Vintage 2024
In 2024, a record-breaking total of approximately 320,000 tons of grapes—an unprecedented quantity in the history of independent Georgia was processed during the vintage, representing a 45% increase compared to the same period last year.
This year’s harvest was notable not only for its quantity but also for its exceptional quality. The private wine sector prioritized the acquisition of high-quality grapes, which indicates that the wines produced from this year's harvest will be distinguished by their outstanding diversity and superior quality.
As of today, the harvest has been fully stored across the country. Approximately 21,300 winegrowers and farmers supplied their harvest to wine enterprises.
In the primary viticulture regions of Kakheti and Racha-Lechkhumi, a total of 291 thousand tons of grapes were processed. The revenue generated from grape sales amounted to 390 million GEL.
Due to climatic conditions, the storage of this year's harvest commenced earlier than usual: in Kakheti on August 13, in Racha on September 23, and in Lechkhumi on October 4. Despite the simultaneous occurrence of the peak vintage period in Kakheti and Racha, which was an unprecedented event, the organizing headquarters effectively facilitated the smooth accommodation of the harvest. - A total of 600 large wine-producing companies, as well as medium and small wineries, participated in the grape processing operations.
From the primary industrial varieties, the specified varieties are processed:
Rkatsiteli - 136 thousand tons
Saperavi - 130 thousand tons
Kakhuri Mtsvane - 5,9 thousand tons
Aleksandrouli/Mujuretuli, Racha - 1618 tons
Tsolikauri, Tsageri - 753 tons
The remaining grapes consist of other varieties
Prices for 1 kg of grapes of the main industrial varieties:
Rkatsiteli - ranges from 1.00 to 1.20 GEL
Saperavi - ranges 1.50 to 1.60 GEL
Aleksandrouli/Mujuretuli - 8.00 GEL
Tsolikauri (Tvishi) – 8.00 GEL, Tsageri Tsolikauri - 5.00 GEL.
To promote the sale of harvests by winegrowers, maintain grape quality, and support the sustainable development of the wine industry, the Government of Georgia has implemented a vintage subsidy:
• In the Kakheti region, all companies that have compensated winegrowers with a minimum payment of 1.00 GEL for Rkatsiteli were eligible to receive a state subsidy.
• Starting September 13, "Harvest Management Company" Ltd collects 1 kg of Saperavi grapes from winegrower farmers at a rate of 1.50 GEL. Additionally, for winegrowers who supplied Saperavi grapes at a rate lower than 1.50 GEL prior to September 13, the Government of Georgia compensated the difference between the 1.50 GEL rate and the amount received.
• In the Racha region, all companies that compensate winegrowers at least 8 GEL per kilogram for Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes cultivated in the Khvanchkara microzone are eligible for a subsidy. For the purchase of 1 kilogram of Aleksandrouli and 1 kilogram of Mujuretuli, the state provides a subsidy of 4 GEL to these companies.
On August 23-24, under the auspices of the coordination headquarters, "Harvest Management Company" Ltd initiated the prompt collection of grapes affected by the severe hail and wind that impacted the Kakheti region, commencing on the second day following the disaster. Grapes affected by hail in the municipalities of Kvareli, Telavi, and Akhmeta were collected by the company in the Telavi and Kvareli municipalities. Winegrowers supplied 1 kg of damaged, unconditioned grapes for 1.00 GEL. In total, 1,800 tons of grapes were processed. The hail-damaged grapes were processed by the state enterprise "Harvest Management Company" Ltd for alcohol production.
During the vintage period, the National Wine Agency employed approximately 100 young individuals as operators in wine enterprises. Selected candidates received specialized training from experts of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture at the vintage coordination headquarters. It is important to note that the vintage registration program has been in operation in the country since 2013. This program ensures the collection of comprehensive and accurate data on harvested grapes, which is crucial for the production of high-quality wine.