Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency, announced that for the 2026 harvest, the minimum grape sugar level will be set at 17%. Grapes below this level will be classified as low quality and purchased by the state at a very low price. Previously, grapes with 14–15% sugar were accepted, which are barely suitable even for spirits production.
The state will still buy surplus grapes that the private sector does not purchase, but the focus is on quality. Last year, differentiated pricing based on sugar content encouraged most growers to meet the required standards. Mekhuzla stressed that long-term sector development requires prioritizing quality to make Georgian wine competitive internationally.
Growers are urged to consider these changes now, as vineyard shaping begins in late February. The reforms aim to strengthen Georgia’s position in global wine markets against countries like France, Italy, Spain, and “new world” producers.
For 2026, the state-set purchase prices for surplus grapes will be: standard varieties – 1.30 GEL/kg for sugar above 20%, 0.80 GEL/kg for 17–20%, and 0.30 GEL/kg for below 17%; for Saperavi – 1.50 GEL/kg (above 22%), 0.90 GEL/kg (17–22%), and 0.30 GEL/kg (below 17%).
