As of October 30, Georgia had processed nearly 323,300 tonnes of grapes, according to the National Wine Agency, as the grape harvest approaches completion.
In Kakheti, the country’s main wine-producing region, up to 314,500 tonnes of grapes have been processed, with only 0.7% classified as low quality. The state-owned Harvest Management Company purchases grapes from individuals at prices determined by sugar content: Saperavi grapes fetch GEL 1.50 per kilogram at sugar levels of at least 20%, while Rkatsiteli and other wine grapes are priced at GEL 1.30 per kilogram at sugar levels of at least 19%. Lower sugar content results in lower prices.
Harvesting is still underway in Lechkhumi, where approximately 500 tonnes of grapes have been processed, against an expected harvest of up to 1,300 tonnes. Both private companies and the state-owned Harvest Management Company are purchasing grapes from growers in the region.
The harvest has concluded in Racha, where nearly 3,600 tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes were processed. Under a government subsidy program, wine companies purchasing and processing at least three tonnes of these varieties from the Khvanchkara microzone and paying growers at least GEL 8 per kilogram will receive a subsidy of GEL 4 per kilogram for each variety.
