Agriculture Minister showcases country as “homeland of wine” in France, emphasises “high quality, distinctive taste” of Georgian wine

Georgian Agriculture Minister Otar Shamugia on Monday presented Georgia as the “homeland of wine” at a ministerial meeting in France, underscoring the country’s 8,000 years of continuous history of viticulture and winemaking while highlighting domestic wines’ "high quality" and "distinctive taste" as their "main distinguishing features”.

Speaking at the 45th World Congress of Vine and Wine and the 22nd General Assembly of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, taking place between Monday and Friday in Dijon, Shamugia highlighted the integral role of wine in Georgian culture and “identity”, as well as its contribution to the country's economy.

I am proud to represent Georgia, the homeland of wine, among all the honourable tribunes [...] Viticulture and wine-growing are key contributors to our economy and are important areas of focus for our development efforts today”, the Minister said while addressing high-ranking representatives from 30 countries.

Shamugia noted the country’s export market had expanded in recent years, leading to a “record increase” to up to 100 million litres of “high-quality” Georgian wine being now sold in 70 countries worldwide, and adding its popularity was on the rise.

The Minister stressed the importance of cooperation with the OIV to further develop the domestic wine industry and promote its quality products worldwide. He said international recognition and success were “particularly important” for Georgia as a candidate country for European Union membership.

The ministerial meeting culminated in the adoption of a declaration reaffirming the commitment to the Organisation and emphasising the importance of the vine and wine sector. Shamugia expressed his agreement with the declaration, highlighting the need for “unified efforts” to address “existing challenges” in the sector.