The IWSC Judging in Batumi
The IWSC Judging in Batumi: Georgia Welcomes the UK Wine Experts
For the first time, the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) held its wine judging sessions in Batumi, the vibrant capital of Georgia’s Black Sea region, Adjara. Between 23–29 November 2025, this coastal city became the global centre of wine excellence, uniting international experts and Georgian professionals for a week that celebrated culture, innovation, and authenticity.
A week of wine, history, and hospitality
Batumi is unlike any other Georgian city. Palm trees, sea air, crazy mix of architectural styles create a contrast that feels both chaotic and charming. This atmosphere shaped the entire judging week.
The programme opened with a benchmarking dinner at Restaurant Bern, where the judges got their first taste of Georgian cuisine: assorted appetisers with walnuts and spices, soft cheeses, chicken in bazhe sauce, chakapuli and another dozen of mouthwatering dishes. It set the tone for what Georgia does best: pairing wine with a sense of place, as well as heartwarming hospitality.
The following days combined formal judging at Rooms Hotel Batumi with excursions into Ajara’s wine country. Judges visited Chkhavalley Winery in Keda, a small family winery that captures the rustic character of mountainous Ajara, and a larger Avaliani Brothers Cellar, where vineyards sit above misty river. The evening tasting and dinner at Château Iveri, in the village of Sirabidzeebi, showcased a newer generation of western Georgian producers investing in quality — intense whites, lighter reds, and experiments that surprised many.
Between tastings, the group explored Petra Fortress, with its sweeping sea views, and Gonio Fortress, one of the oldest Roman sites in the region. Even the sightseeing became part of the “wine road” narrative, a reminder that every corner of Georgia carries traces of ancient trade… and winemaking.
Local cuisine also played its own starring role. Judges tasted borano (buttery melted cheese), sinori (a layered dish of thin flatbread and yoghurt), achma, and of course Adjarian khachapuri, the famous cheese boat. These dishes gave context to the wines they were scoring — especially the fresher, lighter styles emerging from western Georgia. However, we all know that Georgian wine can find friends in every cuisine!
A mighty jury with global vision
The judging panel was led by Sarah Abbott MW, a member of the IWSC Wine Judging Committee and founder of Swirl Wine Group, alongside David Kermode, broadcaster and host of The Drinking Hour podcast. Other international judges included Rebecca Palmer (Corney & Barrow), Will Hill (Novel Wines), Salvatore Castano (ASI Best Sommelier Europe & Africa), Sunny Hodge (Diogenes the Dog; the author of The Cynic’s Guide to Wine), Adam Michocki (Central Wines), and Joanna Nerantzi, Head Sommelier at 5 Hertford Street.
From the Georgian side, the expertise was equally impressive: Levan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency; Professor Mariam Khomasuridze, leading oenologist from Georgian Technical University; Jaba Dzimistarishvili, Georgia’s Best Sommelier 2021; Maia Katsitadze, spirits specialist and Head of Technology at Sarajishvili; and Daria Kholodilina, wine educator and ambassador for Georgian wine culture.
Together, they evaluated hundreds of wines across styles, from traditional qvevri ambers to contemporary crisp whites and fine reds, highlighting the breadth of Georgian winemaking today. Also, the program included meetings with winemakers and exploring wines from Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi, showing the country’s full winemaking range.
Recognition and new beginnings
As IWSC CEO Christelle Guibert noted, “Georgian wines are gaining more definition, consistency, and recognition with each passing year.” The results confirmed that growth: medal-winners represented nearly every region, and the Top 10 Young Winemakers of Georgia list debuted, honouring a new generation driving innovation and sustainability.
The winners’ announcement at Rooms Hotel Batumi closed a truly remarkable week. The judges were clearly impressed by the wines and the ambition they witnessed. The event’s success reaffirmed Georgia’s role as a bridge between very ancient traditions and innovation, East and West, and as one of the world’s most exciting wine destinations today.
