Harvest of grapes for wine might increase by up to 15 per cent in Moldova in 2026; reference price between 6.8 and 8.2 lei per kilogram

The harvest of wine grapes in Moldova is estimated to be 10–15 per cent higher in 2026 compared to the previous year, with an average projected yield between 8 and 9 tons per hectare. Prospects for the new harvest season have been discussed at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), during the meeting of the Product Chain Council for “Grapes, wine, wine-based products and processed products.”

For this year’s harvest campaign, Council members examined as a benchmark a reference range of 6.8–8.2 lei for one kilogram of grapes intended for wine production. The authorities stress that this is not a mandatory price, and the actual value will be established through direct negotiation between producers and wineries, depending on market conditions, variety, grape quality and the intended use of the production.

For grapes meant for the production of wines under quality schemes and for scarce local varieties, prices by 15–30 per cent higher than the reference level are recommended. In the case of grapes used as raw material for distillation, the price may be 25–30 per cent lower than the indicative level.

According to data presented at the meeting, vineyard productivity may vary between 7 and 13 tons per hectare, depending on variety, region, the technology applied and local conditions.

At the same time, maintenance costs for vineyards in 2026 are estimated between 52,000 and 80,000 lei per hectare, including the depreciation of capital investments. Costs differ depending on the location of the vineyards, cultivated varieties, age of the vines, work carried out, technologies used and the yields got.

The data shows that the total area of vineyards of Moldova decreased between 2021 and 2025 from 117,500 to 107,200 hectares. The area of bearing vineyards fell from 104,400 to 93,600 hectares. Vineyards planted with wine grape varieties currently cover 90,500 hectares, of which approximately 80,000 hectares are bearing.

The participants in the meeting emphasized the need to conclude sales-purchase contracts in advance, clearly setting out requirements regarding quality, harvesting and delivery deadlines, reception conditions, price and payment terms. According to MAIA, this can enhance predictability and prevent possible disputes between producers and processors.

The Council also encouraged the development of long-term partnerships between grape growers and wineries, as well as the association of small producers into groups or producers’ organizations.

Producers are reminded that vineyards must be registered in the Wine and Vine Register of Moldova, the registration being necessary for the legal marketing of production.