Revitalizing Tradition: Georgian Wines in the Contemporary Organic Wine Market

2023, 20 March
გააზიარე

With the support of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, the winemakers in Georgia's highland region have expanded their production and are now poised to make a name for themselves in the global organic market.

Georgia is often called the "wine country" of the world, a well-deserved title given its rich, 8000-year-old tradition in winemaking. Today, as the global market increasingly prioritizes organic production, Georgia is determined to keep pace and keep its edge.

It is worth noting that Georgia provides a conducive environment for producing organic bioproducts. This is evidenced by bio-certified products of Georgian winemakers, which are gradually gaining traction in Western markets.

With the support of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, within the framework of the GRETA project, winemakers in Georgia's highland region are advanci

With the support of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, the winemakers in Georgia's highland region have expanded their production and are now poised to make a name for themselves in the global organic market.

Georgia is often called the "wine country" of the world, a well-deserved title given its rich, 8000-year-old tradition in winemaking. Today, as the global market increasingly prioritizes organic production, Georgia is determined to keep pace and keep its edge.

It is worth noting that Georgia provides a conducive environment for producing organic bioproducts. This is evidenced by bio-certified products of Georgian winemakers, which are gradually gaining traction in Western markets.

With the support of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, within the framework of the GRETA project, winemakers in Georgia's highland region are advancing to the next stage of development.

One such winemaker is Shorena Pataridze from Racha, who restored her ancestors' wine-making traditions and revived her vineyard with donors' help. Below, she shares her inspiring story.

„In 2020, I learned about the GRETA project, funded by the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, which supports the production of biologically pure wine. I thought, my wine is just like that... We never use any pesticides or other harmful chemicals. I became their beneficiary, and through this program, I received assistance beyond what I could have imagined." Says Shorena.

With the collaborative support of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, Shorena received vital aid in the form of necessary vineyard care and cellar equipment, which significantly bolstered the growth of her business. Moreover, donors' help proved even more pivotal in the bio-certification process. In the international market, biologically certified products carry an esteemed status, essentially serving as a hallmark for selling organic wine products on the global stage.

Another interesting success story belongs to "Khomlis Marani", a small wine producer company in Lechkhumi. This company stands out as the only Georgian producer of bio-certified unlabeled wine made in Kvevri and has gained a reputation as the leader among the ten most expensive Georgian wines.

Tamaz Omanadze, the founder of "Khomlis Marani," drew inspiration for the name from his native Khomli Mountain, which is steeped in legends and myths. The vineyards, planted on the slopes of the mystical mountain, and the traditional method of winemaking have a rich history that dates back centuries.

The "Khomli Marni" vineyard, planted in 2010, successfully completed the certification process in 2017.

"Prior to entering the international market, I aimed to first achieve success in my home country, the birthplace of vines and grapes." - - recalls Tamaz Omanadze with pride. Although organic wine production has been on the rise in recent years, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent effects have presented numerous challenges for the industry.

Thanks to the financial support of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, “Khomlis Marani” was able to invest in new equipment and refine their wine production process.

While "Usakhelouri" from "Khomlis Marani" has been recognized as a premium organic wine in the British market, the business requires contemporary marketing support to establish stronger international market connections. With support from donors, the winery is currently engaged in enhancing its brand's image and promoting its products to a broader audience.

The Racha region is renowned for its rich winemaking history, with many fascinating stories to tell. A case in point is the inspiring tale of Zurab Maisashvili, an 18-year-old who returned to his ancestral village of Tsesi and took on the task of revitalizing the vineyards and producing organic wine from rare grape varieties under the label "Gvinuka."

After its establishment, "Gvinuka" quickly gained popularity and began to appear in markets, restaurants, and shops across various regions of Georgia. Unfortunately, the pandemic outbreak coincided with the company's decision to increase wine production. As a result of the economic losses incurred, it was challenging to secure the necessary funds. At this critical juncture, funding obtained under the GRETA project, with the generous support of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, proved vital to the company's survival. With this financial assistance, "Gvinuka" could purchase essential wine cisterns, wine processing equipment, presses, and other necessary equipment from Italy.

“The equipment that was acquired with the help of the GRETA project not only allowed us to overcome the critical stage but also facilitated a fourfold increase in production. Without this support, it would have likely taken us an additional 4-5 years to achieve these results,” says Zurab Maisashvili.

Furthermore, "Gvinuka" is effectively undergoing the organic certification process with the assistance of technical and financial donors while steadily positioning itself for entry into the European market.


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Project GRETA | "Green Economy: Sustainable Mountain Tourism and Organic Agriculture" is implemented by the Austria Development Agency in Georgia with the support of the European Union, Austria, and Sweden. The project aims to facilitate improving the business environment and creating new income opportunities in two important sectors of the Georgian economy, mountain tourism and organic agriculture.

This material has been produced with the assistance of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, within the framework of the GRETA project. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, Sweden, or Austria.


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