Traditional viticultural knowledge in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region had largely been forgotten over the years due to various socio-economic factors, including migration, underdevelopment of agriculture, and limited access to modern technologies. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to revive and promote this ancient knowledge. This process has significantly contributed to increasing local interest in viticulture, thereby supporting the revitalization of the viticulture the preservation of traditional grape varieties, and the strengthening of agrobiodiversity in the region.
Farmers Kakhaber Aspanidze and Imeda Mumladze, recentlyy supported vineyard cultivation and maintenance efforts by offering their own plots of land for the activities. Their active involvement played crucial role in the successful implementation of pilot initiatives aimed at reviving traditional grape varieties and restoring the region’s historical links to viticulture. By contributing their land and participating in practical vineyard management, local farmers not only helped preserve cultural heritage, but also strengthened their own capacity and interest in sustainable agricultural practices that can enhance both livelihoods and biodiversity. The event attracted more than 60 farmers from the region and vineyard served as venue for a fabulous field training sessions, which provided both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the vineyard maintenance, under the guidance of the and professional oversight of Mr. Levan Ujmajuridze. His qualification and expertise benefitted the farmers from scientifically grounded approaches and regionally adapted strategies. Along with his practical insights, these played a key role in the successful implementation of the activities, which was collaborative efforts between the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture and the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (RECC), with support from the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and UNEP.
Through practical demonstrations – starting from the proper planting of grapevines and continuing through all stages of vine care – participants were given the opportunity to analyze common mistakes made in vineyard management and receive accurate, essential information. They learned how to correctly train and shape the vines in order to achieve better and higher-quality yields. The training also addressed the importance of selecting the proper vineyard exposure to ensure optimal sunlight, and emphasized ways to improve soil fertility for healthier vine growth. “We prune the vines, but often incorrectly. Unfortunately, we are dedicated to have high yield. However, today’s training showed us techniques, optimizing grape cultivation by enhancing soil fertility and creating conditions for healthy development to ensure consistently good yields,” – farmer Janiko Astaturyan from the settlement Aspindza, Aspindza Municipality noted.
Farmer Emzar Gachechiladze from village Zikilia, Akhaltsikhe Municipality added, “Since grapevine cultivation has not been a leading crop over the past 50–70 years, there are very few people left who possess proper knowledge of its care and maintenance. Even those farmers who do have some knowledge often apply incorrect practices. Involving an experienced specialist and transferring knowledge through practical trainings – especially now, alongside the distribution of vine seedlings – is of vital importance.”
Mr. Levan Ujmajuridze conveyed crucial information to the participants through practical demonstrations of proper vine planting and care techniques. Ensuring the correct agrotechnical practices aligned with the vine’s phenological stages supports the healthy development of newly planted seedlings, which will later guarantee a high-quality harvest. This knowledge has largely been forgotten, though it remains scattered among some farmers. Events like these help demonstrate this knowledge and facilitate its sharing with other novice farmers.
The live demonstration of vine cultivation and maintenance sparked many questions and through discussions they were addressed. It became evident, that they are preservers of the heritage embedded in their land, where spirit of viticulture culture continues to flourish.
