A significant milestone has been reached in the development of Kvemo Kartli’s wine sector with the establishment of the Kvemo Kartli Wine Union – a new platform that brings together winemakers from across the region. The union is expected to strengthen local producers, shape a clearer regional identity, and enhance the visibility of Kvemo Kartli wines in both domestic and international markets.
For years, small and medium-sized wineries in the region have struggled to position themselves independently, particularly while competing with Georgia’s historically prominent wine regions such as Kakheti, Racha and Imereti. These challenges underscored the need for closer cooperation and revealed that collective action is essential for long-term sector growth.
The initiative was driven by wine associations and independent producers from Bolnisi, Marneuli and Tetritskaro, who joined forces around a shared vision: to create a union that would better showcase the region’s potential while opening new pathways for collaboration and business development.
“This union is extremely important for the winemakers of Kvemo Kartli. It will help us raise awareness of our wines both locally and internationally,” says Nato Altunashvili, Head of the Kvemo Kartli Wine Union.
“Viticulturists and winemakers came together to promote Kvemo Kartli wine. The union will support its members in improving quality, expanding their knowledge and gaining stronger access to markets,” adds Artur Akopian, a winemaker and member of the union.
“Our region has a long tradition of working collectively – the ‘Union’ founded by the German Swabians stands as a historic example. In many ways, today’s union continues that legacy,” notes Guram Avkopashvili, also a winemaker and member of the union.
The creation of the union was preceded by a comprehensive assessment of local winemakers’ needs. Through the Local Economic Development Project (LEDP), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), a series of meetings, interviews and working sessions were held with winemakers from Bolnisi, Marneuli, and Tetritskaro.
The process revealed several priority areas for the sector, including stronger expertise in vineyard management and wine technologies, improved marketing and sales support, better connections with potential buyers, enhanced coordination among wineries and the joint organization of festivals and industry events.
According to Gvantsa Iremashvili, Deputy Team Leader of LEDP, the union fully reflects the principles that the project’s donor, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), has supported for many years: the sustainable strengthening of local economies.
“It is especially encouraging that the Kvemo Kartli Wine Union was established at the initiative of the winemakers themselves. This kind of local ownership creates a solid foundation for building a resilient regional economy,” she says.
The establishment of the Kvemo Kartli Wine Union is more than just the creation of a new organization, it marks a new phase of development built on collaboration and has the potential to play an important role in the region’s economic, cultural, and tourism growth.
