Lasha Arjevanishvili

I am Lasha Arjvelashvili, a Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking.

T: How and why did I end up where I am?

I am currently in Umbria, Italy, working at Famiglia Cotarella winery. I have the opportunity to learn directly from Dr. Riccardo Cotarella and his team. Beyond winemaking, they also run one of the world’s largest and most influential consulting companies in the field, assisting numerous wineries globally. I am here as part of a project that involves building a new winery in Khashmi, Georgia. Our goal is to apply the knowledge and experience gained in Italy to create high-quality Georgian wine.

T: What did I study in my Bachelor's degree?

I studied at the Faculty of Viticulture and Winemaking at the Agricultural University of Georgia. At the same time, I was fortunate enough to participate in an exchange program at Geisenheim University in Germany, where I took courses in International Wine Business. My time in Germany gave me a new perspective on the field, while at the Agricultural University, I received a solid foundational education.

T: Why did I choose this profession?

In reality, this was the hardest decision for me because I was interested in many things. Ultimately, I chose a profession that combines science with a connection to nature, art, and a bit of mysticism. These were the things that fascinated me when thinking about my future career.

T: My goal

I usually don't talk about my goals publicly, but given my profession, my aim is to contribute to enhancing the international reputation of Georgian winemaking and wine culture. This especially applies to Georgian classical wine. Although Georgian wine is often associated with qvevri (traditional clay vessels), the modern wine industry cannot exist without high-quality classical wine.

T: What motivates me to do what I do?

First and foremost, my interest in enology, or the science of wine, motivates me. Then, the small successes I have achieved throughout this journey. Also, when you see the potential that Georgian wine and grape varieties have, it’s hard not to want to tap into that opportunity.

T: What is lacking in Georgian winemaking?

Georgian winemaking has many strengths, but I think it lacks some very specific details. It lacks good vineyards, and at the same time, has too many poor-quality vineyards. It lacks straightforwardness in evaluation. It needs more high-quality classical white wine. It does not need excessive intervention in the vinification process.

T: Advice for those choosing this profession now:

If someone is thinking about whether to pursue viticulture and winemaking as a career and has read this far, I would tell them what was once advised to me: never stop acquiring theoretical knowledge. Start gaining practical experience early. Go abroad to work in wineries during the harvest, as it’s not as difficult as it seems before your first time.