"Our Goal Is to Ensure That More Georgian Wines Meet the Highest Quality Standards," Says Levan Mekhuzla

"The quality of Georgian wine has improved steadily over recent years. Our objective now is to ensure that an even greater share of Georgian wines reaches the highest quality standards. Every category of wine must comply with clearly defined regulatory requirements, including the fundamental principle that wines placed on the market must be free from defects," said Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency of Georgia, commenting on the recent amendments to the Law on Vine and Wine.

One of the key amendments extends mandatory sensory evaluation (tasting) to all wines produced for commercial sale, with the exception of wines classified as natural wine.

According to Mekhuzla, the strengthening of quality regulations has been implemented gradually over the years.

"Georgia's State Tasting Commission has been operating since 2008, and from that time all wines with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) have been subject to mandatory tasting. Since 2017, the requirement has also applied to all categories of wines intended for export. With the latest amendments to the law, virtually every wine produced for commercial sale will undergo organoleptic evaluation, with the exception of natural wine. This exception reflects the specific production methods used for natural wine, which give it characteristics that differ from those of conventional wines," Mekhuzla explained.

The State Tasting Commission, operating under the National Wine Agency, works on a daily basis to ensure that wine producers experience no delays in the certification process.

"The Commission consists of more than 60 professional tasters. Most are practicing winemakers representing different wineries, while others are sommeliers and specialists from wine laboratories. Each tasting session is conducted by a panel of five professional tasters," Mekhuzla added.