Access to Innovation and Technology Is Essential in the Wine Industry, Says Songulashvili

“Access to innovation and the adoption of new technologies are essential in the wine industry, and in this regard, the role of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine is particularly important,” said Davit Songulashvili.

As part of his working visit to Italy, the Minister addressed a session of the OIV conference titled “Recognizing the Cultural Value of Vine and Wine: International Perspectives”, where he emphasized the importance of education, access to innovation, and sector development in the wine industry.

“The international recognition of the cultural value of wine means that we acknowledge each other’s histories, past, and traditions—elements that are authentic and unique to every country. Wine is a language of communication, and I believe this is the key to understanding its cultural value at the international level. Wine creates a space where people freely exchange ideas and share emotions. Therefore, when we speak about the cultural value of wine globally, we must recognize its important role in connecting people and events, and bringing them together,” Davit Songulashvili stated.

The Minister also highlighted the role of international platforms and organizations in the development and strengthening of the wine industry, including the International Organisation of Vine and Wine and UNESCO.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the important support and the work carried out by OIV and UNESCO for the global wine industry. The unique Georgian tradition of Qvevri winemaking has already been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. At the same time, other elements such as the ‘marani’ (wine cellar), ‘supra’ (traditional feast), and ‘Rtveli’ (grape harvest) also deserve attention, as they are essential components for promoting Georgian wine and hold strong potential for wine tourism,” the Minister noted.