Georgia: John Barker, General Director of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), held important meetings during his working visit to Georgia.
The National Wine Agency of Georgia shared the snippets of the meetings held on its official Facebook page on May 5, 2025, Monday. The Wine Agency also shared some information along with the snippets.
At the meeting with Minister of Environment and Agriculture David Songulashvili, the parties discussed issues of developing the vineyard-winery field in Georgia, increasing the awareness of Georgian wine worldwide, and diversification of markets.
According to Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency, John Barker is one of the most authoritative figures in wine professional circles. Accordingly his support for Georgian wine has repeatedly become a precondition for important decisions.
According to the Chairman of the National Wine Agency, “OIV’s activities include:
- giving recommendations on wine production,
- implementation of international standards in the field,
- developing a sustainable development strategy,
- promoting quality production
- strengthening wine markets.
“The visit of the General Secretary of the Organization will make a significant contribution to further strengthening the reputation of Georgian wine and will represent Georgian vineyard-winemakers better Centennial traditions, achievements, and potential“, – noted Levan Mekhuzla.
During his visit to Georgia, John Barker visited wine cellars in Kartli and Imereti, where he got to know Georgian wine-making traditions and culture. The Secretary General of the International Organization of Grapes and Wine (OIV) of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture was at the Research and Demonstration Base of Perennial Cultures, Georgian Agrarian University and the National Museum of Georgia.
The International Organization of Grapes and Wine OIV is an international intergovernmental organization, in which 51 countries, including Georgia, are members. The organization regulates the grape and wine sector and establishes relevant standards. It also supports member countries in the development of the vineyard and winery sector.
International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV)
The International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) is an intergovernmental organization that deals with the technical and scientific aspects of viticulture and winemaking. The field of OIV includes grape production for all purposes. It is noteworthy that its not just wine, but also table grapes and raisin production.
