Grape Harvest in Kakheti and Racha Continues at Full Pace

About 10 thousand tons of grapes are processed daily in Kakheti, according to the National Wine Agency.

As of October 10, approximately 260 thousand tons of grapes have been processed in the region. Around 18 thousand winegrowers have submitted their harvest to wine enterprises. Of the total grapes processed, about 130 thousand tons are Rkatsiteli, around 112 thousand tons are Saperavi, and the remainder includes various other grape varieties. The daily processing of 10 thousand tons indicates that the harvest is currently in its active phase.

In Racha, specifically in the Ambrolauri municipality, 1.4 thousand tons of Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli have been processed so far. The forecasted harvest in Racha is estimated to be around 2 thousand tons, with approximately 800 winegrowers having already delivered their grapes.

To encourage private sector participation in the harvest and ensure organized grape collection in Racha, a government subsidy program is being implemented. All companies that purchase and process at least 3 tons of Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown in the “Khvanchkara” microzone and pay winegrowers a minimum of 8 GEL per kilogram will receive a state subsidy. The amount of subsidy is 4 GEL per kilogram for both Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes.

In contrast, private wine companies in the Kakheti region will no longer receive subsidies. Instead, by decision of the Government of Georgia, the state-owned enterprise LLC "Crop Management Company" will purchase surplus grapes at differentiated prices based on quality. The purchasing prices are: 1.50 GEL per kilogram for Saperavi grapes grown in Kakheti, 1.20 GEL for other wine grape varieties permitted under the Law of Georgia “On Vine and Wine,” and 1.00 GEL for substandard, damaged, or diseased grapes.