The Imeretian Wine Association was established in 2022 with the support and initiative of DMO Imereti (Destination Management Organisation Imereti). In its inaugural year, the association successfully executed a significant portion of its planned projects. The current year has been highly active for the association, involving participation in international competitions, and representing wines from Imeretian wineries at international wine festivals. Additionally, the association has been actively promoting the ancient winemaking region and implementing various projects to support wine tourism and more. Currently, the association has around 70 member wineries and maranies (cellars).
“The past year marked a fruitful beginning for the association,“ says the director of The Imeretian Wine Association, Keti Jurkhadze. “We planned various training programs and wine tastings organized for our members. These activities hold particular significance for small wineries entering the market with interesting wines. Furthermore, visits from international buyers and journalists have been planned to introduce them to Imereti, one of the most notable and important winemaking and viticulture regions of Georgia, through wine tasting and tours.“
“Imereti is historically recognized as one of the foremost winemaking regions in our country, renowned for its extensive vineyards, advanced winemaking techniques, and diversity of grape varieties.”
A significant project planned in collaboration with GTZ, Irma Chanturia Wine Laboratory, and Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), last year, was the establishment of a wine laboratory in Imereti. This laboratory is crucial for both major wine-producing companies and small wineries in the region. It will be located in the city of Baghdati, in a newly constructed building, and its equipment installation is scheduled to commence in Autumn. “We anticipate being fully operational by the 2024 harvest.”
It is worth noting that the wine laboratory, equipped to meet international standards, is not only important for Imereti but also for the entirety of West Georgia, as indicated by the conducted research.
Last year, with the support of The Imeretian Wine Association and DMO Imereti, wine days were organized in Imereti, attracting foreign media representatives, experts, and enthusiasts. This event will become an annual occurrence and, as Keti Jurkhadze points out, will greatly contribute to enhancing the potential and recognition of Imeretian wines in both domestic and international markets.
What You Need to Know About Imeretian Grape Varieties
“In collaboration with Irma Mdinaradze, (Agriculture Ph.D., Associate professor, Chief Specialist, Viticulture analysis and regulation department, LEPL National Wine Agency) we are embarking on an important project. This project involves creating a book that will depict nearly every Imeretian grape variety along with its characteristics, as well as tracing the journey of Imereti’s viticulture and winemaking up to the present day. Our goal is to complete this bilingual book by the end of the year. Serving as a scientific and educational publication, it will be accessible to anyone interested.”
PDO Wines
Last year, the association initiated the production of another PDO wine called Obcha. The micro zone of Obcha is located in the Baghdati district and includes the villages of Pirveli Obcha, Meore Obcha, Dimi, Rokiti, Persati, and the city of Baghdati.
Obcha wine will be produced in both amber and red varieties. Obcha Amber can only be made from the Tsolikauri grape variety cultivated in this micro zone. The use of Tsitska and Krakhuna grape varieties is also permitted but limited to 15%. Obcha Amber undergoes full fermentation of grape juice in qvevri, accompanied by 5-6% of fermented chacha (pomace).
Obcha Red can only be produced from the Otskhanuri Sapere grape variety, exclusively grown in the Obcha micro zone. The use of any other grape varieties is prohibited. Obcha Red is made through full alcoholic fermentation of the must in qvevri.
Keti Jurkhadze: “I believe that the production of PDO wines will automatically enhance the quality of wine and contribute to the promotion of the region itself.”
Imeretian Wines on the International Stage
The Imeretian Wine Association presented the region’s wines at WINEXPO AMERICA 2023, held in New York. It was the first time that Imeretian wine appeared on an international level with such diversity, generating significant interest, according to the association’s director. As a result, export negotiations are well underway.
“We have realized the importance of participating in such exhibitions, even if it is solely to increase popularity. We also recognize the need to further improve the standards of the Imeretian wine competition, which entails establishing international evaluation systems. We plan to organize such a competition in October, with the participation of international wine experts from Decanter, Nundus Vini, and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. The winning wines will be showcased at various international exhibitions in the US, Germany, China, and other countries in 2024.”
MARI DEVIDZE | Executive director of DMO Imereti
ZVIAD SHALAMBERIDZE | State Representative in Imereti & TATO LILUASHVILI | Deputy Chairman at Kutaisi Municipality Council
KETI JURKHADZE | Director of Imeretian Wine Association
Apart from America, the Imereti Wine Association will also present its wines in China at an international wine expo taking place in the Guizhou province in September. “China is a crucial wine market, and their expressed interest is very encouraging for us in terms of the prospects for Imeretian wine.”
