More than 100 experts from around the world are participating in the 14th annual conference of the American Association of Wine Economists (AAWE) ongoing at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU). TSU Rector George Sharvashidze, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili, Professor at New York University, Karl Storchman, Chairman of the National Wine Agency, Levan Mekhuzla, President of the America Georgia Business Council, Mamuka Tsereteli, Director of the National Museum of Georgia, Davit Lortkipanidze, Georgian and foreign experts, professors and students are attending the event. 
 

Wine economists from the United States, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hungary, France, Canada, Australia, South Africa, the Netherlands, Italy, Georgia are discussing the issues related to wine economy and industry, as well as sharing their experiences and ideas with their colleagues. 
 

“It is the first time that an event of such scale is being held in Georgia. Professionals in this field have arrived from different countries. This will contribute primarily to the research of the issues related to wine economy, the development of its economy and, in general, the economic development of the country. Many people have heard that there is a long tradition of wine production in Georgia; now it is necessary to popularize our wine on big markets. We will talk about these issues at the conference,” Rector Sharvashidze said. 
 

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Levan Davitashvili spoke about the importance of the conference for the country: “The participants will be able to learn more about the opportunities, culture, and traditions of the Georgian wine industry. The leading wine experts have arrived. The conference will help Georgian wine industry gain international recognition. We are trying to increase awareness of Georgian endemic varieties and winemaking methods, such as the method of making wine in a kvevri (pitcher). This is a strong side of Georgian wine.”
 

Foreign specialists will familiarize themselves with the unique practice of winemaking and grape varieties in the homeland of wine. The conference will promote the deepening of international academic and educational cooperation in the field of wine economy. Moreover, it will also help the Georgian wine industry gain access to the U.S, German, British and other markets.
 

President of the America Georgia Business Council, Mamuka Tsereteli said that “the conference is yet another opportunity for the world community to learn about Georgia’s role in the development of wine culture. Georgia is a leading country in both the history and the development of wine industry. It is very important for Georgia to become a hub of everything related to wine, wine history, wine economy, wine policy. This conference is of great importance for our country, as it will help Georgian wine gain its foothold on the world markets.” 
 

The annual conference of the American Association of Wine Economists is held at different times in the world’s leading wine-producing countries and has a very important role in the development of wine economy. Levan Mekhuzla, chairman of the National Wine Agency, spoke in this regard: “This is yet another very important event and another acknowledgment that Georgia has appeared on the world map of winemaking and is perceived as a serious and important wine-producing country. This conference will help raise awareness of Georgian wine.” 
 

Professor Karl Storchman spoke about the special nature and culture of Georgian wine, saying that important issues related to wine economy, such as climate change and marketing will be discussed at the conference. He also stressed that the world could learn a lot from Georgia. 
 

The 14th annual conference of the American Association of Wine Economists (AAWE) is being held with the support of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the National Wine Agency, and the America Georgia Business Council. The conference will last for 4 days. One of the parts of the event involves a tour to Kakheti and Kartli, where the guests will familiarize themselves with Georgian grape varieties, wine production technologies as well as Georgian wine culture and economy.