The challenges and perspectives of development in viticulture and winemaking.

Georgia has an eight-thousand year-old continuous history of winemaking, which is confirmed by many archeological discoveries and historical facts. In Georgian museums, many exhibits dated back to millennia connected with winemaking are preserved. Various natural conditions of Georgia create best conditions for the development of viticulture. The territory of country is divided into two macro-zones (20 micro-zones): East and West Georgia. Each area of viticulture is distinguished by its characteristic grape varieties, which are best suited to the microclimate of these districts and the viticulture traditions. Viticulture and winemaking zones distinguished by climatic and other characteristics allow making many types of wine. The state should support planting new areas of vineyards, including tax incentives. Potential capabilities of viticulture zones should be maximally used for their further extension. Special attention should be paid to the procedures that are necessary for the preparation of high-quality wine (harvesting, transportation, processing, etc.). Georgian wine entrepreneurs have been able to activate the traditional unique breeds of vine and traditional breeding grounds and enter the world market. Georgia is attracting American and European markets through improving quality. For the development of the field, it is necessary to support the creation of cooperatives of vertical integration of viticulture and winemaking. The state should support planting the new areas of vineyards, including tax incentives. Only by efficient state regulation and control can be achieved competitive, high quality wine production, protection of consumer market from falsified and poor quality products, development of viticulture and winemaking as a priority sector of the national economy. Among wine producing Eastern countries, Georgia is a country, which has the best conditions for wine production (soil, climate, grape breeds, traditions, etc.) and legitimate rights for the recognition of wine in the world market.