MOLDPRES REPORTAGE// 24th edition of National Wine Day officially opened in Chișinău

Wine of Moldova is celebrated today in the capital's center, where the 24th edition of the National Wine Day has begun. Folk music and dances, traditional dishes, and quality wine have created a special atmosphere at the largest festival dedicated to our country's wine-making traditions and culture.

Present at the event's inauguration, Speaker Igor Grosu said that the National Wine Day has become a business card not only for the winemaking sector but also for the entire country.


“Let's be proud of what we have and what we do, proud because we put love and soul into everything we do. Bit by bit, we gather and create good wine that we share with friends. Our winemakers have done something remarkably important – they have brought fame to Moldova, placing it among the leaders of this domain internationally,” he said.


Ludmila Catlabuga, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry emphasized that local winemaking continues to pursue the path of excellence.


“Moldova is not just a small point on the map, but a reputed destination in this sector. Wherever we go, Moldova is spoken of as a country producing high-quality wines, and this is due to the work, passion, and love of our wine producers. This edition marks several notable successes. In June, the Republic of Moldova hosted the World Congress of Vine and Wine for the first time, a major event that brought together experts and decision-makers from 51 member countries of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. This hosting is considered a historic moment for global viticulture and an important step in strengthening the international image of Moldovan wine. The Wine Festival is a unique event globally, and the vine and wine are part of our culture and history, being inscribed in red ink in our hospitality book. Today we celebrate the revolutionary successes of Moldovan Wine on the global stage. I wish many years to the winemakers; today is your day,” remarked Ludmila Catlabuga.


Moreover, the minister mentioned that the government will continue to support the sector through new subsidy and investment programs.

Attending the event, Iwona Piórko, Head of the EU Delegation to Chișinău, stated that it is an honor to participate in this celebration.


“It's my first time participating in such a beautiful event. Upon arrival in the Republic of Moldova, I visited a winery in the Ștefan Vodă district and must say I tasted a remarkably good wine here. Congratulations to the winemakers for their achievements,” emphasized Iwona Piórko.


At the same ceremony, the country's leadership and guest of honors designated the best and most skilled representatives of the guild, as well as the most performing wineries and cellars in the country.

Over a hundred thousand visitors are expected on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, at the National Wine Day. The 24th edition of the celebration will be held under the slogan “Our Amazingly Good Wine.” Traditionally, the event takes place in the Great National Assembly Square. The 24th National Wine Day brings together over one hundred winemakers under the umbrella of the national wine brand “Wine of Moldova,” who will showcase their creations: renowned wines that have won medals at international competitions, wines from the new harvest, and new launches. Additionally, Wine Day is celebrated in many wineries and cellars throughout the country.

Moldovan wine increasingly confirms its status as an ambassador of the country abroad. While the National Wine Day remains a celebration at the national level, participation in international exhibitions and fairs represents true gateways to the world, through which Moldova showcases its winemaking potential.

The economic results speak for themselves. In the last year, exports of Moldovan wine have increased by almost one fifth in volume and by a quarter in value. In total, over 120 million liters of wine products have reached external markets, bringing the national economy about 190 million dollars. Romania remains the main export destination, followed by Poland and the Czech Republic, but increasingly distant markets like the United States, Japan, or China are gaining ground.

The Wine Festival in Moldova, later officially called the National Wine Day, was first held in 2002. Traditionally, the event takes place in the Great National Assembly Square in Chișinău and at wineries throughout the country, during the first weekend of October, after the grape harvest. It aims to promote and consolidate the country's image as a significant winemaking state, provide support for sector development, knowledge of wine products, facilitate Moldova's inclusion in international wine tourism routes, attract investors and tourists, increase domestic consumption of high-quality beverages, and familiarize with customs, culture, and popular traditions.

Over 2% of the world's vine plantations are cultivated in the Republic of Moldova. It ranks among the top 20 wine-producing countries and is the 13th exporter globally. The winemaking industry is one of the key branches of our country's economy, consistently holding a share of about 2% of GDP and generating approximately 9% of total exports revenue over the years. Moldovan wines are imported by about 70 countries from different corners of the world.

Photo: Andrei Mardari