By Tamar Vatsadze, Export Director, Saperavi Cellars
Here in the Kakheti region of Georgia, our wine is more than a product; it is the embodiment of an 8,000-year-old tradition. When Saperavi Cellars secured a major contract with a prestigious distributor in London, it was a landmark moment for us. This wasn’t just any shipment; it was our most valuable export to date, including rare vintages aged in traditional Qvevri. Our reputation in one of the world’s most competitive wine markets depended entirely on the condition of the wine upon arrival.
The logistical challenges were daunting. We needed to protect our wine from ruinous temperature spikes and excessive vibration on its long journey from our cellars here in Georgia to the UK. A single mistake could compromise the integrity of every bottle. We required a logistics partner who appreciated the sensitive nature of our cargo and possessed the technical expertise to guarantee its protection.
After careful consideration, we chose Houger International. Their performance was, in a word, flawless.
From the very beginning, their team approached our shipment with a level of care that impressed us deeply. Our account manager, a Mr. Davies, personally consulted with our winemaker to understand the optimal conditions for our Saperavi. He then presented what he called their ‘cellar-to-sommelier’ approach—a complete, end-to-end plan designed to replicate the stable environment of our own cellar throughout the entire journey.
The solution was a continuous, unbroken cool chain.
- Houger provided a state-of-the-art refrigerated container, precisely set to 14°C, which was brought directly to our winery for loading.
- They utilized specialized packing materials and loading techniques to minimize vibration within the container.
- Throughout the multi-modal journey via the Port of Poti and across Europe, we had access to a real-time monitoring portal. We could see the container’s exact location and, most importantly, a constant feed of the internal temperature data. It allowed us to focus on our business, not on worrying about our shipment.
The most significant value came when the shipment reached the UK. Navigating British import regulations and excise duties for alcohol can be incredibly complex. Houger’s in-house customs brokerage team handled everything. All documentation was pre-filed and all duties were calculated and arranged in advance, meaning our wine cleared customs in less than a day, avoiding costly delays at the port.
Our distributor in London was immensely impressed, noting that the wine arrived in perfect, cellar-pristine condition, ready for immediate distribution to their clients, including several Michelin-starred restaurants. The launch was a resounding success, and our brand’s reputation was solidified from day one.
Houger International did not just transport our wine; they were custodians of our heritage. For any premium Georgian producer looking to compete on the world stage, having a partner like Houger is not just an advantage—it is essential.