Grape harvest in Racha: 257 tonnes of grapes picked so far

The grape harvest is almost over in Georgia's main wine growing region Kakheti but the action is continuing in the northwestern Racha-Lechkhumi region, where a small amount but very unique grapes are grown.

So far this season local farmers in the region have processed 257,075 kg grape including:

• Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli – 255.323 tonnes
• Dzelshavi – 1.752 tonnes

In Racha-Lechkhumi 20 wine companies are involved in grape processing, including one wine enterprise that was hired by the state.

This year's grape harvest started on October 12 in Racha-Lechkhumi when Georgia’s Agriculture Minister Levan Davitashvili together with Governor of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, Papuna Margvelidze, opened a vintage coordination centre in Ambrolauri municipality.

Only a small amount of grapes are grown in Racha but this region is distinct with the quality of grapes that produce deep, sophisticated wines. Almost all grape varieties in Racha originate lcoally. Photo by Georgia's Ministry of Agriculture. 

The Minister noted the Government was expecting an organised and successful vintage in Racha this year.

To support this year’s grape harvest and selling, the Government decided to subsidise the 2016 grape harvest.

The price for different grape varieties in different regions will be following:

In Kakheti region:

• 1kg of Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane – 0,45 GEL; 1kg of Saperavi – 0,20 GEL.

In Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti:

• 1kg Mujuretuli/Aleksandrouli – 2 GEL.