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Levan Davitashvili: "New Initiative will facilitate to the promotion of Qvevri Wine and strengthen Georgian Wine Positions in the Premium Wine Segment"
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia proposes to register a qvevri wine as a product of geographical indication. The first working meeting was held in the Ministry to discuss above mentioned issue, bringing together representatives of different state agencies and scientific circles.
As the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili stated at the meeting, in recent years, Qvevri wine has become more demanding and popular. In 2013, ancient tradition of Qvevri winemaking in Georgia was recognized by UNESCO as a significant intangible cultural heritage, that significantly increased the population of Georgian wine.
In 2017, Georgia made another major breakthrough - the international scientific community has recognized Georgia as the home of wine.
“Georgian wine gaining international success is of utmost importance. For us, Qvevri wine is a product of exceptional value, accordingly protection of Qvevri wine as our cultural heritage both locally and internationally is one of the top priority issues included in our agenda, furthermore, because of increased interest, Qvevri wine is produced in other countries as well. Accordingly, our new initiative will further enhance the reputation and popularity of the Qvevri wine, as well as strengthen the position of Georgian wines in the premium segment ”Levan Davitashvili said.
It was mentioned, that the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) is working to include wines made in the Georgian traditional methods in the list of OIV special wines. After the completion of the relevant procedures, Georgian Qvevri wine will be ranked on the eighth place among other top wines included in the list, that will increase Qvevri wine awareness among population.
It was mentioned, that a working group will be created in the nearest future, which will be comprised of the representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia Sakpatenti, Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, Georgian Wine Association, Ikalto Qvevri School and Academy and scientists.
The working group will develop specifications and legal mechanisms necessary for the registration of the geographical indication of Qvevri wine. This will be the first time in Georgia when a non-food product is registered as a geographical indication.
So far, up to 20 geographical indications have been registered in Georgia, including Chacha, Matsoni, Churchkhela, Svanuri Sulguni, Guda etc.