In April 2025, five Georgian wine producers showcased their exceptional qvevri wines at Italy’s esteemed RAW WINE Verona exhibition. This event, held on April 7 at the Palaexpo, was part of Vinitaly, one of the world’s leading wine fairs. The Georgian contingent was present with the support of the National Wine Agency of Georgia.
RAW WINE, curated by French wine expert Isabelle Legeron MW, is renowned for bringing together top-tier natural, organic, and biodynamic winemakers globally. The exhibition featured over 120 artisanal producers from various countries, with Georgian wines drawing significant attention.
The Georgian producers emphasized the promotion of qvevri wine—a traditional winemaking method involving fermentation and aging in large clay vessels buried underground. This ancient technique imparts unique flavors and characteristics to the wine, distinguishing it from other styles.
In 2024, revenue from wine and alcoholic beverage exports reached a record $565 million, a 24% increase compared to 2023
The National Wine Agency highlighted that presenting Georgian qvevri wines at RAW WINE serves multiple strategic purposes: enhancing international visibility, connecting small and medium-sized wineries with potential importers, and stimulating export growth.
Isabelle Legeron MW expressed her admiration for Georgia’s commitment to quality winemaking, stating, “Over the years, I have seen a real commitment to quality from Georgia.”
Building on the success of this event, the National Wine Agency has outlined plans to further elevate Georgian wines on the global stage. In 2025, Georgian wine companies are scheduled to participate in several prestigious international exhibitions, including the RAW Wine International Natural Wine Exhibition and the VineExpo Paris International Wine and Spirits Exhibition in Paris. Additionally, Georgian wines will be featured at the Madrid Fusión 2025 Gastro Congress in Spain and presented in Tokyo, Japan, marking the first appearance in this market.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to promote Georgian wine in key markets such as the USA, UK, Germany, Poland, China, South Korea, and Japan. The promotion budget for Georgian wine in 2025 has been increased to 17.4 million GEL, reflecting a 1.4 million GEL rise from the previous year. In 2024, revenue from wine and alcoholic beverage exports reached a record 565 million USD, a 24% increase compared to 2023.
Through these concerted efforts, Georgian wine continues to gain global recognition, reinforcing its rich heritage and the dedication of its winemakers to quality and tradition.
By Mariam Razmadze
