Georgian Wine Festival Held in China, 4th Largest Georgian Wine Importer

Nine Georgian wine companies presented their products at Georgian Wine Festivals held in two cities of China, in Hong Kong and Shanghai, early July.

Well-known Georgian companies, Bagrationi, Chateau Mukhrani, Dugladze Wines and Spirits, GWS, KTW, Kakhetian Wine Cellar, Winery Khareba, Mildiani and Usakhelauri Vineyeards promoted their wine to one of the biggest markets of Georgian wine consumers.

Head of the National Wine Agency (NWA), Giorgi Samanishvili, who attended the event, emphasized that since 2014 China is one of the fastest growing export markets for Georgian wine.

“The whole wine industry is involved in Georgian wine promotion to the Chinese market, including the National Wine Agency and wine producing companies. The relationship with China on a governmental level is progressing, that has significant influence on wine sales,” Samanishvili said.

The NWA released data showcasing that during January-June this year, 1.9 million bottles of wine were exported to China, which is 148 percent higher than last year.

The NWA further states that China takes 4th place in the five top Georgian wine importers after Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

The event was organized by the NWA and international marketing company ‘Meiburg Wine Media.’

The Director, Debra Meiburg, emphasized that Georgian wine is diverse and offers a unique taste experience.

“Georgia offers a broad variety of wines to try, for example new styles of wines, wines that are a little bit lower in alcohol and have that freshness of fruit; for collectors, Saperavi ages beautifully. In short, there are different styles for different types of consumers in China,” Meiburg said.

Guests at the festival had the chance not only to sample Georgian wine but also to attend wine masterclasses lead by Debra Meiburg.

Tamar Svanidze