National Wine Agency: Over 38,000 tonnes of grapes processed in Kakheti as Rtveli harvest reaches peak

The annual Rtveli grape harvest in Kakheti has reached its peak, with almost 38,000 tonnes of grapes processed as of 23 September, the National Wine Agency reported.

The Agency noted that out of the total yield processed so far, 28,000 tonnes meet high-quality industry standards.

The state-owned Harvest Management Company is accepting grapes from local growers across 20 procurement points in Kakheti, supported by active buying from private wineries. Harvesting is now well underway across the region.

Around 500 commercial wineries have registered with the Rtveli [Grape Harvest] Coordination Headquarters and will progressively join the grape procurement process.

To ensure an organised harvest and guarantee full yield sales, the Georgian Government decided that all winegrowers will be able to deliver surplus crop. Under established terms, the Harvest Management Company LLC will purchase grapes from individual growers across Kakheti based on sugar content thresholds:

Saperavi: Premium-grade Saperavi with a minimum sugar content of 20% is set at 1.50 GEL per kilogram. Saperavi with a sugar content between 16% and 20% will fetch 1.00 GEL/kg, while yields with under 16% sugar content are priced at 0.50 GEL/kg.

Rkatsiteli & Other Permitted Varieties: For Rkatsiteli and other wine grape varieties permitted under the Law of Georgia on Vine and Wine, grapes with a sugar content of at least 19% will be purchased at 1.30 GEL/kg; those between 16% and 19% at 0.90 GEL/kg; and those below 16% at 0.50 GEL/kg.

Procurement operations are being actively managed by the Rtveli Coordination Headquarters located in Gurjaani.

Information regarding the harvest is available via hotline numbers: 1501 and 032 2 19 37 18.