Georgian Wine - National Wine Agency

“Starting from 1 February 2027, all wines intended for commercial production, except those classified as “natural wine”, will be subject to mandatory tasting. Since 2017, mandatory tasting has been applied to export wines, as well as protected designation of origin wines intended for both export and sale on the domestic market. Under the amendments to the law, additional categories of wines intended for sale on the domestic market will now also be subject to tasting,” stated the Chairman of the National Wine Agency, Levan Mekhuzla, regarding the amendments to the Law of Georgia on Vine and Wine.

The Parliament of Georgia considered and approved, on third reading, amendments to the Law of Georgia on Vine and Wine. According to the draft law, the definition of a “small cellar” is being revised, reducing its maximum annual production capacity from 40,000 liters to 25,000 liters. In addition, the term “home-made wine” is being replaced with the term “natural wine.” Natural wine is produced through the spontaneous fermentation of organic grape must. The use of authorized oenological practices and substances is prohibited, with the exception of sulfur dioxide, the concentration of which must not exceed 50 mg/l.

“These legislative amendments are aimed at improving the quality of Georgian wine. All wine marketed either in Georgia or abroad must be free from wine defects. As for the exception provided by the law, natural wine is a highly distinctive niche product which, by its very nature and method of production, possesses certain unique characteristics,” Levan Mekhuzla noted.