Meskhetian Wine Producers Unite for the Establishment of the Association and Advance Origin Registration
A founding meeting of the Meskhetian Wine Association was held in village Ude, Adigeni unicipality, marking a critical step toward uniting local wine producers around a shared vision and advancing the registration of an appellation of origin for Meskhetian wine.
During the meeting, founding members reviewed key establishment documents, including the association statute and the founders’ protocol, and agreed on the mission and objectives of the organization. The association will focus on protecting the identity of Meskhetian wine, conserving indigenous grape varieties, supporting local producers, and developing unified production and quality standards.
The creation of the association is widely recognized as essential for the long-term development of the sector. Fragmented production and the absence of coordinated standards have been among the key challenges limiting the visibility and market potential of Meskhetian wine. By bringing producers together under one platform, the association will enable coordinated decision-making, collective representation, and the establishment of a traceable and quality-controlled production system.
“The establishment of the association is a decisive step toward uniting producers around a common goal. Without collective action, it is not possible to define and enforce standards, protect the name of Meskhetian wine, or successfully complete the appellation of origin registration process,” noted Farther Grigol from Ude Monastery.
The initiative builds on earlier stakeholder consultations, including a working meeting held in the Settlement Aspindza, Aspindza Municipality, attended by Mr. Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture of Georgia (SRCA) and Mr. Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency of Georgia.
“Local Meskhetian grape varieties represent a unique genetic resource. Their conservation and restoration are not only cultural priorities, but also key to future economic development. A strong producers’ association is essential to ensure their sustainable use and to build a quality-driven wine sector,” noted Mr. Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture (SRCA).
The meeting also brought together representatives of the National Wine Agency of Georgia, representatives of local municipalities and farmers, reflecting broad stakeholder engagement and support for the initiative.
The association is expected to play a central role in the appellation of origin registration process, which requires clearly defined production rules, geographical boundaries, traceability systems, and quality control mechanisms. These elements can only be effectively developed and managed through collective organization and cooperation among producers.
“Appellation of origin is not only a label—it is a system built on trust, standards, and cooperation. The association will provide the institutional framework needed to ensure compliance, maintain quality, and position Meskhetian wine in competitive markets,” noted Ms. Marika Kapanadze, Project Coordinator at the REC Caucasus.
The initiative is supported within the framework of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project “Sustainable Management of Agricultural Biodiversity in Vulnerable Ecosystems and Rural Communities of Samtskhe-Javakheti Region in Georgia”, implemented by the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus.
By strengthening cooperation between producers, scientists, and public institutions, the association will also contribute to the conservation of agrobiodiversity, the expansion of the raw material base, and the development of new economic opportunities for rural communities.
The establishment of the Meskhetian Wine Association is therefore not only an organizational step, but a strategic milestone that lays the foundation for a unified, traceable, and sustainable wine sector rooted in Georgia’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
