PHOTO // Cimișlia hosted 10th edition of Grape Festival

Cimișlia was this weekend the host of the tenth edition of the Grape Festival, an event that has already become a tradition in the Republic of Moldova, bringing together winemakers, local producers, local authorities representatives, and visitors from all over the country.

The festival celebrated the work and dedication of table grape producers, as well as the region's viticultural tradition. Attending the event, Andrian Digolean, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) emphasized its importance.


"Grape Festival is not only an occasion for joy but also a recognition of your work. Here, tradition meets innovation, and the community unites around a symbol of abundance and hope. Let us be proud of what we produce! Let us be united in what we do! Let's take Moldova even further," highlighted Digolean.


During the festival, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry awarded appreciation diplomas for the achievements of the winemakers. Thus, the first place was awarded to the enterprise C.A.I.P.S. Basan-Agro (Cimișlia); second place – Peracos-Prim (Cimișlia); third place – G.Ț. Barcaru Mihail (Cimișlia). The winemaker of the year was nominated Jumir Feodor, Agrif-Trans (Ialoveni); the best table grape producer – C.A.I.P.S. Basan-Agro (Cimișlia); the best young table grape producer – G.Ț. Loghin Andrian (Ialoveni).


"Such events are the mirror of Moldovan communities and speak about the spirit of the residents: hospitality, kindness, diligence. Romania and the Republic of Moldova are said to be connected by past, history, and values, but I believe we are also connected by the future. We are the same people and have a common destiny, and the place of the Republic of Moldova is alongside Romania in the European Union. May God bless us and bring us together, stronger, more united,"  said Costel Alexe, president of Iași County Council, guest of honor at the festival.


The Grape Festival was launched ten years ago, aiming to promote viticultural culture and local traditions from the southern Republic of Moldova. Over the years, the event has evolved from a local celebration dedicated to table grape producers to a national meeting point for winemakers, agricultural sector entrepreneurs, and lovers of culinary and cultural traditions.

The festival has become a platform for experience exchange among producers, presentation of best practices in viticulture, and promotion of innovations in grape cultivation and processing. In parallel, the event has always included cultural and artistic activities – concerts, exhibitions, and tastings – aimed at highlighting the wealth and diversity of local heritage.

The Republic of Moldova currently has about 16,000 hectares cultivated with table grape vines, of which 1,000 hectares are planted using the intensive Pergola system. This modern model, promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, contributes to increased productivity, improved crop quality, and the strengthening of producers' competitiveness in foreign markets. The Grape Festival is not just a celebration of the harvest but also an opportunity to highlight the progress of Moldovan agriculture, local traditions, and the commitment of communities to develop viticulture as a key sector for the national economy.