Gulnara Romanadze, the founder of Pongino Wine declares, that 2024 was a successful year, however, the events in the country, which were related to the statement made by Irakli Kobakhidze on November 28, had a direct impact on their winemaking.
According to Romanadze, reservations were reduced by 60-70%. In December, 60% of advance bookings were canceled.
“The year was really successful. However, the current events had a direct impact on my business. Approximately 60-70% of reservations were canceled. The main part of my guests that remained are from Israel,” says Gulnara Romanadze.
As for exports, according to the founder of the winery, export markets have completely stopped, which is also related to the events in Georgia. However, there are no plans to explore new markets until the situation improves.
"There is no demand on exports. You know that my wine was mainly sold in Europe. Accordingly, there is no demand from European countries. I cannot say that we are not interesting to Europeans, although this situation probably affects them. Therefore, I have stopped exporting for some time.
We were planning to export to the USA in November, we were supposed to have an exhibition in Milan in December, but everything changed. Everything stopped for us. Although there was no feedback from them on the current situation, there was no demand, "- she said.
According to her, they have no plans or expectations for 2025 and have completely switched to waiting mode.
"Pongino Wine" is a winery located in the village of Khashmi in Sagarejo, which has been operating on the market since 2017. The winery produces premium wines - Khashmi Saperavi, Kisi, Muscat and Rkatsiteli.
