Georgia’s Bumper Grape Harvest

Georgian grape producers had a great crop in 2024 despite concerns about the weather.

A reported 320,000 tons of grapes were collected in the 2024 harvest, according to the Georgia National Wine Agency—an estimated 45 percent more than in 2023. The agency reported the quality was also higher than last year, adding to expectations for the wine produced from these grapes.

The harvest started early in 2024: August 13 for Georgia’s eastern Kakheti and September 23 for Racha. Lechkhumi started harvesting grapes on October 4. The majority of the grapes picked and processed were from these three regions, reportedly 291,000 tons and worth ₾390 million.

By variety, Rkatsiteli and Saperavi were the most bountiful, with 136,000 tons and 130,000 tons respectively. Kakheti Green clocked in at 5,900 tons, followed by Alexandreuli/Mujuretuli, Racha, Tsolikauri, Tsageri, and others.

The Georgian government paid farmers subsidies for grapes this year, as has been the tradition.

Soso Kochlamazashvili, a resident of the village of Zemo Bodbe in Kakheti’s Sighnaghi region, says that state subsidies do not actually change anything for the winegrowers. Instead, he believes they encourage farmers to focus on quantity over quality.

Instead, he recommends the government to help grape producers develop and add value to their product.

“The interest of the vineyard should not be limited only to increasing the quantity of grapes and delivering them to the cellar. With the right approach, [a grape producer] should become a small entrepreneur who will be able to develop the entire production process themselves–growing grapes, juicing them, and selling them to the market–only this path will lead us to the further development of the sector,” Kochlamazashvili says.

Investor.ge spoke to several wineries about the harvest and their expectations for the industry in 2025.

Expectations from 2024 harvest

“The 2024 vintage marked a significant success for our company, both in quality and quantity. As with every year, challenges arose, but we successfully overcame them,” notes Natalia Pirtskhalava, the marketing and business development manager at Tsinandali Estate.

“The key factors influencing grape and wine quality include the vineyard’s location, slope relief, natural geographical isolation by forests and ravines, and well-drained clay-limestone soil. These are complemented by annual variables such as temperature, precipitation, and sunlight. Working in harmony with these conditions, we craft distinctive wines that embody the essence of the Tsinandali terroir. We are confident that the 2024 vintage will stand out as one of the highlights in our wine collection.”

Vinotel also reported a good harvest in 2024.

Mari Chkoidze, the PR and marketing manager at Vinotel, says the company increased its portfolio in 2024.

“Vinotel is dedicated to producing high-quality wines, cultivating approximately six tons of grapes per hectare. In 2024, we expanded our portfolio by incorporating classic winemaking techniques, which consisted of wines made using Kakhetian technology,” she says.

“Our 2024 harvest commenced in mid-September, and we are pleased with the results…Among the standout wines from the 2024 harvest are Rkatsiteli-Muscate and Kisi, both of which are notable for their captivating aromatic profiles and flavor characteristics. Additionally, we are particularly excited about our Napareuli red, which exhibits exceptional aging potential. This wine is currently aging in our handcrafted 5,000-liter French Montgillard oak jars, enhancing its stability and refining its tannin structure. We have four of these kind jars and they are equipped with cutting-edge digital technology, setting us apart in the industry.”

Vinotel worked on improving the harvesting and production process, Chkoidze adds.

“We have also upgraded our laboratory technology to ensure precision and eliminate mistakes throughout the harvesting and production processes,” she says. “Collaborating with invited experts, we tested various aging vessels, including French barrels, jars, and traditional Georgian kvevris. Any kvevris deemed inadequate by our experts have been sealed and reordered, this is a guarantee of success in the premium segment.”

Sustainability concerns

Giorgi Skhirtladze, founder of the Rtoni and Melitoni wineries, warns adapting varieties will be a challenge.

“As for the adaptation of grape varieties to modern (including climatic) trends, it will be difficult to radically change the vineyards, but when planting new ones, varieties should be selected according to the requirements, depending on what kind of harvest a particular variety gives, so that it can be brought to actualization,” he says. “A winegrower should try his/her best to choose grapes that will be of high quality and find a market to sell them in.”

Tsinandali Estate’s Natalia Pirtskhalava explains the winery is working on improving sustainability.

“Looking ahead, we are actively refining vineyard management strategies to enhance environmental sustainability. Our diverse selection of 12 varietals, including three international ones, offers exciting opportunities for creating unique blends,” she says.

Expanding export markets

Skhirtladze, founder of the Rtoni and Melitoni wineries, believes the government should do more to increase awareness of Georgian wines in the international market.

“Our wines are still poorly known. Secondly, as much individual assistance as possible should be provided to strengthen farmers and wineries. New approaches are needed to enter export markets—to increase awareness and popularization, because it is very difficult to do this individually. It will be difficult for one specific winery to fully cope with this task.”

Currently, Rtoni and Melitoni wines are exported to more than 10 countries, Skhirtladze says, adding that the wineries are looking for more markets as nearly 90 percent of their exports go to the EU.

“Wine made in the traditional Georgian way is still a relatively new product for the world…The problem is the lack of awareness: exporters start with enthusiasm and then sometimes have difficulties in some areas. They still have to work with a new product. Therefore, we are trying to help ourselves and exporters,” he says.

“Our production volume is consistently around 30-40,000 bottles in Rtoni and somewhere up to 200,000 bottles in Melitoni, because it is already a medium-sized enterprise. Recently, we were at the Great British International Exhibition and our wine has already entered [the UK market].”

Tsinandali Estates’ Natalia Pirtsakhalava notes that the company plans to increase export markets this year.

“We are expanding our export reach and negotiating entry into new markets for 2025… The growing demand for terroir-driven wines among Georgian and international consumers aligns with our values of celebrating and expressing wine identity,” she says.