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The study has commenced on the unique collection of alcoholic beverages preserved in the enoteca of Wine Factory No. 1
Prime Minister of Georgia, Mr. Irakli Kobakhidze, and the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, attended the opening ceremony of the unique enoteca located on the premises of “Wine Factory No. 1” in Tbilisi and addressed the guests with welcoming remarks.
The Minister thanked the Prime Minister of Georgia for supporting the project, noting that the opening of the unique enoteca is of exceptional importance to Georgian wine history and the country’s cultural heritage.
“This unique space preserves wines and spirits aged for more than two centuries and once again underscores the significance of Georgia as the cradle of wine. It is precisely this ancient tradition of winemaking that has defined our country’s distinguished place on the world map and, for centuries, has been an integral part of Georgia’s trade and cultural relations. Today, we are participating in a process that presents Georgia — a country bearing a unique wine culture — to the international community from an entirely new perspective,” Mr. David Songulashvili stated.
According to preliminary data, the enoteca located on the premises of “Wine Factory No. 1” houses up to 20,000 collectible bottles. The collection includes premium-class Georgian and foreign wines aged for more than two centuries.
The collection also includes specimens associated with the personal collections of Napoleon Bonaparte, Joseph Stalin, and other historical figures.
The wine enoteca has been transferred by the National Agency of State Property to the National Wine Agency for use free of charge and for an indefinite period. Plans are underway to identify the bottles preserved in the enoteca and determine their origins.
The opening of the unique enoteca and the commencement of its study will create an opportunity for Georgian wine to once again attract international attention, while the exhibited specimens may become featured lots at major international auctions.
Notably, the “Wine Factory No. 1” is a distinguished example of 19th-century national architecture, financed by renowned public figure and philanthropist David Sarajishvili. The enoteca, located within this historic complex, preserves a centuries-old legacy and represents an important treasury of Georgian winemaking heritage.
The event was attended by members of the Government of Georgia, President of Château d’Yquem Mr. Pierre Lurton, representatives of international auction houses and media outlets, foreign wine collectors, as well as representatives of Georgia’s wine industry and business sector.