Results of Research on Abkhazian and Adjarian Grape Varieties – Scientific Event Held at Caucasus International University

On October 9, a presentation on research into Abkhazian and Adjarian grape varieties was held at the Viticulture and Enology Campus of Caucasus International University, as part of joint projects between CIU and Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation.

The meeting was opened by Olani Gotsiridze, Dean of the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology. Giorgi Pareshishvili, Advisor to the Rector, welcomed the audience. Professor Davit Maghradze, Deputy Dean for Scientific Affairs, spoke about the research on the Georgian grapevine gene pool being conducted at the university.

The event featured presentations of research conducted within the framework of the Master’s program at the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology: Ana Tsetskhladze — “Ampelographic, Agronomic, and Oenological Study of Adjarian Grape Varieties under the Agro-ecological Conditions of Kobuleti (MR-25-622)” (Scientific Supervisor: Associate Professor Maia Kikvadze); and Aleksandre Shamugia — “Ampelographic Characterization of Abkhazian Grape Varieties and Assessment of Their Agronomic and Oenological Potential (MR-25-155)” (Scientific Supervisor: Professor Davit Maghradze).

The event was attended by representatives from the university administration, the scientific community, state agencies, and industry-related organizations.

Vakhtang Kolbaia, Deputy Chair of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, highlighted the results achieved by the university and noted that research into regional grape varieties contributes to the promotion of Georgian wine:

“I would like to mention that I attended an exceptionally good presentation. It is highly significant that Caucasus International University is clearly demonstrating the results it has achieved in this field. This represents yet another important contribution to the collective effort of promoting Georgian wine and establishing its reputation and standing. The presentations—which focused on grape varieties from Adjara and Abkhazia, as well as the wines produced from them—reaffirm that Georgia’s strength lies in the diversity of its regions. Each region possesses its own unique grape varieties, and it is precisely this diversity that complements and enriches Georgian winemaking. It is also worth noting that the presenter spoke brilliantly about future objectives—goals that he, as a researcher, has clearly defined and articulated”.

Olani Gotsiridze, Dean of the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology at CIU, highlighted the university commitment to fostering scientific innovation and the development of the sector:

“Today’s meeting clearly demonstrated the significance that Caucasus International University places on scientific research, the development of the younger generation, and the training of new, qualified professionals. The Faculty of Viticulture and Enology is always ready to support innovative projects and, through collaboration with various state institutions, contribute to the advancement of the field”.

Aleksandre Shamugia, the author of the research and a doctoral student at CIU Faculty of Viticulture and Enology, spoke about the significance of the project and expressed his gratitude to the supporting organizations:

“Today’s presentation event was dedicated to the study of Abkhazian grape varieties—a project carried out with the support of Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia and Caucasus International University. I was fortunate enough to be one of the grant recipients. My research focused on viticulture and winemaking in Abkhazia. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to conduct an in-depth study of the viticulture and winemaking traditions of my home region. I would like to express my gratitude for this opportunity to Caucasus International University, the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology—under the leadership of Ms. Olani Gotsiridze—and Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia”.

Zurab Vacharadze, Deputy Chair of the National Wine Agency, highlighted the university material and technical infrastructure, as well as the Agency’s involvement in the process of training qualified professionals:

“We have signed a memorandum with Caucasus International University, and I would like to note that this university is truly a source of pride for the viticulture and enology sector. The university performs vital work by facilitating the training of qualified professionals, supported by an appropriate material and technical infrastructure. I am pleased that we maintain an active partnership with the university. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral theses are defended here, and I am glad that the National Wine Agency—together with its supervising ministry—is involved in this process. We will do everything in our power to address the challenges facing the field and to ensure that the sector is staffed by qualified, highly capable professionals”.

Levan Bolkvadze, a department head at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Adjara, spoke about the historical and cultural significance of restoring forgotten grape varieties:

“I am delighted that students from my region are studying in the agricultural field at this excellent university. Today, they presented on forgotten and lost grape varieties—varieties that are rarely found even in collections. I am proud that Ana Tsetskhladze—who represents both Abkhazia and our own region—has chosen to study these varieties. In my view, studying and reviving a single grape variety is equivalent to building a church. I would like to wish success to the university, the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology, and all those working here who have set themselves the goal of cultivating such high-caliber specialists”.

Bagrat Razmadze, Head of the Financial-Economic Department at Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, commented on the achievements of the young scientists and the high caliber of their research:

“Today, at Caucasus International University, we heard presentations from two successful students. As part of their master’s projects, they won a competition for master’s students organized by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia. Consequently, they conducted a year-long study and achieved excellent results, leading to the awarding of their master’s degrees. I wish them success and look forward to seeing their research continue into the next stage”.

The event concluded with a thematic discussion and a tasting of experimental wines produced as part of the research.