Georgian Women Winemakers – EU-Georgian Business Council is launching a new initiative.

On April 25th, in the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, Women Winemakers presented their own products as a part of the new initiative aimed at promoting women-entrepreneurship, as well as Georgian wine making business. The initiative first came to be during the visit of EU Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstroem, when among the many entrepreneurs, there was a significant amount of women producing wine under their own label. As Chris Schlueter, The Chairmen of the EU-Georgia Business Council mentioned in his opening speech, while Georgia has a 8,000-year long wine history, there has not been nearly enough recognition of women who have been involved in the process for centuries...

This new initiative puts Women Winemaker in the spotlight, helping them gain more recognition and celebrate their efforts and make way for export.

All these women have dedicated most of their time and energy towards developing caring for the vine, developing unique concepts and making distinguishable wines. The Range of presented wine labels was impressive with each of them displaying a quite bit of personality.

It is no secret just how much effort and time it takes to care for vines, most of the people producing vines often compare the process to that of caring for a child,

The different wine companies varied in size and types of wine, but what seems to be present and universal to all of them was the love and excitement over creating a product of quality. It was evident through and through just how much thought and hard work goes into the finished product. From the unique techniques of production to the unconventional designs of bottles, all of these wines are completely memorable and with their own character.

As anyone who has ever experienced the winemaking process in Georgia would have noticed, women have been crucial in creating this unique product, that currently makes up for the 10% of Georgia’s export and much bigger percentage of Georgian Pride. This initiative serves as a well-deserved recognition for all the work done behind the curtains and opens a bigger platform for women to produce and get involved in the winemaking business.

There is a lot of history and a lot of hard work put into each and every one of these wine companies.

The wine companies ranged from the ones producing 10,000 bottles a year to ones with just over a hundred bottles. The diversity in sizes of the companies also seemed like a generous gesture towards encouraging smaller companies and giving them much-needed exposure.

When speaking to a few of the women behind these wine production companies it was impressive to see the rich history behind them. Mariam Chanturia produces wine under the label “Khvanchkara Wine Cellar”, the factory that has been around since 1927. They produce 9 different types of Georgian wine, exporting to countries such as Germany, Czech Republic, Sweden Ukraine and more. Mariam also said that they are currently holding talks with China about potentially exporting there as well. About a year ago they registered their own wine “Khvanchkara XO” which proved to be quite popular.

On the other end of the spectrum, Nia Natsvlishvili from the “Alexander Destillery” only produces wine through individual orders. The concept “Wine and Art” distinguished the label with its personalized bottle design featuring painting from the artists ranging from Pirosmani to Cezzanee. “Alexander Destillery” uses a patented technology for their own whiskeys while also producing “Asuretuli”, a wine made from the vines only found in one village in Georgia “Asuretuli” is unique to this particular company. “Sharabat”– wine produced base on the recipe from the „Incomparable Carabadine” (11th-century Georgian medical monument) is made with “Sapheravi”, 8 spices and whiskey and is then stored in oak barrels for 4 months.

When speaking to Chris Schlueter, The Chairmen of the EU-Georgia Business Council, about where this idea came to be, Mr. Schlueter mentions the prominent energy that was evident during the visit of the EU Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstroem. During the session on business interchange there was a noticeable number of winemakers, particularly women winemakers.

It became evident that the sheer number of women participating in the winemaking business was not talked about or recognized enough by the general public, because it came as such a surprise. This project evolved from recognition to celebration of Georgian Women Winemakers. This initiative has the potential to distinguish Georgia on the international market and further contribute to the increased global interest in Georgian Wine.

When talking about the future plans Mr. Schlueter mentioned a positive trend in regards to the EU-Georgia trade relations, particularly the increased export from Georgia’s side. One of the crucial things for Georgia right now, according to the Chairman of the EGBS is brand recognition. “Georgia doesn’t just market wine; it markets quality and that recognition is growing in Europe.”- said Mr.Schlueter.

The presentation was attended by the EU Ambassador to Georgia, HE Karl Hartzell as well as different members of diplomatic corps. During his opening speech, Mr. Hartzell mentioned the importance of promoting women entrepreneurs as well as inspiring future generations to pursue winemaking.

Another discovery of the event was Keti Jurhadze, Winemaker that also runs the school for the young wine enthusiasts that want to get the necessary education for winemaking. The school for the beginners has been running for 3 years and has produced many successful winemakers.

The event was an inspiring celebration of Women Winemakers and all their efforts to contribute to the growth and development of the Georgian market as well as the preservation of the oldest Georgian tradition while adding the elements of contemporary art and technology.