The Landscape Analysis of Viticulture and Enology in Georgia

Georgia has been the country of vines and wine since ancient times, and historically vine growing and wine making has performed the function of one of the leading branches of economy. The diverse and rich information about growing vines and producing wine in Georgia can be found in historical and modem scientific literatures as well. Javakhishvili reviewed 413 vine species from the ancient period in his work： ＂Economic History of Georgia＂. Nowadays there are more than 420 species in Georgia or 2.5% of the whole world assortment, from which 27 are for wine, 14 edible and 41 standard species. According to the ecological and economic conditions, Georgia is divided into 11 main regions from the viewpoint of specialization and concentration of vine growing, of which Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti, Racha and Lechkhumi are the most important regions. All these regions are both producers and users of grapes and wine. The climate of Kakheti is favorable to develop the vine industry here. They are： Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Mtsvane, Kabeme and Khikhvi. Kakheti gives more than half of branded wines of the republic. Fifty-four percent of vineyards of the country are placed, and 65%-68% of total wines in Georgia are produced in Kakheti.