ISG President: I am continually discovering exceptional quality of Georgian wines
A delegation from the International Sommelier Guild (ISG) has visited Georgia as part of an initiative organised by the National Wine Agency.
The delegation was led by ISG President Joseph Miller and included top sommeliers from six countries: the US, China, Mexico, Turkey, Brazil, and Latvia.
During their visit, the guests toured wineries and wine producers in Kakheti, Imereti, and Kartli. Alongside the regional itinerary, a specialised ‘Walk-around Tasting’ was held in Tbilisi for the visiting wine professionals, featuring a wide variety of labels from 15 Georgian wineries.
“This is my second trip to Georgia. It continues to leave a remarkable impression on me, and I am continuously discovering the exceptional quality of Georgian wines. I believe it is paramount for Georgia to maintain its relentless focus on quality.
It is not merely about the Qvevri or traditional winemaking techniques, but about how these numerous, highly unique Georgian Vitis vinifera grape varieties are utilised. These grapes pair extraordinarily well with food and offer remarkable versatility from both a hospitality and culinary perspective. There is immense potential for us to collaborate with Georgia, and the country stands to achieve great success across international markets,” noted Joseph Miller.
The International Sommelier Guild is a leading globally recognised authority in wine and sommelier education, offering accredited training programmes for both aspiring and professional sommeliers. Certifications awarded by the ISG carry prestige across the global hospitality, restaurant, and wine industries. The curriculum encompasses not only wine tasting, but also beverage management, service standards, oenology, and the art of food and wine pairing.
According to the National Wine Agency, the ISG programme incorporates modules covering Georgia’s 8,000-year history and culture of winemaking, operating in over 40 countries and delivering coursework in more than 14 languages.