All regulations aim to improve the quality. The reform insures both investors and consumers by taking into account the decreased consumption on the international market but increased competition,” said Chair of the National Wine Agency, Levan Mukhuzla.
Based on the amendments to the Law on Vine and Wine, starting May 1, 2026, the cultivation of an entrepreneurial vineyard will be possible only with the consent of the National Wine Agency.
Levan Mukhuzla explained that obtaining the agreement is simple and applies only to winegrowers who plan to arrange a vineyard after May 1 of the current year. The winegrowers should provide laboratory analysis of the soil, which should be at least 1 meter from water, since a vineyard planted on waterlogged soil produces poor-quality grapes.
He further clarified that those wishing to plant a vineyard will not have trouble selecting vine seedlings, except for hybrid species, which are banned by law.
“We interact with up to 20,000 winegrowers during the harvest, and in practice, we make mistakes when vineyards are planted in floodplains or at high altitudes, which serves to increase quantity rather than improve quality. We aim to improve the quality of Georgian wine and boost its positioning on the global market,” he said.
According to Levan Mukhuzla, the Agency is authorized to refuse to approve the cultivation of an entrepreneurial vineyard if the applicant fails to submit complete documentation specified in the Rules for Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Vineyard or if the submitted documents do not comply with the requirements established by these rules.
