The Georgian government is introducing stricter regulations for wine production and sales under amendments to the “On Vine and Wine” law, submitted to parliament by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. The changes aim to standardize quality control and improve competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.
All wines, regardless of destination, will be subject to mandatory organoleptic (tasting) checks, while a new paid labeling system will be introduced at an estimated cost of 10 tetri per bottle. The system is expected to take full effect from February 2027.
The reforms also lower the production threshold for “small winery” status to 25,000 liters per year and introduce new definitions such as “natural wine” and “organic grapes,” while abolishing the term “home wine.” Around 50 wineries are expected to face higher certification costs due to stricter requirements.
According to officials, including Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture David Songulashvili, the changes are intended to improve product quality control and ensure better traceability in the wine sector, while also aligning industry standards with market demands.
As a result of the new labeling and certification fees, the National Wine Agency’s annual revenue is projected to increase by GEL 14–15 million, based on estimated sales of 140–150 million bottles per year.
