Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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Otar Shamugia: "State support to winegrowers and diversification of markets is crucial, and we already have tangible results "

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia, along with Mr. Giorgi Aladashvili, state representative of Kakheti region, Mr. Gela Samkharauli, Chairman of the Agrarian Issues Committee of the Parliament, and Mr. Irakli Kadagishvili, Majoritatioan MP of Telavi, Akhmeta, Kvareli and Lagodekhimunicipalities, visited the "Khutsishvili Brothers Wine Cellar" in the village of Kisiskhevi, Telavi municipality.

The Minister emphasized the importance of state support to winegrowers and diversification of markets, noting that tangible results are already visible.

"We participate in more international exhibitions, specifically in markets where we believe Georgian wine has a significant export potential. The markets in Poland and Baltic countries are expanding, Georgian wine enjoys widespread recognition, and processes are running well. It's also important to mention that over a million bottles have been exported to Germany this year, with an indicator showing a 40% rise in exports. Moreover, our wine export significantly increased in the US, with up to a 35% growth rate", said Mr. Otar Shamugia.

Gela Khutsishvili, the founder of the company "Khutsishvili Brothers Wine Cellar", noted that his winery participates in international exhibitions through state assistance. Moreover, the state supported the businessman in organizing a wine cellar, and the company benefited from preferential agro-credit in the past years. Currently, about 3000 large, medium, and small wineries have registered in Georgia, with approximately 500 producers exporting wine.

The '' Family Winery'' owned by brothers Giorgi and Gela Khutsishvili, produces Kvevri wine and exports it to many European nations. It grows different varieties of grapes on a 2-hectare of land and produces up to 15,000 bottles of wine annually.

It is worth mentioning that the 2015 Rkatsiteli grapes were fermented in the two-century-old kvevri in the "Khutishvili Brothers Wine Cellar ", and the company produces wine by the Georgian traditional method.

Foreign visitors can also participate in wine and chacha tasting events at the "Khutsishvili Brothers Wine Cellar ". Guests can get involved in the harvesting process and learn about the traditions and culture of Georgian wine production, which ultimately contributes to developing wine tourism in Georgia.