A short documentary on Georgia’s identity

The Georgian wine industry is the oldest in the world, but it has rarely known peace. From its origins 8,000 years ago to the Russian-imposed embargo. From the fall of the Soviet Union to today. And after the controversial election of the pro-Russian party Georgian dream, it might face a new series of challenges.

While many may not immediately associate Georgia with wine, it is impossible to overlook in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi: wine bars are on nearly every corner, and old city walls often feature paintings of people dining and toasting their glasses.

The love Georgians feel for wine is not only visible in the streetscape. When you ask them about it, even the seemingly reserved Caucasians light up. After all, wine is much more than just an alcoholic beverage—it is a symbol of love, family, and freedom.

Crossing borders

Today, Georgian wine is exported worldwide, with an increasing focus on the West.

And although the beloved product seems to be making its way to the West more and more, these import numbers are only a fraction of the total export. Northern neighbor Russia remains the largest importer of Georgian wine, and it has always been that way.

The Russian grip

Russia has always had a strong influence on Georgia’s wine industry. In 2006, it banned the import of Georgian wine, claiming “quality issues,” though many believe it was a political move against Georgia’s closer ties with the West. At the time, Russia bought 80 percent of Georgia’s wine exports, so the embargo hit hard. However, it also forced Georgian winemakers to improve quality and find new markets. The ban ended in 2013, but it showed how closely wine and politics are linked in the region.

Since 2021, there has been an increase in Georgian wine exports to the West. This is likely due to efforts by Georgian winemakers to reduce their dependence on Russia following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The long-standing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia have also impacted Georgian wine exports in the past. For example, in 2015, after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, there was a noticeable dip in exports. This decline was not only evident in Russia and Ukraine but also in Kazakhstan, another former Soviet country.

The wine and the sword

After the pro-Russian party Georgian Dream controversially won the elections in October 2024, thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets daily to protest. The demonstrations frequently turn violent, with police and riot police using tear gas and water cannons. In turn, the protesters throw fireworks at the parliament building and set small fires in various parts of the city. Among the protesters are winemakers. Some of them have consciously chosen for years not to trade with Russia. They are largely dependent on trade with other countries. After the election victory of Georgian Dream, they fear the unpredictability that the future holds.