Small winery “Iora,” based in the village of Ninotsminda in Sagarejo municipality, is actively working to expand its export markets, with a focus on Asia. Founder Konstantine Topuria told BM.GE that negotiations are underway with partners in Japan, South Korea, and China, with final decisions expected by the end of May.
The company has already taken initial steps in export markets, having shipped a small batch of wine to the Czech Republic last year. According to Topuria, participation in international natural wine exhibitions during 2024–2025 helped generate interest from Asian buyers, leading to follow-up visits to Japan and South Korea. While interest is growing, agreements have not yet been finalized.
Iora produces between 5,000 and 10,000 bottles annually, specializing in natural wines, which allows the company to enter new markets with small, flexible batches. Despite a global decline in wine consumption, Topuria notes that demand in Asian markets remains relatively strong, although logistics costs remain a key factor in pricing and expansion decisions.
Alongside export efforts, the winery is also strengthening its position in wine tourism. Iora has begun hosting visitors, mainly from Western Europe and Israel, and expects increased activity during the harvest season. Founded in 2018, the winery produces five types of bio-certified wines using traditional Kakhetian methods and received organic certification in 2019.
