The Government of Georgia intends to assist in the generation of one billion USD from wine exports in the next 10 years. It was announced by Prime Minister at a meeting with winemakers held at Chateau Zegaani.

Irakli Garibashvili reviewed the current situation in the sector at a meeting with winemakers, along with projects planned and implemented for the development of the industry. Information on the needs for further advancement were thus received from the prime source.

It was noted that Government has decided to implement a subsidy program to support the grape harvest in 2021, which is aimed at safeguarding the vineyard farmers and wine producers from a negative impact of the pandemic, full handling of the grape harvest and maintenance of a stable development trend in the viticulture and winemaking.

Almost 25 000 vineyard owners will benefit from the subsidy program through sales of harvested grapes. With an aim of organized grape picking in 2021, Harvest Coordination Unit will operate round the clock 24/7 in Telavi.

According to the Prime Minister, borders have reopened and Georgian wine has been exported to Europe, China and a number of other consumer markets since the Georgian Dream came to power. As a result, the winemaking sector has experienced great progress. Irakli Garibashvili also noted that the 10-Year Country Development Plan is aimed at creating a sense of stability among producers and farmers, to make sure that they plan the development of their business with a long-term horizon.

It was also noted at the meeting that right sectoral policy implemented by the authorities has substantially advanced and empowered the viticulture and winemaking sector in recent years. Since 2012, annual harvest has been increased from 52 000 tons to 300 000 tons and new vineyards have been planted on 6400 hectares of land. Total number of exporting wine companies did not exceed 39 in 2012, while 300 operate at present. New wineries have been established and quality of wine has been improved. Exposure to export markets has been extended. Wine export has increased to a record-high indicator. The Agro Credit and Agro Insurance system is working well.