The National Wine Agency says new regulations on vineyard cultivation will affect up to 100 potential producers, based on recent trends.
The agency states that vineyard expansion has slowed in recent years. “Up to 500 hectares of new vineyards are being built annually,” the National Wine Agency notes. “Based on this data, the approval for vineyard cultivation will affect approximately 100 people.”
Only individuals planning to engage in commercial activity will be required to obtain a permit.
The Deputy Chairman of the National Wine Agency, Zurab Vacharadze, says the reform is part of broader efforts to strengthen the sector. “The wine quality reform is aimed at strengthening the Georgian wine industry, supporting both wine companies and small wineries,” he said. “The goal is to produce quality Georgian wine from quality grapes.”
Amendments to the ‘Law on Vine and Wine’ will enter into force on May 1, 2026, requiring prior consent from the National Wine Agency for the cultivation of commercial vineyards.
The agency emphasizes that the regulation applies only to entrepreneurial activity and does not affect individuals growing vineyards for personal use. Permits will be issued free of charge.
The new rules define conditions for planting and renewing commercial vineyards, including planning, selection of varieties and rootstocks, soil preparation, and other agrotechnical measures.
Vacharadze also pointed to global trends, citing data from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. “Wine consumption worldwide is at its lowest level since 1961,” he said. “Amid fierce competition and overproduction, greater emphasis must be placed on the quality of raw materials and the final product.”
