Wine ban forces Georgia's ancient vineyards to branch out

By Dean Irvine, CNN

Updated 0506 GMT (1306 HKT) June 11, 2012

Russia imposed an embargo on wine from Georgia in 2006, resulting in an immediate 50% loss in exports. Many of the country's vineyards have found new markets but sales are still below pre-2006 levels.

Photos: Grapes of wrath

Grapes of wrath – Russia imposed an embargo on wine from Georgia in 2006, resulting in an immediate 50% loss in exports. Many of the country's vineyards have found new markets but sales are still below pre-2006 levels.

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While the sales of wine from Georgia are still below pre-embargo levels, the value has doubled in the last five years. Boutique winery Schuchmann Wines retails their product at between $10 and $20.

Photos: Grapes of wrath

The cost of the embargo – While the sales of wine from Georgia are still below pre-embargo levels, the value has doubled in the last five years. Boutique winery Schuchmann Wines retails their product at between $10 and $20.

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Wine is a part of Georgia's culture and national identity and supported by the country's president Mikheil Saakashvili (pictured right).

Photos: Grapes of wrath

Part of the country's identity – Wine is a part of Georgia's culture and national identity and supported by the country's president Mikheil Saakashvili (pictured right).

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With over 500 endemic varieties of grapes, Georgia is one of the world's most diverse countries for types of wine.

Photos: Grapes of