Miranda’s Wine, a small winery in Georgia’s Lechkhumi region, has grown from an initial production of just 60 bottles in 2017 to a maximum annual output of around 2,000 bottles. Founder Miranda Chkhetiani told BMGTV’s Women’s Narrative that winemaking continues her family’s tradition. The winery produces Tsolikouri from the Tvishi microzone, fermenting it in qvevri using the European method before transferring it to stainless-steel tanks and bottling it approximately a year later.
According to Chkhetiani, the winery has exported its wine to the United States twice and recently made its first shipment to Ireland. It is now awaiting a new order from Ireland. Wine festivals have played a key role in helping the small producer reach international importers. “Festivals are very important for the development and growth of small businesses. For me, it was also important to introduce my products to a wider audience. I met importers mainly at large-scale festivals,” she said.
In Georgia, Miranda’s Wine is sold in several small bars and shops. The winery also welcomes tourists for wine tastings, attracting visitors from countries including the US, Germany, France and India.
Chkhetiani believes Lechkhumi has significant potential for ecotourism and gastronomic tourism, but says a shortage of workers and poorly maintained roads are obstacles to expanding the business.
