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

The "First Georgian Wine Forum’’ organized by the US-Georgia Business Council with the support of the National Wine Agency of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the Embassy of Georgia in the United States was held in the capital city of the US, Washington.
The three-day program includes "Saperavi Festival" and "Georgian Wine Tasting" events. The final part of the forum embrases a scientific conference dedicated to the Georgian wine culture and modernity. Scientists and wine professionals will participate in the scientific conference which will be held at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
On November 13, 2017, the Scientific Journal of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States (PNAS) published a research article ‘’Early Neolithic Wine of Georgia in the South Caucasus’’, which included the study of archaeological material found on the territory of Georgia confirming that wine was made on the territory of Georgia 8 thousand years ago. The above mentioned scientific conclusion will be the key topic of discussion at the conference.
Up to 400 guests  comprising of  wine professionals from scientific circles, wine importers and representatives of various restaurants and shop networks attended the ‘’Saperavi Festival"  which was hosted by the Embassy of Georgia in the USA.  25 different types of wines produced by Georgian wine companies were presented at ‘’Saperavi Festival’’.
The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Nodar Kereselidze and Chairman of National Wine Agency Levan Mekhulsa are attending the Georgian Wine Forum" . 
According to Nodar Kereselidze, presenting and promoting Georgian wine in similar events shows, that wine is associated with Georgia not only  with its 8000 years history of wine making culture, but with its modern, developed wine industry and variety of quality wines as well.
"A year ago, the global scientific community has recognised that the oldest grape wine was made in Georgia, from where it spread around the globe. At present, Georgian wine sector is more developed modern industry. The number of exported wine, exporter countries and the quality of Georgian wine is increasing year over year. The United States is a strategic and growing market of Georgian wines, accordingly, similar events will further enhance the awareness of Georgian wine in the US " Nodar Kereselidze said.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the United States, Davit Bakradze noted, that similar measures boost popularization of Georgian wine in the United States.
According to the Ambassador, the first event of the Georgian Wine Forum "Saperavi Festival", attended by several hundreds of people, the majority of which were wine professionals refers to an increased interest in Georgian wine and wine culture.