The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, David Songulashvili, met with leading American wine journalists and wine professionals.

During the meeting, the parties discussed implemented, ongoing, and planned initiatives to promote Georgian wine in the United States and further strengthen its visibility, recognition, and demand in the U.S. market.

According to the Minister, the US is one of the key export markets for Georgian wine, and a range of marketing initiatives carried out in the U.S. in recent years with the support of the National Wine Agency [NWA] have significantly increased awareness of Georgian wine: “Active cooperation with wine professionals and media representatives is essential to raising awareness of Georgian wine in the US. Moreover, working with international wine professionals and media representatives provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Georgia’s ancient winemaking method, as well as its rich culture and traditions. We believe that this experience will contribute to further increasing awareness of Georgian wine in the US while highlighting its unique character”.

As part of a visit organized by Glodow Nead Communications, LLC, the U.S.-based marketing company contracted by the National Wine Agency, a group of American wine professionals visited 11 wineries and wine-producing companies across Kartli and Kakheti regions.

During their visit, the professionals observed the winemaking process firsthand and learned about contemporary and traditional approaches to Georgian winemaking. They also received comprehensive information about Georgian wine’s centuries-old history, culture, and traditions. As part of the visit, the participants tasted both classical and traditionally produced Georgian wines and explored Georgian cuisine and the close relationship between wine and Georgian culture.

Karen MacNeil, editor of the digital publication WineSpeed and author of The Wine Bible, noted that her visit to Georgia offered a valuable opportunity to deepen her understanding of Georgian wine and explore its remarkable diversity.

“Coming to Georgia from California, I had no idea just how extraordinary Georgia and its wine would be. Throughout this journey, I tasted numerous delicious Georgian wines, and I am immensely grateful for this experience. The ancient and unique history of your winemaking, along with the very exciting and promising future of Georgian wine, is truly remarkable”, - said Karen MacNeil.

Alex Fondren, Vice President of Glodow Nead Communications, LLC; Charlene Peters, freelance writer and contributor to Apple News; Stacy Buchanan, founder and publisher of Blood of Gods magazine; and Pete Holland, sommelier and wine writer, along with representatives of the NWA, attended the meeting.