The Parliament discussed in an expedited manner and adopted the Draft Law on Vine and Wine with 81 votes.

The Draft postpones the mandatory increase of the spirit percentage up to 85% made of Georgian grape for use in the manufacture of the “Georgian Brand” (the norm becomes effective as of January 2, 2028, instead of January 1, 2024). As the reporter, the First Deputy Environmental Minister, Nino Tandilashvili stated, as the current Law envisages, the affixion of the label “Georgian Brand” becomes admissible as of January 1, 2024, in the event, if at least 85% of spirits are made of the Georgian grapes.

Prior to the enactment of the hereof norm, the “Georgian Brand” could be labeled if at least 50% of spirits were made by means of the distillation of wine made of Georgian grapes.

“We have held various meetings with the private sector manufacturing the “Georgian Brand” for export, including to the EU. Such a leap may have a negative effect on the manufacturing price and thus, the increase shall be gradual and thus, the Draft postpones the enactment of the norm and ensures the increase by 5-10% during 5 upcoming years to make a process smooth”, - she noted.