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Bottles of Wine

Irakli Gogodze - harvest in Bordeaux

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I’m Irakli Gogoze, a graduate of the Georgian Agrarian University, Faculty of Viticulture and Enology.


T: How did you end up where you are now?


I had a strong desire to turn my theoretical knowledge into real, hands-on experience. For several months, I reached out to more than 70 wineries abroad — but none of them worked out. I was close to giving up when my faculty director, Ms. Ana Godabrelidze, contacted me with an offer to join an internship in France. Naturally, I accepted immediately. That opportunity brought me to Bordeaux – a place where theory meets the pure essence of winemaking.


T: Why did you choose this profession?


My decision came quite spontaneously, back in 9th grade. For some reason, I never considered another path. Later, when choosing my university, I realized that no other field felt as right as winemaking — it was the only one that truly excited me. What seemed simple at first turned out to be a field full of challenges, creativity, and discovery.


T: What is your current goal?


At this stage, my goal is to lead my small family winery, which will officially start production next year. Our vineyard is located in Racha — a region that allows us to grow unique endemic varieties, each with its own story. I want to contribute, even in a small way, to the development of winemaking in Racha and to show how diverse and distinctive this region is — not only for its landscapes and people but also for its wines. I dream of reviving forgotten grape varieties and experimenting to create something new, different, and exciting for wine lovers.


T: What motivates you to keep going?


My biggest motivation is the idea of making Georgia more competitive in the global wine scene. Despite our 8,000-year-old history, we are still in the background internationally. Many know Georgia as “the cradle of wine,” but few truly understand its depth. When I realize how much potential our country holds, it fuels me to do more — to help the world recognize and appreciate Georgian wine for what it truly is.


T: What do you think Georgian winemaking still lacks?


In my view, Georgian winemaking faces several challenges that time — and persistence — can fix. The first is the lack of international awareness, mostly due to limited exports. Most Georgian wine is still sold locally, which slows global recognition. Another issue is over-reliance on the Russian market — over half of our exports still go there, and that needs to change if we want to move closer to the modern, dynamic wine world.We also need to evolve in mindset — to stay curious, experiment more, and embrace diversity. Georgia’s strength lies in its authenticity, and our unique qvevri wines can beautifully coexist with modern styles if we let them.


T: What advice would you give to those choosing this profession today?


First and foremost — approach it with love. Be patient, curious, and dedicated, because all the effort you put in will eventually reflect in the wine you make. Alongside theoretical knowledge, practical experience is crucial. So, to students and newcomers, I’d say — spend as much time as possible in vineyards and wineries. After all, great wine always begins with great grapes.

 
 
 

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Tboba Magazine is the authoritative voice celebrating the rich heritage and diverse flavors of Georgian wine and spirits. Our aims is to promote Georgian wines - through in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and immersive experiences, we guide our audience on a journey to explore and appreciate the unique culture and craftmanship behind every bottle.

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