The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture reports, that as of 17 September, a total of 45,000 tonnes of grapes have been processed in the Kakheti region.
The Ministry reports that the harvest is currently being stored across the municipalities of Dedoplistskaro, Sighnaghi, Gurjaani, Lagodekhi, Telavi, and Kvareli. Approximately 3,000 winegrowers have delivered their grapes to local wineries.
“Of the grapes processed by wineries, up to 20.5 thousand tonnes are Saperavi, around 18.4 thousand tonnes are Rkatsiteli, with the remainder comprising various other varieties,” the statement reads.
“Almost 1,200 tonnes of hail-damaged grapes have been fully recovered and are being collected by the state enterprise Crop Management Company LLC at a rate of one GEL per kilogram. On September 12, heavy rainfall and hail caused damage to agricultural fields, including up to 300 hectares of vineyards, in the Telavi and Akhmeta municipalities.
Currently, around 400 wine companies and cellars are registered with the Harvest Coordination Headquarters, which oversees the collection and processing of grapes. Of these, 142 are already actively involved in the harvest. The Headquarters operates 24 hours a day to ensure that affected winegrowers can harvest their crops without interruption.
