GEORGIAN WINE MARKET WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON FOREIGN TRADE

The preparation of paper was based on the documentary analysis method. Data were derived from review of published statistics and collected by performing direct interviews with an expert of wine-making, as well as by the observations carried out in Georgia in April 2014. The history of Georgian wine is very rich. The tradition of Georgian wine industry is long, it began over 7000 years ago. Variety of wines is very diverse. They are produced from more than 500 varieties of grapes grown in Georgia. Around 150 million liters of wine is produced every single year, with around 45 000 hectares of vineyards which are cultivated. There two common techniques used in wine production. One is based on traditional and unique process when some wines are produced using modern “European” methods. The use of traditional technology is considered as state-of-the art and tends to be more popular, especially amongst home productions. About 80-90% of the wines on the Georgian wine market is obtained from national production. It is estimated that not more than 20% of this drink is imported. The aim of the research was to characterize the Georgian wine market and to investigate the scale of their exports. Georgian wines are popular all over the World. Based on collected results it was established that the export of drink has mounted up in recent years.