Chairman of the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia - Sakpatenti, Mr. Mindia Davitadze, signed the certificate of registration of “Qvevri” as a geographical indication, which was handed over to the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Levan Davitashvili in solemn ceremony organized at the National Wine Museum.
“Qvevri” is the first non-agricultural product, which was added to the State Registry of Geographical Indications. Its registration as a geographical indication once again proves its special link with the history, culture and identity of our country, which will facilitate promotion of Georgian wine on international markets.
It is noteworthy that in 2013 the traditional Qvevri wine-making method was approved by UNESCO with the status of intangible cultural heritage, which indicates the uniqueness of this method and is a message to the whole world that wine is an inseparable part of ancient Georgian culture.
Goods bearing geographical indications are especially demanded on the market, as such goods are of high quality, features and reputation, which are due to the particular geographical environment and human factors characteristic of the region. Hence, giving this status to Qvevri and its recognition on the state level will further increase the demand for it and its value.
The specifications of “Qvevri” include historical and archaeological sources confirming that the ancient vessels of Qvevri type are dated to the 6th-5th millennia BC. The originality of Qvevri is based on numerous contemporary research, historical sources and archaeological artifacts and represents an intellectual product of the Georgian people, a specimen of applied art, which has found industrial development.