Georgia Begins Early Preparations for 2026 Grape Harvest
“We started preparations for the harvest earlier this year, which will allow the process to be more organized,” said Levan Mekhuzla.
As part of the ongoing reform aimed at improving the quality of Georgian wine, the Chairman of the National Wine Agency of Georgia met with representatives of local authorities in the municipalities of Sighnaghi and Dedoplistskaro.
The main topic of the meetings was preparation for the 2026 grape harvest (Rtveli). According to a decision by the Government of Georgia, in the event of surplus harvest and if the private sector does not show interest in purchasing grapes, the state will set purchase prices based on sugar content.
Under the Law on Vine and Wine, for permitted grape varieties, if sugar content exceeds 20%, the price is set at GEL 1.30; for sugar content between 17% and 20% — GEL 0.80; and for below 17% — GEL 0.30. For Saperavi, the price is GEL 1.50 if sugar content exceeds 22%, GEL 0.90 for 17%–22%, and GEL 0.30 if below 17%.
“Starting preparations early gives us the opportunity to manage the harvest process in a more organized way. The introduction of differentiated pricing increases motivation for growers to produce higher-quality grapes. We are committed to the sustainable, long-term development of the sector while also recognizing our social responsibility toward farmers, ensuring that no grapes remain unsold. However, considering the future of the sector, the grapes delivered must meet quality standards,” Levan Mekhuzla stated.
During the meetings, the Agency Chairman also spoke about measures to ensure the organized management of transport flows carrying grapes during the harvest period. Crop registration will be carried out using electronic scales integrated into a unified digital system, which will increase transparency and trust among growers. In addition, wineries will be equipped with modern sugar measurement devices.
The meetings were attended by Chairman of the Sighnaghi Municipal Council Davit Janikashvili, Mayor of Dedoplistskaro Nikoloz Janiashvili, and Deputy Chairman of the National Wine Agency Zurab Vacharadze.
It is worth noting that similar meetings related to the wine quality reform have already been held in all municipalities of Kakheti.
