The Grape Harvest Has Begun in Racha Region
In Racha, in the municipality of Ambrolauri, 145 tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes have been processed so far.
This year, the projected grape harvest in Racha-Lechkhumi is approximately 3,000 tonnes.
At the initial stage, grape collection points will open in communities located on the right bank of the Rioni River. To avoid queues, it is important that grapes are harvested and delivered in an organised manner, according to a schedule agreed with the coordination center.
To encourage private sector participation in the harvest and ensure the organised collection of grapes, a subsidy programme is being implemented in the Racha region by government decision. The subsidy will be available to every company that purchases and processes at least 3 tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown in the Khvanchkara microzone and pays growers at least GEL 8 per kilogram. Wine companies in the Racha-Lechkhumi region will receive a state subsidy of GEL 4 per kilogram for both Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes.
To safeguard the varietal authenticity and ensure the quality of the appellation wines Khvanchkara and Racha, ampelographers monitor grapes delivered to all collection points. In addition, special checkpoints have been set up at the entrances to the region to prevent grapes from being brought in from other municipalities and mixed with Mujuretuli and Aleksandrouli grapes.
To ensure the organised conduct of the 2026 grape harvest, a harvest coordination center began operating in Ambrolauri. Additional information is available through the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture’s hotline: 1501.
The grape harvest is also continuing actively in the Kakheti region, where, as of 14 October, approximately 273,000 tonnes of grapes have been processed.