of October 5, a total of 2.2 thousand tons of grapes have been processed in the Racha region, Ambrolauri Municipality. The harvest has been collected by 1,200 winegrowers, and around 50 wineries are participating in the process.

“The harvest in Racha is coming to an end; most of the crop has already been collected. This year, we have received a record harvest of more than 2,000 tons. The peak period has passed, and winegrowers continue harvesting without interruption. The grapes in Racha are of exceptionally high quality this year, with an average sugar content of 22%. This gives us every reason to say that this year's Racha wine will be distinctive and of very high quality,” said Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency.

In the Racha region, a government subsidy program is being implemented to support private sector involvement in the harvest and ensure its organized process. Under the program, all companies that purchase and process at least 3 tons of Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown in the “Khvanchkara” microzone and pay winegrowers no less than 8 GEL per kilogram will receive a subsidy. The amount of state subsidy is set at 4 GEL per kilogram for both Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes.

To protect varietal authenticity and ensure the quality of “Khvanchkara” wine, ampelographers are monitoring all grapes delivered to collection points. In addition, special checkpoints have been established at the entrances to the region to prevent grapes from other municipalities being brought in and mixed with Mujuretuli and Alexandrouli.