Georgian wine festivals are increasing in number around the world every year. This time, on July 7th, Krakow will host a wine festival where up to 30 Georgian wineries will welcome local wine experts and enthusiasts. Alongside Georgian wineries, the festival will feature around 10 Polish, Czech, and Moldovan wine producers.
The driving force behind the festival is Keto Frangulashvili, who has lived in Poland for over 10 years and is an ambassador for Georgian wine brands. In 2018, Keto opened a distribution company and a Georgian wine bar, which quickly became a favorite spot for locals and weathered the pandemic with the support of loyal customers.
T: Keto, how did your story with wine begin in Poland?
I came to Poland in 2012 through a volunteer program, which was followed by a master’s degree. My connection with wine, like most Georgians, began in childhood - I used to make wine with my father every year. My professional intersection with the industry happened during my student years when a company offered me representation in the Polish market.
After many refusals, I agreed, and the industry drew me in so deeply that I have now had a distribution company and Georgian wine bar for six years.
T: How has the Polish consumer received Georgian wine?
Georgian wine and Georgia are quite popular among the older generation in Poland—they are familiar with our culture and traditions. However, more information is needed regarding qvevri wine, for people to taste and appreciate its flavor.
As for the younger generation, they generally know less about Georgia. The story of our wine production often surprises them, but we are working daily to remove this informational barrier. Festivals of this type play a significant role in increasing awareness.
T: Festival news:
This year, we are holding the festival for the third time. We decided to include Polish, Czech, and Moldovan wine producers along with Georgian wineries, which we believe will be interesting for everyone involved. The diverse contrast will allow consumers to better understand the unique aspects of each country’s wine production, and meeting and talking to the winemakers personally will positively influence future relations.
T: In your opinion, what kind of wine should we use to captivate the world?
Qvevri wine remains a niche product. Therefore, we need to make it easily accessible and explain it to potential consumers. I believe that Western Georgian-type wines have significant potential in the European market today. The characteristics—high acidity and fresh aromas—are quite in demand and trendy, which simplifies their commercialization.
T: What is lacking in Georgian winemaking?
More and more information. Today, information is everything. It’s a two-way process; we need to provide winemakers with information about consumers, and winemakers should be in constant communication and continually inform us about their wines.
We have made great progress; with the involvement of young people, traditional wines are moving to the background, and winemakers have started producing high-quality and trendy wines.
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