Levan Mekhuzla: Minimum Sugar Content Threshold for Standard-Quality Saperavi Lowered to 21%

Under an amendment to Government of Georgia Decree No. 536 of 12 March 2026, concerning measures for the organised conduct of the 2026 grape harvest, the minimum sugar content required for Saperavi grapes to meet quality standards has been lowered from 22% to 21%. The decision was made following consultations with winegrowers and consideration of their views.

“Following meetings with winegrowers from more than 100 villages in the Kakheti region and taking their views into account, we decided to lower the minimum sugar content threshold for standard-quality Saperavi from 22% to 21%, providing considerable relief to farmers,” said Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency.

Under the Government’s decision, in the event of a surplus harvest, all winegrowers will have an opportunity to sell their grapes, ensuring that no harvest remains unsold. For this purpose, Harvest Management Company LLC will purchase grapes grown in the Kakheti region from individuals at established prices.

The price of undamaged Saperavi grapes meeting the required quality standard and having a sugar content of at least 21% will be GEL 1.50 per kilogram. Saperavi grapes with a sugar content of between 17% and 21%, or those that are partially damaged, will be purchased for GEL 0.90 per kilogram. Saperavi grapes with a sugar content below 17%, or those that are damaged, will be purchased for GEL 0.30 per kilogram.

For other grape varieties permitted under Georgia’s Law on Vine and Wine, the price of undamaged grapes with a sugar content of at least 20% will be GEL 1.30 per kilogram. Grapes with a sugar content of between 17% and 20%, or those that are partially damaged, will be purchased for GEL 0.80 per kilogram, while grapes with a sugar content below 17%, or those that are damaged, will be purchased for GEL 0.30 per kilogram.

“Price differentiation based on grape quality was successfully introduced during last year’s harvest, encouraging winegrowers to focus on grape quality and compliance with the required standards. However, our experience has shown that even greater emphasis must be placed on quality. The future of Georgian viticulture and winemaking depends solely on high quality and uniqueness,” Levan Mekhuzla said.