In order to support small wineries and natural winemaking, and within the framework of cooperation between the organizing group of WinExpo Georgia and the Association "Natural Wine," the association’s member cellars participated in the 17th International Exhibition of Wine and Alcoholic Beverages, WinExpo Georgia 2025.

The exhibition was held in Tbilisi from June 13–15. It was organized by the ExpoGeorgia Exhibition Center and supported by the National Wine Agency.

In addition to Georgian companies, about 200 wineries from seven countries (Germany, Armenia, Austria, Italy, France, Portugal and Turkey) took part. Among them were 16 member wineries of the Association "Natural Wine," which this year were granted exhibition space without paying a participation fee. These wineries were showcased in the open area of ExpoGeorgia under the Natural Wine Association logo, each with a covered stall.

Nino Gamrekeli, Creative Director of ExpoGeorgia, said: “WinExpo Georgia has united the full spectrum of Georgian winemaking for 17 years. This year’s event gained a new dimension with the presence of about 20 small wineries from the Natural Wine Association. It was important for us that visitors — wine professionals and enthusiasts — could experience wines crafted according to their unique philosophy, presented by the association’s members. Natural winemaking plays a crucial role in creating a strong and distinct image of Georgian wine and highlights the sector’s diverse evolution. The exhibition offers entrepreneurs a platform to network, exchange knowledge and forge collaborations, while visitors can explore the entire industry in one place.”

Nwa.ge spoke with several participants of the exhibition — members of the Association "Natural Wine."

Aleksandre Metreveli, of Unari Winery, said: “This year’s WinExpo went well, and the results were very positive. At Unari, we can see that the collaboration between the association and WinExpo has clearly paid off. As natural winemakers, we often circulate among the same people and lack opportunities to introduce ourselves to new audiences. WinExpo changed that — we met many strangers who could become interested in our wine, which is vital for small operations like ours. The funding we received to attend this festival was invaluable, since many small wineries cannot afford the participation fee. If this opportunity continues in future years, we plan to return. Our goal is to introduce natural wine to enthusiasts, and I believe this festival achieves that perfectly.”

When selecting participants, priority was given to wineries that meet the small-winery criteria defined by the Law on Vine and Wine.

Marina Kakiashvili-Ruadze, of Doctor’s Bio Winery, commented: “Participation in WinExpo Georgia 2025 proved highly fruitful. We hosted numerous wine-shop and restaurant managers, as well as sommeliers. Several exporters and wine writers attended, too. I personally received several promising offers for my wine, and I look forward to the next stages — both domestic sales and exports. The association’s support for participation is of paramount importance for every member winery.”

Gogita Mchedlishvili, of Iase Marani, said: “The number of guests at this year’s WinExpo was low. However, on the final day of the three-day festival attendance improved noticeably. It was helpful that association members had a dedicated booth with clear signage. Visitor interest in natural wine remained modest, but this initiative was still worthwhile. I hope future editions will draw more natural-wine enthusiasts.”

Nino Chitoshvili, of Chitos Marani, explained: “With the association’s support, we had planned to participate in WinExpo and were preparing for it. Unfortunately, a day before the festival our vineyard was damaged, forcing us to travel to Kakheti and withdraw. I hope this partnership continues next year under better circumstances so we can join in.”

Niko Beriashvili, of Niabis Marani, noted: “It was great to see the association’s logo at our natural-wine stand and to be featured separately. There was some interest, though the exhibition felt smaller for natural wine than festivals like Zero Compromise  Niabis Wine didn’t generate a major response, but the event still helped raise awareness of natural wine.”

WinExpo Georgia is the country’s oldest wine exhibition and has been held in Tbilisi for 17 years. Many small wineries from the Natural Wine Association have participated over time. This year’s collaboration was a welcome innovation, granting emerging producers free access to Georgia’s premier wine showcase — a crucial support for new and small cellars.