Levan Mekhuzla: "2026 will be a year focused on wine quality"
Quality
"This year, measures to control the quality of wine and alcoholic beverages will continue actively, both for export products and for the local market. This year, we are planning significant reforms focused on ensuring quality. These changes were caused by decrease in wine consumption in the global market and high competition in the market. Among the planned events, it is worth noting that during the 2026 harvest, we will introduce 3 different prices for grapes, which will be directly tied to the condition of the grapes. To obtain quality wine, it is necessary for the grapes to reach the required ripeness. The grapes from which the wine is made should not have a sugar content lower than 17%,- noted Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency, while discussing plans for 2026.
According to the chairman of the Agency, vineyards are being formed at this time of year and winegrowers should take into account the planned changes.
The Chairman of the National Wine Agency spoke about the planned legislative changes, which are also aimed at the production of quality wine. In particular, the “Amendments to the Law of Georgia on Vine and Wine”, the aim of which is to promote the production of quality, competitive alcoholic beverages of grape origin, as well as the consideration of the requirements of local and international markets necessary for their sale. Among them, it is worth noting the approval for the cultivation of an industrial vineyard from this year, which the LEPL National Wine Agency will issue.
"Our reforms are aimed at the future and development of the sector. Wine quality starts from the vineyard and it must be technologically properly cultivated. There has been great interest in the sector in the last decade, the area of vineyards has increased, and this is happening spontaneously. Starting with the soil, exposure, location, vine seedlings - everything must comply with the standard that will allow us to obtain a quality harvest, which will be used to produce the best wine. These changes apply only to commercial/industrial vineyards and do not apply to those already cultivated," - noted Levan Mekhuzla.