Khatia Dundua - harvest in Bordeaux
- tboba magazine
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read

I’m Khatia Dundua, a graduate of the Georgian Agrarian University, Faculty of Viticulture and Enology.
T: How did you end up where you are today?
In winemaking, practical experience is just as important as theory. My first harvest took place in Georgia — an experience so inspiring that it awakened a strong desire to gain international exposure and learn European styles and techniques. Through the Erasmus internship program between the Agrarian University and L’Institut Agro Montpellier, I joined my second harvest in France, in two of Bordeaux’s most prestigious regions — Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. There, I worked with premium red wines and rosés, an experience that greatly shaped my professional skills.
After graduating, I still longed to return abroad for further practice, though it wasn’t easy. With the support of my faculty dean, Ana Godabrelidze, and the director of Rtvelisi Winery, Tornike Chikadze, I was fortunate to continue my journey at one of the renowned wineries in the Bordeaux region.
T: Why did you choose this profession?
Before university, I never seriously considered winemaking as a career, though I always found it fascinating. But after exploring various options, viticulture and enology became my first choice — it felt natural. This field breaks boundaries: it allows you to work with diverse people, in different cultures and countries. Every harvest is unique and keeps you in constant search of new knowledge and discovery.
T: What is your goal at this stage?
Right now, my goal is to gain as much diverse experience as possible and to study the winemaking cultures of leading wine countries up close. Every harvest, for me, is a new adventure — a source of learning and inspiration. Ultimately, I want to bring this knowledge back to Georgia: to blend modern practices with our ancient traditions and help Georgian wine take its rightful place on the world map.
T: What motivates you to keep going?
Georgia’s winemaking heritage spans 8,000 years, and our potential for the future is just as vast. We were one of the first homelands of wine, with over 500 native grape varieties and deeply rooted traditions. Preserving these values while embracing innovation is what drives me most. Winemaking has always been part of our national identity, and I feel a sense of responsibility to continue that story.
Another great source of motivation comes from the winemaking community itself — a circle of support, respect, and shared purpose. We are united by one goal: to promote and strengthen Georgian wine. I’ve learned a lot from experienced winemakers, and I see it as my duty to pass on that knowledge to the next generation, continuing this beautiful chain of connection.
T: What do you think Georgian winemaking still lacks?
Georgia already has everything it needs — unique grape varieties, ancient traditions, and a rich culture. But history alone is not enough. There’s still a certain fear of change — a belief that modern practices might dilute tradition. Yet, growth requires balance. With more young people entering the field, this mindset is slowly evolving. It’s crucial to adopt new technologies and raise quality standards — not just in the cellar but also in the vineyard, because great wine begins with great grapes.
Unfortunately, most of Georgia’s wine exports still rely heavily on the Russian market, which poses both economic and quality risks. Our focus should shift to developed markets, where higher standards will, in turn, elevate the quality of production.Another challenge is visibility — Georgian grape varieties and stories remain underrepresented internationally. Stronger marketing and global awareness campaigns are key to changing that.
T: What advice would you give to those choosing this profession now?
At first glance, winemaking may seem simple, but it’s a demanding and challenging profession. You must keep learning, exploring, and gaining experience — both theoretical and practical. Taking part in harvests is essential, and I’d also encourage young winemakers to seek international experience to better understand global wine cultures.
And to women entering this field — don’t let stereotypes hold you back. There’s still a notion that winemaking is “not for women,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In many leading wine countries, women play key roles and achieve incredible success. In this field, gender doesn’t define you — passion, perseverance, and dedication do.
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