An end to the Russian ban on Georgian wine imports is looking increasingly probable in 2013, according to industry professionals.
Kremlin sources say ban will be lifted
Pavel Titov, chairman of Russia’s oldest sparkling wine producer, Abrau-Durso, told Decanter.com sources in the Kremlin had confirmed that after initial discussions, Russia would ‘most likely’ start importing Georgian wine before the end of the year.
‘We must remember that the ban was not solely political, Georgian wine quality has improved immensely since the initial enactment of the ban. Russia had to protect itself from being flooded with cheap, low quality wine,’ Titov said.
Russia’s ban on all imports of Georgian and Moldovan wine in 2006 was condemned by Georgia as politically motivated, and illegal.
Gennady Onishchenko, Russia’s chief sanitary inspector who presided over the ban, told the Russian press on Monday a Russian delegation will visit Georgia this month to discuss resuming the import of Georgian wine.
‘All the indications are that Russia will start importing from Georgia this year, it is unlikely that we will take steps back at this stage,’ Titov added.
Written by James Lawrence
