Georgia’s Grape Harvest Nears Completion, with More Than 323,000 Tonnes Processed

As of 30 October, approximately 323,300 tonnes of grapes had been processed across Georgia.

The harvest remains in full swing in Lechkhumi, where approximately 500 tonnes of grapes have been processed. The region’s projected harvest is around 1,300 tonnes. According to the National Wine Agency, private companies are purchasing grapes from local growers, while the state-owned Harvest Management Company is purchasing surplus grapes.

In Kakheti, where the harvest is nearing completion, approximately 314,500 tonnes of grapes have been processed. Only 0.7% were classified as low quality, with the remainder assessed as high or medium quality.

The Harvest Management Company is purchasing grapes from individual growers in Kakheti at prices determined by quality. For Saperavi, the purchase price is GEL 1.50 per kilogram for grapes with a sugar content of at least 20%, GEL 1.00 for those with a sugar content between 16% and 20%, and GEL 0.50 for those below 16%.

For Rkatsiteli and other wine grape varieties, the purchase price is GEL 1.30 per kilogram for grapes with a sugar content of at least 19%, GEL 0.90 for those with a sugar content between 16% and 19%, and GEL 0.50 for those below 16%.

The harvest has concluded in Racha, where approximately 3,600 tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes were processed.

To encourage private-sector participation and ensure the orderly purchase and processing of the harvest, the government introduced a subsidy programme in Racha. Companies qualify if they purchased and processed at least three tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown in the Khvanchkara microzone and paid growers at least GEL 8 per kilogram.

The state subsidy available to wine companies in the Racha-Lechkhumi region is GEL 4 per kilogram for both Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes.