Moldova’s wine sector records 31-per cent growth in wine production in 2025

Representatives of Moldova’s wine sector today assembled at a conference titled, Wine Year 2025: data, decisions and performance, in order to analyze the results of a period marked by record increases in production and a more pronounced strategic focus on high‑value markets. The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of the first edition of the conference and included preparations for the 25th edition of the National Wine Day.

Present at the event, Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Ludmila Catlabuga highlighted the structural progress in the sector, emphasizing that technological modernization had radically transformed the profile of Moldovan exports.

“This year marks a special moment. It has been 10 years since the first edition of the conference, and the National Wine Day is reaching its 25th edition. These figures speak not only about longevity, but about a path built through work, perseverance and joint effort by the entire sector and the authorities. Throughout all these years, the sector has invested in quality and in increasing the value of its products and this is visible also in the evolution of exports. If we look at the data over time, we see an increase not only in the average price, but also in added value, and this matters more and more for the economy of Moldova,” said Minister Ludmila Catlabuga.

Statistics data for the 2025 wine year shows a strong recovery in production volumes compared to the previous year. The quantity of processed grapes reached 259 thousand tons, registering a 4-5per cent increase compared to the 179 thousand tons processed in 2024.

This raw material translated into a wine production of approximately 12.3 million dal, up by 31 per cent against the previous year. Specific segments reported even more pronounced increases:

Sparkling wines: A production of 2.2 million dal, up by 122 per cent.

Distillates: The volume destined for distillation increased by 143 per cent, reaching 5.6 million dal.

Wines with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI/ PDO): An increase of 29 per cent, reaching the threshold of 0.9 million dal.

Although the total volume of exports decreased by 18 per cent compared to 2024 (amounting to 117 million liters), their value confirms the sector’s resilience. Exports generated revenues of 212 million US dollars, a figure which, although slightly lower than last year, remains 10 per cent above the average of the last 5 years and 23 per cent above the average of the last decade.

Director of the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV) Stefan Iamandi underlined the need to continue investments, in order to maintain this upward trend.

“The evolution is encouraging, and we have every reason to look with confidence to the coming years. What does the wine sector need? It needs replanting, modernization and investment. It needs sustainability, new markets and smarter promotion that takes into account current trends,” said Stefan Iamandi.

In 2025, Moldovan wines reached 70 international destinations. The European Union stays the main sales market, absorbing 60 per cent of the total export value, while Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries account for 24 per cent.

Present at the conference, Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, Ambassador Iwona Piórko expressed her admiration for the national wine heritage.

“The wine sector of Moldova is truly fascinating and diverse. In fact, just a few weeks after I arrived in the country, I had the opportunity to take part, here in Chisinau, in the National Wine Day, and I will never forget this experience. I discovered not only tradition and cultural heritage, but also local grape varieties,” stressed Iwona Piórko.

The conference concluded by reconfirming that the wine industry remains a strategic pillar for the economy and the external image of Moldova, with immediate priorities including vineyard replanting and the digitalization of monitoring processes.