On September 6, 2018, a Coordinating Center of Environment and Agro biodiversity hosted a delegation from South Korea, the guests were from Scientific – Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking and the University of Ionami.  

The visit was planned and carried out by Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, South Korea Agricultural Development and Administration and Agro biodiversity National Center. The aim of the Project is to exchange genetic resources, to develop joint cooperation of management and researches in the named field. From Georgian side, Academician G. Aleksidze, the President of GAAS and the head of the Project, participated in the expedition, also Academician Nodar Chkhartishvili, a Deputy Head of Coordinating Center of Environment and Agro Biodiversity of the Academy, Dr. Anatoli Giorgadze, Dr. Tinatin Epitashvili, a Secretary of Coordinating Center.

The Project participants had some field visits, namely to the Kakheti Region, Kvareli “Megvineoba Khareba” and take a look of its vineyards and unique Wine Cellar – the Tunnel, in which the guests could take a taste of different unique wine made from Georgian endemic species. Also they visited wine “Corporation Kindzmarauli” in Kvareli and observed new technologies of winemaking, as well as ancient, traditional winemaking. During Wine Testing the guests were offered seven different varieties of wines which raise live interest and appreciation among the guests.

The materials collected during the Expeditions in Kakheti and Ajara regions were sent to Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking in Korea. 52 samples of Georgian vine genetic resources were chosen for multiplication by tissues culture method.

   On the next stage of the Project development, Georgian specialists will visit Korea to study how Georgian vine species have coped and developed in a new environment.