A formal study has commenced of the unique collection of alcoholic beverages preserved in the enoteca of Wine Factory No. 1 in Tbilisi.

According to the event organisers, 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.

Wine Factory No. 1 is a 19th-century monument of national architecture, built with the support of the renowned public figure and philanthropist David Sarajishvili. Located within this historic complex, the enoteca preserves centuries of tradition and stands as one of Georgia’s most treasured symbols of viticulture. Preliminary assessments indicate that it contains approximately 20,000 collectable bottles, aged across more than two centuries, comprising both Georgian and foreign premium-class wines. The collection also includes specimens associated with the personal collections of Napoleon Bonaparte, Joseph Stalin, and other historical figures.

Organisers have announced that work will now begin to identify the bottles of alcoholic beverages held in the enoteca and to establish their provenance. The opening and study of this singular collection presents an opportunity for Georgian wine to attract international attention once more, with the prospect of selected specimens appearing as lots at the world’s leading auction houses.

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Davit Songhulashvili, opened the event, attended by members of the Georgian government, representatives of international auction houses and the media, foreign wine collectors, and figures from Georgia’s wine industry and business community.