Exports of Georgian wine to the UK have trebled

Exports of Georgian wine to the UK have more than trebled in volume over the last year, while value sales have increased by 60%.

Year on year exports of Georgian wine to the UK have increased by 243% in volume and 60% in value

According to figures from the National Wine Agency of Georgia, exports of Georgian wine to the UK have increased by 243% in the year to October 2020. Over that period, 366,486 bottles of Georgian wine were imported into the UK, up from 106,855 bottles in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, value sales of Georgian wine to the UK over the same period totalled £802,640, up from £500,401 last year, representing a 60% rise.

“The National Wine Agency of Georgia has been investing in a UK promotional programme for three years and, despite a very challenging year, are reaping rewards,” Sarah Abbott MW, head of Wines of Georgia in the UK, said.

“Our activity has focussed on raising awareness of Georgia’s wine quality, heritage and appeal, and helping the trade to feel confident in adding Georgian wine to their portfolios and promoting it to their customers.

“There is still a lot of unsigned talent in Georgia, and we look forward to establishing the category even more strongly in the UK. Both qvevri and classically made wines are doing well in the UK.”, Abbott added.

In the last 12 months, four national agencies have added Georgian wines to their portfolio: Amathus with Dugladze, Berkmann with Tbilvino, Boutinot with Teliani, and Hallgarten with Vachnadziani, which has increased the availability of Georgian wines for a broader consumer base.

“Our sales of Georgian wine have been growing by the month, and we’re now selling double the amount we were six months ago. There’s a real curiosity among customers about the indigenous grape varieties and traditional production methods,” said Oxford Wine Company’s head of retail, Emily Silva.

“We’re delighted with the quality of the range we stock, and this has led to repeat purchases and some very loyal fans of Georgian wine in Oxford,” she added.

To increase awareness about Georgian wine among the UK trade and wine press, Abbott has run a number of virtual tastings and webinars on the topic this year.

“The appetite for learning about Georgian wine is huge. We ran two very successful virtual trips to Georgia last month, which allowed attendees to talk with winemakers, ‘tour’ their wineries, and taste their wines alongside Georgian snacks and music,” Abbott said.