A new enoteca has opened in Tbilisi on the premises of the historic ‘Wine Factory No. 1’, bringing together a collection of wines and spirits that includes bottles aged for more than 200 years.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, and the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, David Songulashvili, attended the opening ceremony and addressed guests.
Songulashvili thanked the PM for supporting the project, calling the opening “of exceptional importance” for Georgian wine history and cultural heritage.
“This unique space preserves wines and spirits aged for more than two centuries and once again underscores the significance of Georgia as the cradle of wine. It is precisely this ancient tradition of winemaking that has defined our country’s distinguished place on the world map,” Songulashvili said.
He added that the project presents Georgia “from an entirely new perspective” to the international community.
Preliminary data shows the enoteca houses up to 20,000 collectible bottles, including premium Georgian and foreign wines aged for more than 200 years.
The collection also includes bottles linked to the personal collections of historical figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Joseph Stalin.
The enoteca has been transferred by the National Agency of State Property to the National Wine Agency for free and indefinite use, with plans to identify and verify the origins of the bottles.
Officials say the opening and study of the collection could help Georgian wine attract renewed international attention, with some items potentially becoming featured lots at major international auctions.
The ‘Wine Factory No. 1’, financed in the 19th century by philanthropist David Sarajishvili, is considered a notable example of national architecture and a key site in Georgia’s winemaking heritage.
The event was attended by members of the Government of Georgia, Château d’Yquem President Pierre Lurton, international auction house representatives, wine collectors, media, and industry stakeholders.
