The family-owned winery Itabani, located in the village of Kvemo Alvani in Akhmeta Municipality, has entered the Swiss market. The news was shared by Tamta Chagoshvili, hospitality manager of the agritourism estate, on BMGTV’s Women’s Narrative.
Chagoshvili noted that only a small volume has been exported so far, as demand for Itabani wines remains strong within Georgia. However, a Swiss company is interested in purchasing nearly 60% of their production, with negotiations currently ongoing.
According to her, the winery’s organic farming status and natural winemaking methods were decisive factors for foreign partners. “When you operate as a bio-farm, you already hold many advantages. Our wines contain no chemical additives, and this purity, along with our traditional methods, became our main selling point,” she said.
Interest from Switzerland emerged after tastings and negotiations, eventually leading to a cooperation agreement. Discussions are now underway with additional companies, and Itabani expects to further expand its export markets.
Officially opened in 2023, the Itabani agritourism estate sits along the road to Tusheti and includes vineyards, a hazelnut orchard, a traditional qvevri cellar with a tasting area, terraces overlooking the Caucasus, and a small facility producing traditional Tushetian guda cheese, a craft with a 20-year history.
