Within the framework of the state support program for the promotion of Georgian wine, wine importers and sommeliers from various countries will periodically arrive in Georgia during 2025, mainly conducting tastings in small wineries. The process is being carried out with the support of the National Wine Agency. The Natural Wine Association has a quota of 5 wineries to attend each tasting, and accordingly, 5 member wineries of the Association participate in all such tastings.

The first tasting took place on June 21 in Chardakhi, at Iago’s Marani, with the following member wineries participating: Andrias Wine, Alexander’s Marani, Amiran Vepkhvadze’s Marani, Anapea, and Angura.

Guests at the event were wine professionals from the United Kingdom, including:

• Shane Jones – Certified Wine and Sake Specialist
• Lizzie O’Riordan – Wine Writer and Sommelier
• Jack Prince – Certified Sommelier
• Stefan Neumann – Master Sommelier, Wine Presenter and Consultant
• Carol Brione – Sommelier and Wine Merchant
• Olufikayo Ifaturoti – Wine Consultant
• Victoria Sharples – Wine Business and Tourism Consultant
• Georgina Kinsella – Wine Writer
• Jessica Summer – Founder of Mouse and Grape
• James Card – General Manager of the Berenjak Group

The next tasting was held on June 27 in Kiketi, at Gotsa Marani, where the following member wineries took part: Batsashvili Marani, Bua Marani, Gabrieli Marani, Giorgi Revazashvili Marani, and David Gremelashvili Marani.

This time, the tasting was attended by importers, sommeliers, and distributors from China. The Chinese delegation included:

• Fong Walker – Master of Wine
• Kevin Yadong – Senior Importer in China's wine trade

• Christina Wan – Wine Blogger, Journalist, and Writer
• Eva Ling – Blogger, Writer, and Gourmet
• Chang Liu DipSET – Wine Specialist
• Lin Yaojun – Wine Expert
• Ying Sun – Wine Expert
• Hao Li DipSET – Wine Expert
• Anne Chen – DipWSET Representative

On July 24, five member wineries of the Natural Wine Association once again took part in the third tasting, held at Nikala’s Marani in Kardenakhi. Participating wineries included: Zurab Kviriashvili Vineyards, Demi Winery, Doremi, Wine Valley, and Doctor’s Bio Winery.

The third tasting featured wine professionals from the United States. Georgian wines were tasted and evaluated by the following experts:

• Jonathan Eiholtz – Wine Expert
• Jim Bube – Founder of Hogsalt
• Peter Granoff – Owner of Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant
• Morgan Harris – Sommelier
• Jared Slippy – Owner of Knead Wine and Tremolo Bar
• Andy Myers – Representative of Kohanaiki Resort
• Brett Davis – Sales and Education Manager at E. & J. Gallo Winery

The tasting series will continue, with member wineries of the Natural Wine Association participating regularly. The identity of visiting sommeliers and wine merchants is not disclosed in advance, but all member wineries will have the opportunity to take part in each tasting, following alphabetical order.