Nearly 113,500 tons of grapes had been processed in Georgia’s Kakheti region as of September 29, according to the National Wine Agency. Around 79,100 tons were classified as high-quality grapes, while unripe and low-quality grapes accounted for just 0.7% of the total harvest. Up to 14,000 tons were processed over the past 24 hours, with around 8,300 grape growers having delivered their harvest.
The government expects this year’s grape harvest in Kakheti to reach approximately 320,000 tons. To ensure the organized collection and full sale of the harvest, the state-owned Harvest Management Company is accepting grapes from growers at more than 20 locations across the region.
Under the government’s program, Saperavi grapes with sugar content of at least 20% are being purchased for GEL 1.50 per kilogram, while grapes with sugar content of 16–20% are priced at GEL 1.00 and those below 16% at GEL 0.50. For Rkatsiteli and other wine grapes, the price is GEL 1.30 per kilogram for sugar content of at least 19%, GEL 0.90 for 16–19%, and GEL 0.50 for below 16%.
The grape collection process is being coordinated by the Harvest Coordination Headquarters in the city of Gurjaani. The National Wine Agency said the state program is intended to ensure that all growers have an opportunity to deliver their grapes in the event of an excess harvest.
