The state becomes involved in the grape purchasing process during the harvest only when there is a surplus crop and no demand from the private sector. Accordingly, the state does not compete with the private sector, and its goal is not to produce wine. The state’s priority is to ensure that grapes are not left unpurchased and that grape growers are not left alone to face problems. It is specifically to support grape-growing farmers—not to produce wine—that the state will purchase surplus grapes during the harvest period, stated Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency.
Under the changes planned for the 2026 harvest, if the state has to accept surplus grapes, three price categories have been established.
“The sole purpose of this decision is to encourage the production of high-quality wine and to place greater value on those grape growers who care about vineyard management and grape quality. The three different prices are determined based on the condition and quality of the grapes. This approach is fully shared by the private wine sector, which is focused on producing high-quality wine,” said Levan Mekhuzla.
Increasing the price for high-quality, compliant grapes compared to low-quality grapes provides growers with motivation to produce high-quality harvests, from which high-quality wine can be made.
“The need for these changes has been driven by the global decline in wine consumption and the high level of competition on the international market — Georgian wine must be of high quality. For the long-term development of the winemaking sector, it is essential that quality grapes be valued more highly,” stated the Chairman of the National Wine Agency.
