Grape Harvest in Racha Reaches 120 Tons, Quality Control Measures Intensify

In the Racha region, specifically in the Ambrolauri municipality, 120 tons of grapes have been processed so far. Of this, up to 110 tons are Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli, while the rest are made up of other grape varieties.

This year, the forecast for the Racha-Lechkhumi harvest is between 1,500 and 2,000 tons.

To encourage private sector involvement and streamline the harvest process, the Government of Georgia has introduced a subsidy program in Racha. Companies that purchase and process at least 3 tons of Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes from the Khvanchkara microzone and pay winegrowers a minimum of 8 GEL per kilogram are eligible to receive a 4 GEL state subsidy per kilogram. These specific grape varieties are used to produce wine under the Khvanchkara designation of origin.

To ensure varietal accuracy and maintain the quality of Khvanchkara wines, ampelographers are stationed at all grape receiving points to monitor the incoming grapes. Additionally, checkpoints have been established at the entrances to the region to prevent the import and mixing of grapes from other municipalities.

The Vintage Coordination Headquarters is operational in the city of Ambrolauri to support the organization of the 2025 harvest. Further information is available via the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture hotline at 1501.

Meanwhile, grape harvesting is also in full swing in the Kakheti region, where approximately 214,000 tons of grapes had been processed as of October 6.