Global Lifestyle is making significant investments in Georgia’s agricultural sector. While the company's Chateau Ikalto winery project in Kakheti is nearing completion, a large-scale agricultural development in Gardabani is already cultivating fruits and vegetables, with plans to expand into food processing and supply both the company's hospitality businesses and the broader local market.
According to Global Lifestyle Chairman Zaza (Gela) Mikadze, agriculture has become one of the company's key strategic development areas. Five years ago, the company began planting vineyards in the village of Ikalto, in Georgia’s renowned Kakheti wine region, and is now expecting its first harvest.
"This year we will harvest our grapes for the first time and begin small-scale wine production. The project is being developed under the name Chateau Ikalto and is located in the historic village of Ikalto. The vineyards were planted five years ago, and we are now ready to receive our first harvest," says Mikadze.
Chateau Ikalto: A New Winemaking Project in Kakheti
The vineyard covers 12 hectares and includes three traditional Georgian grape varieties: Saperavi, Kisi, and Khikhvi.
A boutique winery has already been established on the site and will initially produce limited quantities of wine.
"We are not planning large-scale production at this stage. Annual output will likely be around 8,000 to 10,000 bottles, primarily serving our own restaurant network," Mikadze explains.
One of the project's distinctive features is its location. The company has acquired a former Soviet-era hail suppression station, which is being transformed into a winery, exhibition space, and tourism destination.
"It is an impressive complex. The underground section alone spans approximately 1,000 square meters, where we have established the winery. We are also developing exhibition facilities and tourism infrastructure," he says.
A Multi-Crop Agricultural Development in Gardabani
Another major investment is underway in Gardabani, where Global Lifestyle has developed a diversified agricultural operation across approximately 40 hectares of land.
During the initial phase, the company planted around 20,000 fruit trees. The project is also serving as a large-scale pilot farm, allowing the company to assess which crops are best suited to the local soil and climate conditions.
"We planted virtually every major fruit variety that grows in Georgia, including apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and others. Our goal is to determine which varieties perform best in this specific area before expanding further," says Mikadze.
The company plans to increase the number of fruit trees from 20,000 to 100,000 over the coming years.
"The first three years are dedicated to observation, research, and identifying the most productive crops for the region."
The farm is equipped with modern drip irrigation systems and supporting agricultural infrastructure.
Greenhouses, Cold Storage and Food Processing
The Gardabani project extends beyond orchards. The company is also cultivating vegetables and berries, including cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, and other crops.
"Construction of greenhouse facilities will begin shortly, while cold storage infrastructure is expected to be completed by the end of the year," says Mikadze.
The first significant harvest is expected in the coming weeks.
"We anticipate harvesting approximately 40 to 50 tonnes of tomatoes alone. This season, we are testing several varieties to identify the highest-performing crops."
Following the first commercial fruit harvest next year, Global Lifestyle plans to establish food processing operations.
"Once the orchards reach full productivity, we intend to launch canning and food processing facilities. This is the natural next step in the project's development."
From Supplying Its Own Restaurants to Serving the Wider Market
Initially, the agricultural initiative was designed to support the company's growing hospitality business.
Today, Global Lifestyle operates nine venues under the PAUL brand and plans to expand that number to thirteen within the next two years.
"Our original objective was to create a farm capable of supplying all of our restaurants with fresh produce—from lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes to onions, garlic, and other ingredients. However, the scale of production has grown to a point where we will also have sufficient volumes for wholesale distribution."
According to Mikadze, demand for locally produced agricultural products remains strong in Georgia.
"The domestic market is still heavily dependent on imports. Onions, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes—many products are imported. We believe the priority should be meeting local demand with high-quality Georgian produce."
He adds that wholesale buyers have already expressed interest in purchasing the company's future harvests.
"We have already received offers from buyers willing to purchase our produce in bulk. This demonstrates the significant demand for locally grown products."
Diversified Businesses Under One Brand
Global Lifestyle's agricultural, winemaking, hospitality, and restaurant ventures are all being developed under a unified corporate vision.
"All of these directions are integrated within a single company and operate under one name—Global Lifestyle."
As the company continues expanding its hospitality portfolio alongside its agricultural operations, it is positioning itself as a vertically integrated business that connects farming, food production, winemaking, tourism, and hospitality within a single ecosystem.
