David Songulashvili: “Georgia expresses its readiness to host the Congress of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) in 2027”

Within the framework of his working visit to Italy, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr. David Songulashvili, met with the Director General of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), Mr. John Barker.


During the meeting, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture emphasized the importance of promoting Georgian wine on the international stage, noting that Georgia, as the cradle of wine with an 8,000-year continuous tradition, represents a unique platform where heritage, modern practices, science, and innovation are seamlessly integrated.


The Minister spoke extensively about ongoing developments in Georgia’s wine sector, highlighting the current reforms being implemented to ensure high-quality standards. As mentioned, there is a growing momentum in the recognition of Georgian wine and, consequently, in export growth, which is the result of ongoing campaigns aimed at diversifying international markets and  promoting and marketing Georgian wine.


Mr. Songulashvili invited the Director General of the OIV, Mr. John Barker, to Georgia for the National Wine Day, which will be held on May 8, 2026, and will showcase Georgia’s 8,000-year history and contemporary development in viticulture and winemaking. The event will bring together both international and local participants.


“I am pleased to meet with Minister David Songulashvili. Georgia has expressed its readiness to host the World Congress of the International Organization of Vine and Wine in 2027. I believe participation in this event will be both interesting and gratifying for everyone involved. I am also grateful for Georgia’s support of one of the OIV’s projects, aiming to promote global recognition of wine and vine culture. This is essential for our sector, and I am looking forward to visiting Georgia on May 8 to celebrate National Wine Day,” said Mr. John Barker.


Mrs. Tamar Liluashvili, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Italy; Mr. Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency; and Mr. David Chitaishvili, Head of the Department of International Relations and European Integration at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture accompanied the Minister Songulashvili at the meeting with the Director General of the International Organization of Vine and Wine.