“Record-high” 300,000 tonnes of “high-quality” grape to be harvested this season, Georgian Wine Agency says

The annual grape harvest across Georgia is expected to reach a “record-high” figure of 300,000 tonnes, the National Wine Agency said on Saturday.

The Agency noted the current crop was distinguished by “higher quality”, promising winegrowers a “record” income of up to ₾350 million ($130mln).

It added growers had made ₾250 billion ($92.89bln) in harvest sales between 2013-2023, while the state had spent up to ₾100 million ($37.0mln) in order to promote Georgian wine on international markets between 2013-2024. 

The number of registered wineries of medium and small capacities stands at 3,000, including 500 who export their product, contrasting the latter figure with 40 in 2012.

The body highlighted the Government had supported and implemented sectoral policy that  “significantly” strengthened the wine industry since last year. The policy has included planting of new vineyards and launching of new enterprises, improvements in the quality of wine, expansion of export markets and exports, and rise of grape harvest numbers to a “record-high”, it said.

Exports reached an “all-time high” for independent Georgia last year, with the product worth $259.2 million exported to 66 countries - an increase of 262 percent from 2012, when the number stood at $71.5 million, the Agency added. 

Over 500 wineries are involved in grape processing this year, with 215 enterprises registering at the harvesting coordination office.