Georgia introduces new national viticultural framework

The National Wine Agency of Georgia (NWA) has approved a new national framework. The new guidelines mean that all new commercial vineyards will require NWA approval. The new legislative regime will commence on 1 May 2026, with Wines of Georgia detailing that its “rigorous technical criteria” will seek to “target traceability, varietal integrity and soil suitability”. New vineyards will need written consent from the NWA under ‘Rules for Establishing a Commercial Vineyard’ which are set to be formally enshrined by Georgia’s minister for environmental protection and agriculture. According to Wines of Georgia, the reform is aiming to address a number of issues the historic wine growing nation has faced. These include the use of uncertified planting material, variety selection errors and vineyards that have been hit by disease. The NWA seeks to align with the regulated planting systems seen in other major European wine growing countries and regions. Chairman of the NWA, Levan Mekhuzla, ...