On March 26, the Local Economic Development Project (LEDP) held a working meeting to explore the feasibility of establishing a multifunctional wine tasting space in Asureti. Project partners and local stakeholders came together to discuss a shared vision for the space’s development and evaluate its economic potential. Participants had the opportunity to review in detail:
- The findings from the assessment of Asureti’s tourism and visitor potential;
- The proposed business model and financial analysis for the planned space;
- The preliminary vision and concept for the technical layout of the facility.
A key focus of the discussion was the potential impact of the multifunctional space on the development of the regional winemaking industry and the increase in tourist flows. It was emphasized that the initiative will contribute to the empowerment of local entrepreneurs, the expansion of commercial opportunities, and the promotion of inter-municipal cooperation.
“Asureti, with its remarkable historical and cultural heritage, offers a unique opportunity for the development of wine tourism. Together with our partners, we explored the potential of transforming the former German kindergarten building into a tasting and multifunctional space – evaluating both its economic and social impact,” said Nestan Mermanishvili, Component Manager of the LEDP.
The event featured both presentations and group work in thematic breakout sessions. Participants jointly discussed the following topics:
- The strategic development pathway for the multifunctional space;
- Marketing campaigns to promote wine culture;
- Effective management of mobile production services during peak seasons;
- The organizational model for managing the space, service pricing, and principles for staff recruitment.
The project is implemented by a consortium of HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and WINS Global Consult, with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The initiative aims to create a foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic development in Georgia’s regions by supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
