The wine has been a continues part of Georgia's history for over 8,000 and Georgian Qvevri (clay wine vessel) wine is included on the list of UNESCO's Intelligible Cultural Heritage, where more than 500 georgian grape varieties are also described.

Considering the aforementioned , it was no coincidence that on September 7-9 , 2016 the World Tourism Organization held-its First Global Conference on Wine Tourism in Georgia.

The event was attended by 250 delegates, including H.E. Taleb Rifai, the Secretary-General of the United Nations' World Tourism Organization.

Giorgi Kvirikashvili- Prime Minister of Georgia

Tourism is growing rapidly in Georgia and contributes substantially to our economic growth and development. It is therefore no surprise that relations Georgia and the UNWTO are strong, and getting stronger by the year. When tourists visit our country they come as guests, and leave as family. You will have the opportunity to see more of our beautiful country and learn about the ancient traditions of wine-making, which date back some 8000 years. You will also see how in practice these traditions shape Georgia today. Last year we exported over 36 million bottles of wine, not least through wine tourism.

Dimitry Kumsishvili – Minister at Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development

“This conference is of utmost importance for the Georgian people and the country as it highlights one of the most cherished and oldest traditions of our culture. Wine and wine-making is an integral part of our history and identity, and has become the key element in the nation’s brand image. With this, the opportunity to host the 1st UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism has once again placed Georgia in the hearts of the world’s wine experts, professionals and enthusiasts.”

Taleb Rifai – Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

– Georgia is a country that should be visited by everyone at least once in their lifetimes.

– We are now in the most beautiful country in the world and I do mean what I say. Georgia is beautiful not only because of its nature, mountains, 8,000-year old wine history and lovely people, but also, this is the most hospitable and lively nation in the world.

– This is a place that can be called the “cradle of wine”. Certainly, Kakheti is the “cradle of wine” and I am completely sure that everything- the celebration of joy and life – began in this place.

– We talk about a spirit which originates in this place and dates back 8,000 years. Georgia, with such a history of wine production, should be visited by all wine-makers.

George Chogovadze – Head of Grorgian National Tourism Administration

The Georgian National Tourism Administration has undertaken considerable steps to promote and raise awareness about Georgia’s tourism potential throughout the world. Our targeted marketing activities have resulted in record number of visitors arriving to the country each day, week and month. On the local level, we have been dynamic to create and further develop various tourism offerings, including steps to support the preservation and transformation of the most cherished Georgian wine traditions into tourism products, and consequently supplementing these products with marketing activities. Each year, GNTA participates in over 22 exhibitions, hosts more than 400 journalists and around 150 tour companies from various countries, and presenting Georgia’s wine tourism potential is always a focal point for each of these activities.