August 11, 2026 (Tbilisi, Georgia) — A delegation from the International Sommelier Guild (ISG) visited Georgia from 18 to 24 July 2026, as part of an initiative organized by Georgia’s National Wine Agency. The delegation was led by ISG President Joseph Miller and included ISG’s leading educators from six countries: the United States, China, Mexico, Turkey, Brazil, and Latvia. The visit reflects ISG’s existing cooperation and ongoing projects with Georgia’s National Wine Agency — work that acknowledges Georgia’s centuries-long civilizational contribution to wine and wine history, and brings that heritage into ISG’s education for students, partners, and platforms worldwide.
During the visit, the delegation toured wineries and wine producers in Kakheti, Imereti, and Kartli. Alongside the regional itinerary, a Walk-Around Tasting was held in Tbilisi for the visiting wine professionals, featuring a wide range of labels from 15 Georgian wineries.
“This is my second trip to Georgia. It continues to leave a remarkable impression on me, and I am continuously discovering the exceptional quality of Georgian wines. I believe it is paramount for Georgia to maintain its relentless focus on quality. It is not merely about the qvevri or traditional winemaking techniques, but about how these numerous, highly unique Georgian Vitis vinifera grape varieties are utilized. These grapes pair extraordinarily well with food and offer remarkable versatility from both a hospitality and culinary perspective. There is immense potential for us to collaborate with Georgia, and the country stands to achieve great success across international markets,” said Joseph Miller, President of the International Sommelier Guild. These educators and industry professionals form part of a broader international network of ISG representatives across the many countries in which the Guild operates worldwide. Georgia is widely recognized and celebrated as the cradle of wine, with a winemaking history spanning approximately 8,000 years. It continues to produce exceptional quality that draws the interest of wine lovers and the wine world alike — valued both for the caliber of its production and for its undisputed contribution to the history and civilization of wine itself. This heritage will become part of ISG’s curriculum, delivered to students across its international network in 20 languages.
About the International Sommelier Guild
The International Sommelier Guild (ISG) is a global credentialing organization dedicated to professional wine and beverage education. Founded in 1982, ISG develops structured academic programs designed to support the training and professional development of sommeliers, hospitality professionals, and serious wine students. ISG’s curriculum integrates wine theory, tasting methodology, broader beverage knowledge, restaurant service practices, and hospitality business management. Programs are standardized and delivered through licensed partners in multiple countries in local languages, designed to provide the same rigor and high standard of education worldwide. Through its educational framework, ISG seeks to support the development of professional standards in wine and beverage knowledge while recognizing the cultural diversity and historical traditions that shape the world of wine and hospitality.
For additional information, please visit: www.internationalsommelier.com
