Heavy hail damages 4600 ha of vineyards in Kakheti wine region

Heavy hail and wind hit the Kvareli, Telavi and Gurjaani municipalities in Georgia’s wine region of Kakheti yesterday damaging 4600 ha of vineyards. 

In about 15 villages of Kakheti nearly 80-100 per cent of the vineyards have been destroyed. 

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated earlier today that the damage is being calculated, noting that ‘none of the victims will be left without the state’s care.’ 

Georgian state enterprise Crop Management Company will purchase damaged grapes from Georgian farmers, the National Wine Agency of Georgia reported. 

All resources will be mobilised so that the affected farmers can sell the crop without hindrance,” says a statement from the National Wine Agency of Georgia. 

The Georgian government announced earlier this month that it will subsidise the 2021 grape harvest this season due to the Covid-19 situation in order to financially support farmers. 

The wine harvest in Georgia begins in September in the winemaking regions of Kakheti, Imereti and Racha.