Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli and State Minister for Economic Reforms Kakha Bendukidze met with leading Georgian winemakers on April 2 to discuss the situation surrounding Russia’s ban on the import of Georgian wine under the pretext that it wasn't fit for consumption.

“I want to reiterate that Russia's decision was illegal, unfair and unfriendly… The quality certificate of [Georgian wine] is recognized by Europe and the United States,” PM Nogaideli told reporters.

“I was told now that peasants are confused in Kakheti [the region most famous for Georgian wine], as they do not know what to do. I will tell them to keep doing what you and your ancestors have been doing for many centuries - keep growing grapes of high quality, because it will definitely be sold,” he added.

State Minister for Economic Reforms Kakha Bendukidze called on the wine producing companies to launch activities to diversify their foreign trade, which was chiefly geared towards Russian markets.

But winemakers say that the process will need years and they will suffer a serious financial blow if Russia continues its ban on the import of Georgian wines.