Elene Jaghmaidze

 To discover winemaking

I am Elene Jaghmaidze, bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking of Agrarian University and working winemaker.

How I got to where I am today?

Due to the fact that this field is not very small, in parallel with my studies I tried myself in different roles: starting from the position of worker in a wine factory, which is not so easy for a female winemaker, to working in a laboratory, which if you ask me is one of the necessary links for this field. The next stage was working as a sommelier. In the background of all this, I realized that it would be most interesting for me to be directly in production, that’s when I had an offer and I started working as an assistant winemaker in one of the family wineries, where I am now.

Why I chose this profession:

Like most Georgians, I had contact with the harvest, tending the vineyard, pressing and setting the grape since childhood. During this period, I was troubled by many questions, to which few or no answers were given. Before starting my bachelor’s studies, I took carious courses in the field of oenology and realized that this would definitely be a profession in which questions would arise again, although answering them would already be interesting, pleasant and rewarding for me. That is how the field of interest, starting with many questions, has become my profession, where I feel comfortable and do the work with love.

My goal is:

Today my goals is to gain as much experience as possible and better prepare for future challenges. Of course, I continue to study along with work, and I think that the more I do, the more I will have to do.

What motivates me to do what I do?

Viticulture and Winemaking is quite a large field, with the possibility of planning and realizing a lot of experiments. There are three types of technology around the world, and one of them is ours, this already emphasizes that we Georgians are people with a big imagination, therefore I would say that I have such a desire, interest and love to study and understand this field that I cannot talk about other motivations.

What is missing in Georgian winemaking industry?

Georgian winemaking has a great history. This is very good. However, I still think that it is difficult for a Georgian person to look at remarks or advice and admit that there are people smarter than you. First, winemakers must become receptive to progress and advice, and read as much as possible to develop both their knowledge and their results.

Advice to those who choose this profession now:

First of all, they should treat their work with love, gather as much and as much practical experience as possible. Of course with theory and never shy away from asking questions.