Georgia: The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, met the vineyard growers in the village of Saniore on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
He didn’t just meet them; he engaged them in a discussion about the intricacies of harvesting and crop settling, demonstrating his deep understanding and his personal interest in their work. He pledged his unwavering support to the government’s initiatives in the vineyard industry, showing his genuine concern and commitment.
During the conversation, he not only emphasized the priority of developing the vineyard-winery field but also underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to this cause. He noted that the subsidy mechanism is a crucial incentive for farmers, instilling hope and optimism in the industry’s future.
Irakli Kobakhidze also visited Chotiashvili’s family cellar—”to be seen.” The cellar owner, Kakha Chotiashvili, informed him that the company produces more than 50,000 bottles of wine annually from more than 14 varieties installed in Kevr with traditional technologies, which are implemented both in the local market and 15 countries, including in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
The vineyards of Chotiashvili are built on 17 hectares, with more than 40 experimental grape varieties.
The company has benefited from the “discounted agro credit” and actively participates in international wine exhibitions in different countries worldwide with the state’s support.
Georgian Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Otar Shamugia and legislative and local government representatives were also present in Chotiashvili’s cellar.
He also learned to transfer grapes at the ‘Mildiani wine factory. As of September 18, the factory had purchased and processed up to 2,800 tons of grapes. The company has built its vineyards on 40 hectares and produces 3.5 million bottles annually, exporting to 20 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Japan, and South Korea. The company’s success is a testament to the impact of state programs in different periods, showing the government’s active role in the industry’s development.
