Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, along with Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songhulashvili, attended the opening ceremony of a unique enoteca located at Wine Factory No. 1 in Tbilisi.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Songhulashvili described the opening of the unique enoteca as a moment of exceptional importance for the history of Georgian wine and its cultural heritage.

“This unique space preserves wines and spirits aged for over two centuries, and underlines once more Georgia’s significance as the cradle of wine culture. It is precisely this ancient tradition of winemaking that has defined our country’s distinctive place on the world map, and formed an integral part of Georgia’s commercial and cultural connections for centuries. Today we are participants in a process that presents Georgia, as a country bearing a unique wine culture, to international attention from an entirely new perspective,” Songhulashvili stated.

The enoteca on the grounds of Wine Factory No. 1 is estimated to hold approximately 20,000 collectable bottles. The collection encompasses both Georgian and foreign premium-class wines aged for over two centuries, and includes unique specimens associated with Napoleon Bonaparte, Joseph Stalin, and other historical figures.

The Wine Enoteca was transferred by the National Agency of State Property to the National Wine Agency free of charge and in perpetuity, under a right-of-use arrangement. Work is underway to identify the bottles of alcoholic beverages stored in the enoteca and to determine their provenance. The opening and study of this singular collection presents an opportunity for Georgian wine to attract international attention once more, with selected specimens potentially appearing as lots at the world’s leading auction houses.

It should be noted that Wine Factory No. 1 is a distinguished monument of 19th-century national architecture, the construction of which was financed by the celebrated public figure and philanthropist David Sarajishvili. The enoteca, located within this historic complex, boasts a centuries-old heritage and stands as one of the most treasured gems of Georgian viticulture.

Members of the Georgian government, the President of Château d’Yquem, Pierre Lurton, representatives of international auction houses and the media, foreign wine collectors, and figures from Georgia’s wine industry and business community attended the event.