International Student Scientific Conference – “Wine as a Socio-Economic Development Resource and National Identity”
An international student scientific conference – “Wine as a Socio-Economic Development Resource and National Identity” – was held at Georgian Technical University. The event was organized on the initiative of the “Regional Center for Consulting and New Professions” and supported by the Faculties of Business Technologies and Agrarian Sciences and Biosystems Engineering at the Technical University.
The conference was opened by Zurab Gasitashvili, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs at Georgian Technical University. Students and guests were welcomed via video by Panke Emanuela, Project Manager of Inter Vitis from Italy. The importance of the student conference was highlighted by Giorgi Kvarchava, Dean of the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences and Biosystems Engineering, Rusudan Kutateladze, Dean of the Faculty of Business Technologies, and Tamar Kobliashvili, Executive Director of the Regional Center for Consulting and New Professions.
During her speech, Tamar Kobliashvili noted that Inter Vitis is one of the controlled routes in Europe, founded in 2007 and recognized by the European Commission in 2009. She explained that Inter Vitis is a cultural route promoting wine, grape, wine products, and wine history as cultural values in Europe, and that Georgia is one of Inter Vitis’ main partners.
“This is the first international student conference in the history of independent Georgia, aimed at addressing new challenges. The conference focuses on viticulture and winemaking issues and modern trends in wine culture and ethnography, wine business and marketing, and wine tourism. It is representative as it unites various universities from both Georgia and abroad,” Tamar Kobliashvili said.
As Panke Emanuela stated via video, Inter Vitis representatives first visited Georgia in 2009. According to the project manager, their initial partnership with Georgia’s Ministries of Culture and Agriculture took place then, but cooperation did not continue.
“We renewed cooperation with the ‘Wine Route Association,’ and since last year we have maintained active collaboration with Professor Tamar Kobliashvili. I want to thank her and Georgian Technical University for organizing this conference, which allowed us to return to Georgia,” said Panke Emanuela.
According to Zurab Gasitashvili, Vice-Rector of the Technical University, it is gratifying that the international conference generated significant interest among students. The conference’s title accurately reflects the importance of the field of viticulture and winemaking for Georgia.
“Grapes and wine are among the main characteristics of our country’s identity. Georgia is often called the birthplace of wine. Scientific evidence shows that Georgia is the country where humans domesticated wild grapes. Many proofs indicate that the word ‘wine’ in world languages originates from the Georgian language. The wine vessel – Qvevri – and storing wine in it is one of the oldest traditions that remains in Georgia to this day. Processing Qvevri and its significance in Georgian winemaking holds a central place, with its origins tracing back to ancient times. Archaeological excavations have found wine vessels dating back 8,000 years, and UNESCO has recognized this ancient method of winemaking as an intangible cultural heritage,” said Zurab Gasitashvili.
Rusudan Kutateladze, Dean of the Faculty of Business Technologies, emphasized that the conference aims to encourage young people to engage with viticulture and winemaking and to revitalize this sector in regions with rich historical wine culture but less favorable present conditions.
“We must preserve the Georgian grape gene pool, maintain and popularize the unique methodologies of Georgian wine production nationally and internationally. It is important to promote market research in viticulture and winemaking based on international experience, applying advanced concepts and marketing strategies. Most importantly, the conference will foster young researchers, thus contributing to better economic development prospects for Georgia,” said Rusudan Kutateladze.
According to Giorgi Kvarchava, Dean of the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences and Biosystems Engineering, the conference is multifaceted and valuable for students.
“First and foremost, this event is interesting for students because today’s successful youth, supported by Inter Vitis Project Manager Panke Emanuela and our funding partners, will participate in internships at renowned wine enterprises across Europe. Therefore, I believe holding this conference is a step forward that will undoubtedly create significant impact,” said Giorgi Kvarchava.