The Imeretian Wine Challenge 2024 will be held for the second time in Kutaisi from October 4-6, organized by the DMO Imereti and the Imeretian Wine Association.
The aim of the competition is to promote the development of wine tourism in Georgia, increase awareness of Imeretian grape varieties, Imeretian wine, and Imereti as a wine-growing and winemaking region in general.
Q: How did the idea for the Imeretian Wine Competition come about?
The idea to create the Imeretian Wine Association originally came from DMO Imereti and its team, even before the pandemic. A lot of work was done—trainings, various meetings, market research to understand how necessary the association would be in the region. Then, thanks to DMO Imereti’s initiative, the idea became a reality, and I’m proud to have become a part of their team.
As for the idea of the Imeretian Wine Competition, it arose when we held the first Imeretian Wine Competition in collaboration with the Wine Guild. We realized that Imeretian wine was losing its authenticity, and winemakers were trying to gain attention by producing Kakhetian-style wines from Imeretian grape varieties. Additionally, it became clear that, to improve quality, the opinions of international experts were needed, and we had to move to the next stage. It took a lot of hard work and time to convince them that the authentic Imeretian style would be the formula for their success. This process is still ongoing, and there’s still a lot to do.
Kakhetian and Imeretian wines are stylistically completely different, and I always say that for me, Kakheti is associated with the old wine world, while Imereti is the new wine world—and now our foreign experts agree with me.
Q: What is the goal of the competition?
The competition isn’t just about winning awards and selling wine. First and foremost, it’s a way for winemakers to measure their own capabilities—where they are and where they’re headed, how they’re developing. That’s why anyone who has produced wine from Imeretian grape varieties can enter the competition. However, the demand for participation from other regions is growing so much that we may consider expanding the competition, but that’s a plan for next year.
Q: Who will be on the jury and how will the wines be judged?
The wines will be evaluated by a jury consisting of Georgian and international experts: Robert Joseph, Thomas Brandl, Davide Bartone, Matthew Horkey, Irina Diachenkova, Vladimer Kublashvili, Tamar Imedadze, Tinatin Jajanidze, Giorgi Samanishvili, and Saba Kitishvili. The selection of the jury members focused on long-term collaboration and their influence on promoting Imeretian wine.
This year, 114 wine samples will be presented at the competition. The anonymity of the companies will be maintained during the tasting, and the evaluation will be conducted in accordance with OIV standards. Awards will include silver, gold, and grand gold medals.
I believe that competitions like this unequivocally help winemakers grow, as it’s one thing to sell your wine, and another to see how you’re developing as a winemaker.
Q: Future plans:
We are very eager to increase the diversity of grape varieties and to include all Western Georgian wines in the competition.
The ultimate goal is, of course, to preserve and develop the identity of Imeretian wine. I often advise producers to pay attention to details, such as using the term “churi” instead of “qvevri” on labels.
The competition also helps us showcase Imereti in a positive light, with its many opportunities. We help all participating and winning companies increase their marketing and visibility, by promoting their wines at various exhibitions, sending them to different buyers, writing about their wines in various magazines, and telling everyone about them.
One major project that I’m also proud of is the opening of a wine laboratory in Baghdati, which I can now confirm will open in the spring. Initially, it will conduct the analyses needed for internal certification, and starting in the second year, with international accreditation, winemakers will be able to receive all types of laboratory analysis results right in the region.
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