Georgian Wine - National Wine Agency

The main priority of the 2026 grape harvest will be grape quality. Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency, made this statement while discussing developments related to the upcoming harvest.

“We need to place greater emphasis on grape quality, as the sector is facing global challenges, including a declining trend in wine consumption. If we manage the processes properly, we will navigate this period of crisis with fewer risks,” Levan Mekhuzla noted.

According to him, a plentiful harvest is expected this year, and preliminary estimates indicate that the total volume of grapes will exceed 300,000 tonnes.

By decision of the Government of Georgia, in the event of a surplus harvest, the state-owned enterprise Harvest Management Company LLC will purchase grapes from growers at differentiated prices. For grape varieties permitted under the Law of Georgia on Vine and Wine, the purchase price per kilogram will be GEL 1.30 where the sugar content exceeds 20%, GEL 0.80 where the sugar content ranges from 17% to 20%, and GEL 0.30 where the sugar content is below 17%. In the case of Saperavi grapes, the price per kilogram will be GEL 1.50 where the sugar content exceeds 22%, GEL 0.90 where the sugar content ranges from 17% to 22%, and GEL 0.30 where the sugar content is below 17%.

“We announced this year’s grape harvest scheme as early as March to allow farmers sufficient time to prepare. Throughout the summer, we met with winegrowers in more than 100 villages across Kakheti and listened to their views. Several proposals were put forward regarding the Saperavi variety, and the lower sugar-content threshold established for high-quality Saperavi will most likely be reduced by one percentage point. We will make no compromise regarding grapes with a sugar content below 17%, for which the price will be GEL 0.30,” Levan Mekhuzla stated.