Russia’s temporary ban on certain Georgian beverages will cause some losses for Tbilvino, but the company does not expect a significant financial impact due to its limited dependence on the Russian market. Tbilvino CEO Zurab Margvelashvili told BM.GE that the company exports its products to around 30 countries, making Russia a relatively small market for its business.
Margvelashvili said that while the restrictions would result in some losses, Tbilvino is among the Georgian wine producers least dependent on Russia. He compared the situation to 2006, when Moscow banned Georgian wine imports, significantly affecting the country’s export industry.
Russia remains the leading destination for Georgian wine exports, accounting for more than 60% of sales in recent years. Its share increased from 56.8% in 2020 to 63.7% in both 2022 and 2025, highlighting the sector’s continued dependence on the Russian market.
However, Georgian wine exports to Russia fell by 8% in the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period last year. Exporters attribute the decline mainly to higher excise taxes on wine in Russia and weaker sales amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to Russian media outlet RBC, the latest restrictions affect products from several Georgian companies, including Tbilvino, Teliani Valley, Askaneli Brothers, and others, as well as Georgian beer, Coca-Cola, and Nabeglavi mineral water.
