National Wine Agency: Nearly 6,000 tonnes of grapes processed across Kakheti as harvest gathers pace

Grape processing operations are underway in earnest across the Dedoplistskaro and Sighnaghi municipalities, the National Wine Agency reported.

To date, 280 wineries have registered with the Harvest Coordination Headquarters, with participating facilities joining intake operations in phases. The total yield forecast for this year’s harvest stands at approximately 320,000 tonnes.

The Government of Georgia has mandated state intervention mechanisms to absorb surplus yields to ensure an orderly harvest and full commercial realisation of the crop, and support all growers in selling their produce. Under this scheme, the state-owned Harvest Management Company LLC will purchase grapes harvested by individual growers in Kakheti subject to established pricing and quality tiers.

State procurement pricing for Saperavi and other permitted grape varieties is structured as follows:

• Saperavi (Prime Quality): Undamaged grapes with a sugar content of at least 21% are set at GEL 1.50 per kilogram.
• Saperavi (Sub-standard Quality): Grapes with sugar content between 17% and 21%, or partially damaged fruit, are priced at GEL 0.90 per kilogram.
• Saperavi (Low Grade): Grapes with sugar content below 17% or significant damage are set at GEL 0.30 per kilogram.
• Other Permitted Varieties: Undamaged grapes of cultivars permitted under the Law of Georgia on Vine and Wine, with a sugar content of not less than 20%, are priced at GEL 1.30 per kilogram. Fruit with 17% to 20% sugar content will fetch GEL 0.80 per kilogram, while fruit with less than 17% sugar content will fetch GEL 0.30 per kilogram.

Intake and processing operations are being managed directly by the Harvest Coordination Headquarters based in Gurjaani. Information regarding harvest procedures and intake points is available via the official hotlines on 1501 and 032 2 19 37 18.