Tsinandali Estate Hosts the Fourth Edition of the Wine Symposium
Tsinandali Estate hosted the fourth edition of the Grand Jury du Vin Wine Symposium, which this year also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the international association Grand Jury du Vin.
Founded in Switzerland in 1996, Grand Jury du Vin held its wine symposiums for many years on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. The association is an independent international organization dedicated to evaluating fine wines through tastings based on objective assessment criteria. Its mission is to promote wine culture and encourage the highest standards of wine evaluation worldwide.
In 2023, at the initiative of Silk Road Group and with the support of Bank of Georgia, the symposium was held at Tsinandali Estate for the first time and has since become an annual tradition. The event brings together renowned European winemakers, sommeliers, wine experts, journalists, and enthusiasts. In previous years, guests have taken part in prestigious blind tastings featuring Bordeaux Grand Cru, Burgundy, Georgian, and Italian wines. The Tsinandali Wine Symposium is hosted by Silk Hospitality.
This year's symposium focused on some of Spain's finest wines. A special tasting was also held to mark Grand Jury du Vin's 30th anniversary, featuring internationally acclaimed wines and Champagne from around the world.
"It is a great pleasure to see the Tsinandali Symposium by Grand Jury du Vin Wine take place at Tsinandali Estate for the fourth consecutive year. My sincere thanks to the President of Grand Jury du Vin Laurent Vialette for this valuable partnership and collaboration, and to the Bank of Georgia for standing by us and supporting the Symposium since its very first year.This year marks the 30th anniversary of Grand Jury du Vin, alongside several significant milestones in Georgian history: 1,700 years since Christianity was declared the state religion of Georgia, the 240th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Chavchavadze, and the 80th anniversary of the museum dedicated to his legacy. It is a true pleasure to celebrate these remarkable anniversaries here at Tsinandali Estate, a place deeply rooted in Georgia’s history, culture, and winemaking heritage." - George Ramishvili, Founder of Silk Road Group
Georgian wines also received special attention during the symposium. Alongside Spanish wines, members of Grand Jury du Vin tasted this year's winners of the International Saperavi Competition, discovering outstanding examples of Georgian winemaking and exploring the potential of the Saperavi grape variety.
In addition to wine tastings, the two-day program featured educational sessions. Academician David Lordkipanidze delivered a lecture titled "Georgia - The Homeland of Wheat and Wine." Wine Avenue also returned this year, giving Spanish and Georgian wineries the opportunity to present their wines, while guests explored the distinctive winemaking traditions of both countries.
As part of the symposium, the organizers held a press conference at the historic Tsinandali Estate on the opening day. The same day also marked the signing of the Tsinandali Declaration, a manifest emphasizing the importance of protecting wine as part of our cultural heritage.
The declaration was initiated by some of the most influential figures in the wine world: Aubert de Villaine, one of France's most respected winemakers, a leading figure in Burgundy's wine culture and co-owner of the legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti; Boris Champy, a renowned French winemaker and oenologist who serves as President of the International Association of Terroirs and Winemaking; and Jacky Rigaux, a French wine researcher, critic, and author.
The Tsinandali Declaration was signed by Laurent Vialette, President of Grand Jury du Vin; George Ramishvili, Founder of Silk Road Group; George Kharabadze, Director of Tsinandali Estate; and Archil Gachechiladze, CEO of Bank of Georgia.
The declaration is open to further signatures from winemakers, sommeliers, wine journalists, restaurateurs, wine enthusiasts, and organizations around the world - anyone who recognizes wine as part of our cultural heritage and is committed to protecting it at both national and international levels.
With its deep roots in Georgian winemaking history, Tsinandali Estate continues to serve as an important cultural and educational destination. By bringing together world-class wines, Georgian hospitality, and a rich cultural heritage, the estate carries forward centuries-old traditions while strengthening Georgia's presence on the international wine stage.
(Ad)
