Levan Mekhuzla: Higher grape quality will phase out government intervention in Georgia’s harvest

“Quality remains our top priority, and no compromise can be permitted where quality is concerned. If only five lorry-loads of unripe grapes were handed in during this year’s harvest, next year there should not be a single one. That is our objective,” noted Chairman of the National Wine Agency, Levan Mekhuzla.

According to him, the framework under which grapes would be delivered to state enterprises was made known to farmers as far back as February.

“The primary reason behind making minor adjustments to the tiered pricing regulations was the heavy rainfall and a relatively cool summer; the vines flowered late, and the grapes reached maturity later. This has been one of the latest grape harvests in recent years.

The population grew anxious that grapes might not reach the required condition. The aim of introducing quality-based tiered pricing is to ensure that labour, costs, and revenues are managed prudently.

Judging by the statistics for grapes processed to date, it is clear that the reform is working. Ninety-nine per cent of viticulturists produced high-quality grapes, with sub-standard deliveries accounting for a mere 0.5 per cent,” noted Levan Mekhuzla.