Levan Mekhuzla: Minimum Sugar Content for Standard-Quality Saperavi Reduced to 21%
According to an amendment to Ordinance No. 536 of the Government of Georgia of 12 March 2026, “On Measures to Be Implemented for the Organised Conduct of the 2026 Grape Harvest”, the minimum sugar content for standard-quality Saperavi grapes has been reduced from 22% to 21%. The decision was made following meetings with winegrowers and taking their views into consideration.
“Following meetings with winegrowers from more than 100 villages across the Kakheti region and taking their views into consideration, we decided to lower the minimum sugar content for standard-quality Saperavi grapes from 22% to 21%, which represents significant relief for farmers,” said Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency.
Under the decision of the Government of Georgia, in the event of a surplus harvest, every winegrower will have the opportunity to sell their grapes, ensuring that no harvest remains unsold. To this end, the Grape Harvest Management Company LLC will purchase grapes grown in the Kakheti region from individuals at the established prices. Specifically, the price of standard-quality, undamaged Saperavi grapes with a sugar content of at least 21% will be set at GEL 1.50, while non-standard Saperavi grapes with a sugar content ranging from 17% to 21% and/or grapes that are partially damaged will be priced at GEL 0.90. Saperavi grapes with a sugar content below 17% and/or damaged grapes will be priced at GEL 0.30.
In the case of other grapes harvested from grapevine varieties permitted under the Law of Georgia on Vine and Wine, the price of undamaged grapes with a sugar content of at least 20% will be GEL 1.30.
Non-standard grapes with a sugar content ranging from 17% to 20% and/or grapes that are partially damaged will be priced at GEL 0.80, while grapes with a sugar content below 17% and/or damaged grapes will be priced at GEL 0.30.
“Price differentiation based on grape quality was successfully introduced during last year’s grape harvest, providing winegrowers with an incentive to focus on grape quality and compliance with established standards. However, experience has shown that greater emphasis must be placed on quality. The future of Georgian viticulture and winemaking rests solely on high quality and uniqueness,” said Levan Mekhuzla.