The Agriculture Committee considered, at I reading, the Draft Law on Vine and Wine. The main substance of the proposed amendments was presented by the Deputy Environmental Protection and Agriculture Minister, Zurab Ezugbaia.

According to the presenter, the definition of a “small cellar” is being revised, reducing the annual production capacity threshold for a wine enterprise from 40,000 litres to 25,000 litres. In addition, a new term - “marking of an alcoholic beverage” - is being introduced into the law.

As explained by Zurab Ezugbaia, the term “marking of an alcoholic beverage” is defined as the placement, on the label, container, or packaging of an alcoholic beverage, of a mark - QR code issued by the National Wine Agency.

Under the proposed amendments, organoleptic testing will become mandatory for alcoholic beverages with a protected designation of origin produced in Georgia, as well as for all categories of wine intended for export and for sale on the domestic consumer market. This requirement will not apply to natural wine produced in small cellars. At the same time, the marking of certified alcoholic beverages intended for sale will be mandatory, and such marking will be carried out by the National Wine Agency in accordance with procedures established by the Environmental Protection and Agriculture Minister.

As noted by Zurab Ezugbaia, the Minister must, by 1 November 2026, issue an order approving the “Rules and Form for the Marking of Alcoholic Beverages” and ensure that relevant normative acts are brought into compliance with this law. Furthermore, the Government of Georgia must, by 1 February 2027, determine the fee for the marking of certified alcoholic beverages intended for sale.

According to the Chair of the Agriculture Committee, Gela Samkharauli, Georgia, as the birthplace of wine, has an obligation to ensure the highest standards of quality for wine and grapes. He emphasized that, given the high level of competition in international markets, maintaining high quality is the only path to success, and therefore, the growing popularity of Georgian wine must be driven by a strong focus on quality.

At the meeting, members also heard the three-month review of the execution of Georgia’s 2026 State Budget, presented by the First Deputy Finance Minister, Giorgi Kakauridze. The report was taken note of by the committee.