In 2024, an unprecedented amount of grapes were processed in the history of independent Georgia, up to 320 thousand tons, which is about 45% more than the same figure of last year, the National Wine Agency reports.
According to their reports, the harvest of the current year, along with the quantity, was distinguished by high quality.
The private sector of wine was focused on the purchase of quality grapes, and therefore, the wines of the current year’s harvest will also be distinguished, diverse and of high quality.
“As of today, the harvest across the country is fully settled. About 21,300 winegrower farmers handed over grapes to wine enterprises.
In the main viticulture regions, Kakheti and Racha-Lechkhumi, up to 291 thousand tons of grapes were processed. The income obtained from the sale of grapes reached 390 million GEL.
Depending on the climatic conditions, this year the harvesting of crops started early in Kakheti and Racha-Lechkhumi: in Kakheti from August 13, in Racha from September 23 and in Lechkhumi from October 4. Despite the fact that the peak harvest period in Kakheti and Racha coincided with each other, the organizational headquarters ensured smooth accommodation of the harvest. In total, 600 large wine producing companies, medium and small wineries were involved in the grape processing process.
Of the main industrial varieties processed: Rkatsiteli – 136 thousand tons, Saferavi – 130 thousand tons, Kakhuri green – 5.9 thousand tons, Aleksadreul/Mujuretuli, Racha – 1618 tons, Tsolikauri, Tsageri – 753 tons; The rest are grapes of other varieties.
Prices of 1 kg of grapes of the main industrial varieties: Rkatsiteli – 1.00 to 1.20 GEL, Saferavi – 1.50-1.60 GEL, Aleksandreuli/Mujuretuli – 8.00 GEL, Tsolikauri (Tvish) – 8.00 GEL, Tsageri Tsolikauri – 5.00 GEL.
In order to promote the sale of the harvest by the winegrower farmers, to maintain the quality of the grapes and to support the stable development of the wine industry, the government of Georgia implemented a subsidy for the harvest: in the Kakheti region, all companies that paid at least 1.00 GEL to the winegrower for 1 kg of Rkatsiteli receive a state subsidy.
Also, starting from September 13, “Harvest Management Company” Ltd. collects 1 kg of Saferavi grapes from the vineyard farmers for 1.50 GEL. And the growers, who before September 13, delivered Saperavi grapes for less than 1.5 GEL, the government of Georgia compensated the difference between 1.5 GEL and the received fee.
In the Racha region, all those companies that paid at least 8 GEL to the winegrower for 1 kg of Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown in the Khvanchkara microzone receive a subsidy. In exchange for the purchase of 1 kg of Alexandroulis and 1 kg of Mujuretuli, the state subsidy of 4 GEL will be given to the companies.
On August 23-24, under the organization of the coordination headquarters, the “Harvest Management Company” Ltd. promptly started handing over the grapes damaged by the strong hail and wind that came to the Kakheti region from the second day of the disaster. The company collected the grapes harvested in Kvarli, Telavi and Akhmet municipalities in Telavi and Kvarli municipalities. The growers handed over 1 kg of damaged, unconditioned grapes for 1.00 GEL. A total of 1800 tons of grapes were processed. Grapes damaged by hail were processed by the state enterprise “Harvest Management Company” LLC for the production of alcohol.
During the harvest period, the National Wine Agency employed about 100 young people as operators in wine enterprises. Selected candidates were given special trainings by the specialists of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture at the vintage coordination headquarters. It should be noted that the vintage registration program has been operating in the country since 2013. The program ensures the collection of complete and accurate data on the submitted grapes, which is an important factor for ensuring the production of high-quality wine,” the information of the “National Wine Agency” states.