Helsinki hosts Georgian wine presentation, tasting

Finland’s capital city of Helsinki hosted a presentation and tasting of Georgian wine with the support of Georgia’s National Wine Agency, the body said on Wednesday.

Irakli Cholobargia, the Agency’s representative and wine expert, introduced the history of Georgian wine production, grape varieties, and qvevri - clay vessels used for traditional wine storage - wine technology to the guests of the event, over 40 sommeliers, wine importers, media and Horeca sector representatives. 

David Tkemaladze, the Deputy Chairman of the National Wine Agency, highlighted the importance of an “active campaign to increase awareness and promotion of Georgian wine in Northern European countries”.

Market research has shown that demand for wine is growing, which means that if the awareness of Georgian wine increases, there are real opportunities for boosting Georgian wine exports to these [Northern European] markets. For the promotion of Georgian wine, the National Wine Agency has already organised several events in Sweden, Denmark and Iceland”, Tkemaladze noted.

Lika Mamukashvili, the owner of the first Georgian wine bar in Helsinki, emphasised “the great interest” in Georgian wine, pointing out it was required to further promote it in Finland’s market.