The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, David Songulashvili, accompanied by Gocha Enukidze, the Member of Parliament representing the Ambrolauri, Oni, Tsageri, Lentekhi and Mestia Municipalities, and Papuna Margvelidze, State Representative in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, visited a winery in the village of Khvanchkara to learn about its operations and observe the grape reception process.

During the current grape harvest season, the winery has purchased up to 90 tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes from local growers. The Khvanchkara winery continues to receive grapes.

"Supporting the production of high-quality grapes and ensuring reliable market access for local growers are essential for developing viticulture and winemaking in Racha. Accordingly, the state is encouraging wine-producing companies to purchase grapes cultivated by local growers. The subsidy programme operating in Racha provides an additional incentive for private wineries to process Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes", - said David Songulashvili.

According to Giorgi Chanturia, Director of the Khvanchkara winery, grape quality is a top priority for the company. He also noted that state subsidies expand private companies’ capacity to purchase grapes and help growers deliver their harvest without disruption.

The winery has an annual processing capacity of 350 tonnes of grapes, producing an average of 150,000 bottles of wine per year and selling its products domestically and internationally, including in European markets.

To encourage private-sector participation in the harvest and ensure the orderly reception and processing of the crop, the state is implementing a grape subsidy programme in Racha.

Under the programme, any company that purchases and processes at least three tonnes of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown within the Khvanchkara microzone is eligible for a subsidy, on the condition that growers are paid at least GEL 8 per kilogram. The state subsidy amounts to GEL 4 per kilogram of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. The forecast grape harvest in Racha is estimated at 3,000 tonnes.

The Deputy Minister, Solomon Pavliashvili, the Chairman of the National Wine Agency, Levan Mekhuzla, and representatives of the local authorities accompanied the Minister.