PHOTO // 11th edition of National Grape Festival held in Cimișlia

Grape producers gathered on Sunday in Cimișlia for the 11th edition of the National Grape Festival, which has become a celebration of the harvest and a tribute to work, traditions, and hospitality. Speaker Igor Grosu attended the opening of the event and praised the work of the country’s grape growers, emphasizing that they bring fame to Moldova around the world. The highlight of the festival was a giant grape weighing 3 kilograms and 900 grams, which impressed visitors with its size and exceptional quality.

In the opening remarks, speakers stressed the need to preserve and promote viticultural traditions, support local producers and develop the sector, which is a symbol of the identity and potential of the Republic of Moldova.

Grosu said that the festival has become a symbol of the south of the country. He pointed out that producers in Moldova are investing in modern plantations, new technologies, and competitive varieties, which shows that Moldovan agriculture is capable of modernizing and adapting to new requirements.

“In Cimișlia we celebrated the work of our grape growers and producers – the months of care, patience, and skill needed to grow grapes, this product so highly valued in Moldova. The Grape Festival has become a symbol of the south of the country. Our people know how to grow grapes so that they bring us fame worldwide. Thank you for preserving this tradition and improving it year after year. Our producers invest in modern plantations, new technologies, and competitive varieties. This means that agriculture in Moldova knows how to modernize and adapt to new requirements. This is all the more important as we advance rapidly toward the European Union, and I want us to get there prepared – to have something to offer, to be able to compete with other countries. In agriculture, Moldova must become European first and foremost through the quality of the products it offers. We must value and improve, through hard work, what nature has endowed us with on this piece of land,” said Igor Grosu.

After the official opening, visitors had the opportunity to explore the stands of table grape producers, where the most appreciated varieties of the season were showcased, noted for their quality and diversity. A special moment was the presentation of the Giant Grape, a symbol of abundance and the hard work of winegrowers, which has become one of the festival’s most beloved attractions. Year after year, this tradition arouses the interest of participants, serving as a symbol of appreciation for the work, passion, and dedication of our winegrowers.

The title of Giant Grape was awarded to a 3.9-kilogram bunch of the Veles variety, recognized for its remarkable size and exceptional quality. Following an auction, the Giant Grape was sold for 3,000 lei.

The festive atmosphere was completed by performances from artists and artistic ensembles, who offered a diverse program of music and dance, turning the festival into a true family event and an authentic celebration of traditions and culture.