History, Geography, Economy, and Politics of Wines in Georgia and Beyond

Join leading scholars, industry professionals, and wine enthusiasts in Philadelphia for the 9th Ghvino Forum - a unique wine event that bridges science, history, and the business of wine.

Georgia, recognized as the birthplace of wine, has cultivated an uninterrupted winemaking tradition for 8,000 year. From the world’s earliest domesticated grapevines to today’s globally recognized amber wines, Georgia’s story is not just history - it is living heritage.

A central highlight of the 2026 Forum will be a special tribute conference honoring the life and legacy of the late Professor Patrick McGovern of the University of Pennsylvania - the world-renowned biomolecular archaeologist whose groundbreaking research helped confirm Georgia’s 8,000-year winemaking history.

More than a wine event, the Ghvino Forum is a platform for cultural diplomacy, economic dialogue, and industry innovation - connecting American audiences with the roots of wine civilization.

AGENDA

12:45 - 13:00 Registration and Welcome

13:00-13:10

Opening Remarks by:

Mamuka Tsereteli, President, America-Georgia Business Council

13:10 - 13:30 Tribute to Professor Patrick McGovern

13:30 - 14:00 Presentation: Origin of Wine: Case of Georgia

Presented by Professor Steve Batiuk, University of Toronto

14:00 - 14:15 Presentation: Why we Drink Wine, Central to the Cultural Heritage of Georgia

Presented by Ian Tattersal, American Museum of National History

14:15 - 14:30 Presentation: Digital Strategies for Marketing of Georgian Wines

Presented by Justin Seibert, President, Direct Online Marketing

14:30 - 14:40 Break

14:40 – 15:00 Panel Discussion: Presenting Georgian Wines to American Audience

Dr. Bill Schindler, Co-Founder, Modern Stone Age Kitchen/Archeologist, Author, Chef

Dr. Jill Weber, Founder and Owner of Sojourn Phill Restaurant Group/Archeologist

Arindam Basu, PhD, DipWSET and Owner/operator of Perfect Pour Experience LLC

Moderated by Noel Brockett, President, Georgian Wine House DC

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Host or Publisher America-Georgia Business Council