Case Study
Winery Guremani: Putting Georgian Winemaking on the Global Map
Winery Guremani’s success at the IWSC shows how global recognition can strengthen both reputation and reach for producers.
Nestled in the heart of Georgia’s Kakheti region, in the historic town of Gurjaani, Kotekhi Gurjaani Wine Factory - known today as Winery Guremani - has long been a guardian of Georgia’s winemaking heritage. Founded in 1976, the winery has built its reputation on cultivating native grape varieties and producing wines that bridge centuries of tradition with modern winemaking precision.
By reviving the ancient name Guremani, the medieval title of Gurjaani, the winery pays tribute to its origins, while celebrating Georgia’s enduring connection to the vine.
Entering the IWSC: Representing the New Face of Georgian Wine
When the IWSC brought its judging sessions to Georgia, Guremani saw a unique opportunity. “The IWSC is one of the world’s most respected competitions,” shared the team. “We wanted to see how our wines express themselves in a truly international context to gain professional feedback, but also to represent the new face of Georgian winemaking: precise, elegant, and contemporary while rooted in heritage.”
For Guremani, the decision to enter wasn’t simply about competition. It was about validation, testing their wines against the global benchmark and showing how far Georgian producers have come in terms of refinement and consistency.
The IWSC in Georgia: A Catalyst for Global Recognition
Having the IWSC hosted in Georgia brought immense value to the country’s wine community. “It’s an honor to have IWSC held on our home soil,” the Guremani team noted. “It gives local producers direct exposure to the world’s leading experts. Judges discover our native grape varieties firsthand, and we receive authentic, high-level feedback. This kind of exchange raises the overall standard and encourages us all to think globally.”
Beyond medals, the presence of IWSC’s expert judges has elevated international understanding of Georgian terroir and winemaking style - a vital step for producers aiming to expand beyond regional recognition.
In 2025, Guremani’s dedication was rewarded when the winery received the IWSC Georgian Producer Trophy, alongside several medals for its wines.
“Winning the Georgian Producer Trophy was a milestone,” the team reflected. “It validated our philosophy of blending traditional craftsmanship with modern precision. The recognition brought new trust from partners and opened conversations with importers who value authenticity and consistency. It also inspired our team - proof that dedication and detail truly resonate on the world stage.”
From Awards to Action: Building Global Credibility
The winery wasted no time in leveraging their IWSC success. “The IWSC medal is a strong symbol of credibility, especially for a relatively young Georgian brand like Guremani,” they explained.
The medals now feature prominently across bottle labels, export brochures, and trade fair displays. This visible endorsement reassures both consumers and distributors that Guremani’s wines meet the highest international standards.
“We found that people respond immediately to the IWSC logo - it communicates trust. It tells our story before we even start speaking.”
Beyond the Awards: Long-Term Growth and Global Impact
A year after their IWSC triumph, the impact remains profound. Guremani has strengthened relationships with importers, built confidence in emerging markets, and positioned itself as one of the modern ambassadors of Georgian winemaking.
“The IWSC success helped shape our reputation - showing that Georgian wines can combine centuries-old tradition with precision and style that appeal to global wine lovers,” they said.
Through the competition, the team not only gained recognition but also insights from international judges that refined how they communicate their wines’ character and story. “Those conversations helped us understand how our wines are perceived abroad - a valuable lesson for any producer seeking to grow.”
A Testament to the Power of Global Recognition
For Winery Guremani, the IWSC experience has been transformative - strengthening its reputation, deepening global connections, and inspiring continued innovation.
The winery’s story is proof that an IWSC medal does more than decorate a bottle, it opens doors, fosters credibility, and connects producers to the global wine conversation.
As Guremani’s journey shows, when passion and tradition meet international recognition through the IWSC, the results can redefine an entire region’s place on the world wine map.
