“We Need to Place Greater Emphasis on Grape Quality” – Levan Mekhuzla

Grape quality will be the main priority of Georgia’s 2026 harvest. Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency, made the statement while discussing this year’s harvest arrangements.

“We need to place greater emphasis on grape quality, as the industry is facing global challenges, including a downward trend in wine consumption. If we manage the process properly, we will be able to navigate this challenging period with fewer risks,” Levan Mekhuzla said.

According to Mekhuzla, a plentiful harvest is expected this year, with preliminary estimates indicating that the total grape yield will exceed 300,000 tonnes.

Under a decision by the Government of Georgia, in the event of a surplus harvest, the state-owned Harvest Management Company LLC will purchase grapes from growers at differentiated prices.

For grape varieties permitted under Georgia’s Law on Vine and Wine, the purchase price will be GEL 1.30 per kilogram for grapes with a sugar content above 20%, GEL 0.80 for grapes with a sugar content between 17% and 20%, and GEL 0.30 for grapes with a sugar content below 17%.

For Saperavi grapes, the purchase price will be GEL 1.50 per kilogram where the sugar content exceeds 22%, GEL 0.90 for grapes with a sugar content between 17% and 22%, and GEL 0.30 for grapes with a sugar content below 17%.

“We announced this year’s harvest scheme back in March to give farmers sufficient time to prepare. Throughout the summer, we met winegrowers in more than 100 villages across Kakheti and listened to their views. Several proposals were made regarding Saperavi, and the lower sugar-content threshold established for high-quality Saperavi will most likely be reduced by one percentage point. However, we will make no compromises regarding grapes with a sugar content below 17%, for which the price will remain GEL 0.30 per kilogram,” Levan Mekhuzla stated.