The Georgian government has approved new regulations that require wine producers to obtain a state license before planting commercial vineyards.
Effective May 1st, the law will apply only to new vineyards, while existing vineyards remain unaffected. The measure is part of a broader effort to improve vineyard quality and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Georgian wine sector.
The Georgian National Wine Agency will be responsible for issuing licenses. Its president, Levan Mekhuzla, explained that the regulations aim to guarantee proper agricultural practices, varietal purity, and suitable cultivation techniques. Mekhuzla stressed the importance of soil quality and vineyard location, factors that significantly influence the final wine. Similar regulatory frameworks are common across European wine-producing countries, he noted, highlighting that the global reputation of Georgian wine depends heavily on vineyard standards.
While the government frames the new licensing system as a step toward quality improvement, it has sparked concerns among industry associations and small producers. Transparency International-Georgia warned that shifting the National Wine Agency from a supervisory role to one that controls market access could create risks of corruption, selective enforcement, and harassment of smaller wineries. The NGO also cautioned that internationally acclaimed Georgian wines often come from small producers who might be disproportionately affected by the new rules.
The legislation applies exclusively to commercial grape growers. Private individuals may continue planting vines for personal use, but without a state license, they cannot sell grapes or wine. In Kakheti, Georgia’s renowned wine region, producer Georgij Gvardzelašvili, who manages 5,000 hectares and exports to nine countries, acknowledged that proper regulations could elevate Georgia’s wine industry to the level of France or Italy. Yet, he fears that bureaucratic hurdles could hinder small producers and urged the state to provide targeted support.
The National Wine Agency maintains that the licensing system will assist all producers in meeting technical standards, certifying varieties, and selecting optimal vineyard sites. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Zurab Ezugbaja cited France as an example of a country with strict vineyard regulations, including limits on vine numbers and quotas per territory.
Some small-scale winegrowers, such as Aleko Sardanašvili in Khvančkara, expressed concern that the requirement for state permits imposes unnecessary restrictions. Sardanašvili argued that farmers should be able to sell their produce if they meet reasonable criteria, while still complying with subsidy and regulatory requirements.
The amendments to the Vine and Wine Law were first approved on February 18, 2026, and subsequently ratified by the Georgian Parliament, signaling a new regulatory era for the country’s wine sector.
Source: Vinetur