Georgia has reached a 30-year high in grape processing this year, with up to 336,000 tons processed across its viticultural regions, according to the National Wine Agency. The harvest involved roughly 22,000 winegrowers nationwide, generating an estimated income of 475 million GEL. More than 500 wineries participated in grape collection and processing.
Kakheti accounted for the largest share of processed grapes, with about 327,000 tons, also setting a regional record. Revenues from Kakheti’s grape sales reached 432 million GEL. In Racha, around 3,000 tons of grapes, including Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli varieties, were processed, involving over 1,400 winegrowers and generating 23.5 million GEL in revenue.
The government did not issue subsidies to wineries in Kakheti this year. Surplus grapes were purchased by the state enterprise LLC “Crop Management Company” at differentiated rates: Saperavi grapes at 1.50 GEL per kg, other authorized wine varieties at 1.20 GEL per kg, and substandard grapes at 1.00 GEL per kg.
In contrast, a subsidy program was implemented in the Racha region to support private wineries. Companies that purchased and processed at least 3 tons of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes from the “Khvanchkara” microzone, paying winegrowers at least 8 GEL per kg, were eligible for a 4 GEL per kg subsidy from the state.
This year’s record harvest underscores the continued growth and resilience of Georgia’s wine industry, reflecting both high production volumes and expanding revenues for local winegrowers.
