Exciting News: The Imeretian Wine Challenge 2024 Returns!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Imeretian Wine Challenge 2024 is making its grand return for the second consecutive year in Imereti, Kutaisi, from October 4-6, 2024!
The purpose of this competition is to bolster wine tourism in Georgia, increase awareness of Imeretian grape varieties and wines, and celebrate the distinctive qualities of Imeretian viticulture and winemaking.
A distinguished panel of Georgian and international experts will evaluate the entries. The Jury Panel for 2024 consists of:
Robert Joseph (UK) – Acclaimed author and wine critic, founder of numerous competitions, and a respected jury member for prestigious events such as the London Wine Challenge and Decanter, as well as a distinguished jury member of the WTA since its inaugural edition.
Thomas Brandl (Germany) – Renowned wine expert, promoter of Southeast European and Caucasian wines, and ambassador for Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
Davide Bartone (Italy) – Leading wine journalist, editor-in-chief of winemag.it, and jury member at international wine competitions.
Matthew Horkey (USA) – Influential wine journalist, writer, and international competition judge.
Iryna Diachenkova (Ukraine) – Co-founder of Wine Travel Awards, Drinks+, and DRINKS+ magazine, and jury member of international wine competitions.
Vladimer Kublashvili (Georgia) – International wine judge and CEO of Khareba winery.
Tamar Imedadze (Georgia) – Deputy Chairperson of the Georgian Tasting Commission and international competition jury member.
Saba Kitiashvili (Georgia) – Master winemaker and ASI International Sommelier Certification Level 1.
Tinatin Jajanidze (Georgia) – Director of Irma Chanturia Wine Laboratory LLC and international competition taster.
Giorgi Samanishvili (Georgia) – Oenologist specializing in wine management, economics, and law.
Ketevan Yurkadze (Georgia) – Director of the Imeretian Wine Association, competition head, and founder of Kabistoni Wine School and Kabis Toni Winery, both of which won the WTA vote this year, with the school receiving the “Judge’s Choice” award.
DMO Imereti, the organizer of the contest, has made a remarkable impact by sponsoring the nominees and the competition itself at the Wine Travel Awards Third Edition (2023-2024). They promoted Imereti as a region Region of the year category, the Imeretian Wine Association as an ambassador – in the Creative Strategy category and the competition itself as an event – Event of the Year category. The trophies and diplomas for the winners were presented by Robert Joseph at the awards ceremony in London.”