For the stable development of the winemaking sector, care for wine quality must begin in the vineyard. To produce high-quality wine, grapes need to reach proper ripeness and vines should not be overloaded. Last year’s harvest showed that some grape growers do not follow these conditions.
Against the backdrop of declining global wine consumption and high competition on international markets, three different grape price categories will be introduced for the 2026 harvest, said Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency of Georgia, while speaking about the Agency’s annual results and future plans.
According to the Agency Chair, grapes with sugar content below 17% will be equated with hybrids and will be priced at a lower level. For white grapes with sugar content between 17–21% and red grapes with sugar content between 17–23%, the price will be below GEL 1. Grapes will be classified as suitable for winemaking if sugar content exceeds 21% for white grapes and 23% for red grapes, reflecting higher quality and condition.
Levan Mekhuzla also spoke about planned legislative amendments aimed at further improving wine quality.
Last week, the Government of Georgia reviewed and approved a draft law on amendments to the Law of Georgia on Vine and Wine, which aims to support the production of high-quality, competitive alcoholic beverages of grape origin and ensure compliance with the requirements of local and international markets. Under the new regulation, starting next year, the establishment of commercial vineyards will require prior approval, which will be issued by the National Wine Agency of Georgia.
“Since the state has to intervene in the harvest process using appropriate instruments, grape growers must also take state conditions into account. This is the only way to produce products of the highest quality. Over the past decade, interest in the sector has been high, vineyard areas have been expanding, and this has often happened spontaneously. There was a case when a large company planted vineyards on clay soil and they dried out within a few years; there were also cases when vineyards were planted at altitudes above sea level where viticulture is not suitable. Everything—from soil, exposure, location, grape variety, to rootstock—must meet the standards that allow us to obtain high-quality grapes for producing the best wine. These changes apply only to commercial vineyards and do not affect existing vineyards or those planted for personal use. The conditions for establishing new commercial vineyards will be defined in the relevant regulatory act, and if they are met, no one will face difficulties in obtaining approval,” Levan Mekhuzla stated.
