The fact that wine is one of the strategically important export products for Georgia has been discussed a lot, we also often hear opinions about the need for Georgia to replace its traditional markets and move to the markets where Georgian wines are more appreciated and sold at much higher rates.

EU market is one such example, winemakers need to meet specific regulations in order to access it. One of them is bio certification, which is a huge financial burden for winemakers; however, with the assistance from the EU, Austria and Sweden, many winemakers managed to receive bio certificates and export their wines to the EU.

“We’ve got a unique variety, we’ve got the qvevri technology and plus a bio certificate. Together these three factors allow this wine to be in the premium class league,” – Founder of “Khomlis Marani” Tamaz Omanadze says.

Khomlis Marani managed to receive a bio certificate with the help of donors and currently its wine is sold for 900 pounds in the UK.

Along with Khomlis Marani, winemakers based in Racha region also started the bio certification process. Zurab Maisashvili, who continued the business launched by his great grandfather in the 19th century, is focusing on bio winemaking. The wines produced in the village of Tsesi will receive bio certificates in 2023 and they will be able to occupy their niche in the European market.

“Our main goal was to create dry wines from endemic Racha grape varieties. Why dry wines? That’s because dry wines are much more competitive in the Western markets, particularly in Europe and the USA,” – Founder of “Ghvinuka” Zurab Maisashvili says.

As it turns out, besides financial assistance, GRETA project also organized trainings for winemakers, which allowed them to receive important information about bio winemaking.

“Information about the whole process taking place in bio viticulture. Then the trainings were about winemaking, which contained information about bottling, wine processing based on bio rules etc. The meetings were very productive, and we still keep in touch and they still get recommendations from us,” – Elkana trainer Giorgi Barisashvili says.

It can be said that Georgian bio winemaking is a new niche for local producers in terms of exports, which means increased incomes for winemakers. The markets where these wines are sold wines are evaluated qualitatively and consumers are ready to pay relevant sums for such products there.

“Georgia needs to find new niches, one of such niches is bio wines. Under the project we support the regions that have diverse grape varieties that we want to develop. People in Racha and Imereti have good wines. First, they need to be certified and adjusted to the EU standards,” – Head of Coordination Office of Austrian Development Agency Alexander Karner says.

One more winegrower from Racha received support from the EU, Austria and Sweden. Shorena Pataridze’s story relates to the Abanoeti village. Wines produced here are already recognized at international markets. Pataridze’s Racha wines are exported to Israel, United States and France. However, the winemaker is not stopping there, she is constantly looking for more opportunities for development.

“I received absolutely all kinds of help that I dreamed about under this project. Planting a new vineyard, reviving my grandfather’s vineyard, all the equipment that I needed for the wine cellar and vineyard, whatever machinery I needed the project funded it all. And most importantly, the project financed the bio certification process too,” – Founder of “Pataridze’s Rachuli” Shorena Pataridze says.

The fact that the production of bio products is becoming more and more important for Georgia every year is confirmed by the recently announced government program that will cover the costs of bio certification and consultation services for honey and wine producers. Donors started to do it long before this program was announced, they stimulated local bio producers, helped them present their organic products at international exhibitions, and as a result, Georgian bio wines are already represented at the EU market.

According to bio certification organization Caucasert, bio wine certification statistics have increased in recent years. More specifically, in 2019 7 winemakers went through the bio certification process, in 2020 this number was 11 and in 2021 there were 22 such winegrowers.

Small wine cellars have started to place more emphasis on bio production in recent years, they can compete with major producers with high quality and organic products. Bio certification data is growing from year to year as well.

The goal of the GRETA project is to improve the business environment in the country so that opportunities for generating additional incomes can increase in the following two sectors of the Georgian economy: Mountain tourism and organic agriculture.

This article has been produced by BMG, it represents its intellectual property and does not necessarily express the opinions of the EU, Austria and Sweden.

Author: Anuka Jokhadze

Source (GEO): BM.ge