The Parliament’s Agriculture Committee has approved, at the third reading, amendments to the Law on Vine and Wine that will require farmers to obtain state approval before planting vineyards for commercial purposes. The rule will apply to anyone establishing a new commercial vineyard after May 1, 2026. Existing vineyards will not be affected.
Under the amendments, the National Wine Agency will issue a formal authorization allowing individuals or companies to plant commercial vineyards. By May, the government will adopt detailed regulations outlining the documentation and procedures needed to obtain this approval.
According to Levan Mekhuzla, head of the National Wine Agency, the regulation aims to protect vineyard quality and ensure long-term sustainability. He said factors such as soil, location and varietal purity are crucial for wine quality, adding that similar systems operate in major European winemaking countries.
The new rule will apply only to commercial growers. Anyone planting a vineyard without approval will be barred from selling grapes or wine from that vineyard. Individuals planting vines for personal use will not be required to obtain authorization.
