David Songulashvili: “The success of the VINE ERA winery vividly illustrates how private initiative and investment thrive when supported by targeted government programs

 
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, alongside Prime Minister Mr. Irakli Kobakhidze, Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Shalva Papuashvili, and Members of the Government and Parliament, attended the event.


During the official opening ceremony, the Minister highlighted the tangible outcomes of state-supported wine production, a key export sector. Mr. Songulashvili emphasized the importance of high-quality production and reaffirmed the government's promise: quality and labor will be increasingly valued.


Today, wine stands among the country’s leading export products. We have made deliberate and consistent progress toward this goal. During our administration, the area under vineyards has expanded severalfold.

Exports of wine and spirits to target markets have increased at least fivefold, and in 2024, export revenues reached a record high, surpassing half a billion US dollars. These figures are expected to grow even further with the full implementation of support programs.
 

We are gathered in the heart of Georgian viticulture and winemaking — in Kakheti, in the historic village of Vachnadziani, Gurjaani. The founders of this estate are people deeply devoted to Georgian vines and wine, which is why they named their winery VINE ERA — an era of wine, a new epoch, a chapter for Georgian winemaking.

The winery’s success exemplifies how private initiative and investment thrive when supported by targeted government programs. Our aim is to make the Ministry’s and Rural Development Agency’s programs even more flexible and responsive to the needs of farmers and vintners.


Everyone can now clearly see how the state is adapting to the evolving demands and needs of the country, offering improved models for progress and development.

 
This year’s harvest is fully focused on grape growers and individual farmers. Yes, we now have a better understanding of public demand — and we are responding more effectively to every challenge.

The subsidy program entirely aims at encouraging the production of high-quality products. And what will the outcome be? We will see better vineyards, higher-quality grapes, and premium wines that proudly earn their place on the shelves of Europe and other international markets.

 
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for his initiative and for placing full trust in us to prepare and implement these reforms in such a short time. Our promise remains: quality and labor will be valued even more,” stated Mr. David Songulashvili.