In an extraordinary year for Georgian viticulture, the 2024 vintage season recorded an unprecedented yield with approximately 320,000 tons of grapes processed—marking a remarkable 45% increase compared to the previous year.
The scale of this year’s harvest not only set a new high but also demonstrated a major leap in the quality of Georgian wine. As the grapes have now been stored across the country, the industry stands poised for a season that promises both abundant volume and exceptional diversity in wine offerings.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Georgian Harvest
The backbone of this historic harvest lies in Georgia’s primary wine-growing regions, Kakheti and Racha-Lechkhumi, where an impressive 291,000 tons of grapes were processed. Nearly 21,300 winegrowers and farmers supplied their harvests to over 600 participating enterprises, which ranged from large-scale producers to medium and small wineries. The financial impact was substantial, with grape sales generating a notable revenue of 390 million GEL, a substantial boost for local economies.
Despite a peak season that began unusually early due to favorable climate conditions, the organizational headquarters for the vintage were able to efficiently coordinate this record-setting harvest. Kakheti started processing grapes on August 13, while Racha and Lechkhumi began on September 23 and October 4, respectively. This alignment of peak vintage periods in both Kakheti and Racha was unprecedented, yet handled effectively by the central coordination, showcasing Georgia’s growing proficiency in managing large-scale vintages.
Emphasis on Quality: Varietal Yields and Market Prices
The 2024 vintage prominently featured Georgia’s traditional grape varieties, with some of the highest volumes recorded for the following:
- Rkatsiteli: 136,000 tons processed
- Saperavi: 130,000 tons processed
- Kakhuri Mtsvane: 5,900 tons processed
- Aleksandrouli/Mujuretuli (Racha): 1,618 tons processed
- Tsolikauri (Tsageri): 753 tons processed
These varietals, each with distinct flavor profiles, are expected to bring further refinement and diversity to Georgian wines this season. For the main industrial varieties, pricing per kilogram ranged from 1.00 to 1.20 GEL for Rkatsiteli and 1.50 to 1.60 GEL for Saperavi. Premium varietals like Aleksandrouli and Tsolikauri commanded higher prices of 8.00 GEL, reflecting their quality and demand in both domestic and international markets.
Government Support Bolsters Industry Stability and Quality
To encourage fair compensation and secure market stability, the Georgian government implemented a vintage subsidy program to support winegrowers, especially in challenging regions. Key aspects of the subsidy program included:
- Kakheti Region: Companies compensating winegrowers at a minimum of 1.00 GEL for Rkatsiteli received subsidies.
- Saperavi Collection: The government, through "Harvest Management Company" Ltd, purchased Saperavi grapes at a guaranteed rate of 1.50 GEL, compensating growers who received less prior to September 13.
- Racha Region: In the Khvanchkara microzone, winegrowers selling Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes were eligible for subsidies when compensated at least 8 GEL per kilogram, with an additional state contribution of 4 GEL per kilogram.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Hail Damage Response
The vintage season was not without challenges. Severe hail and wind impacted several areas in Kakheti, particularly affecting municipalities like Kvareli, Telavi, and Akhmeta. Demonstrating rapid response capabilities, "Harvest Management Company" Ltd began collecting damaged grapes on August 23-24. A total of 1,800 tons of affected grapes were gathered and processed for alcohol production, ensuring that winegrowers received at least 1.00 GEL per kilogram even for unconditioned grapes. This swift action mitigated losses for many winegrowers and underscored the industry's resilience.
Strengthening the Future of Georgian Viticulture
A significant aspect of the vintage’s success was the engagement of nearly 100 young operators trained specifically for the harvest by the National Wine Agency. These individuals, supported by experts from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, played a vital role in operations across numerous enterprises. Their training contributes to the development of skilled professionals and reflects the commitment of Georgia’s wine industry to sustainable practices.
The data collection initiatives managed through the vintage registration program, active since 2013, are critical for the long-term quality and traceability of Georgian wines. This program ensures accurate tracking of grape varieties, quantities, and quality parameters, allowing producers to continuously improve standards.
Source: Georgian National Wine Agency