Recent years have been decisive for the wine sector of Moldova, investments have been made in quality, traceability, international promotion and sustainability, Moldovan winemakers have received more than 7,500 international medals, 58% of which are gold – Ministry of Agriculture.
This was stated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova Ludmila Catlabuga, speaking at the opening of the 46th Congress of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) in Chisinau. Hundreds of specialists from Moldova and abroad are discussing the future of the wine industry there. For several days, Chisinau for the first time became a place where ideas meet that will determine the future of wine. More than 500 experts from 51 OIV member countries analyze trends in the wine industry and seek solutions to current problems through international dialogue and scientific cooperation. The opening ceremony of the World Congress of Vine and Wine began with speeches by officials who emphasized the importance of this event for the sustainable development of the wine industry at the global level. "This event has a double meaning for us. On the one hand, it reflects the modernization and internationalization of the Moldovan wine sector, and on the other hand, it confirms our deep historical connection with the vine, wine and land. The last few years have been decisive for the wine sector. We have invested in quality, traceability, international promotion and sustainability, and Moldovan winemakers are proud of more than 7,500 international medals, 58% of which are gold. We look to the future with confidence and invest in the education of future oenologists," said Ludmila Catlabuga. In turn, Moldovan President Maia Sandu emphasized that the wine industry provides about 3% of Moldova's GDP, but its true value lies in "how deeply it nourishes our identity." According to her, the wine industry was the first to turn our country’s gaze to the West, and today the majority of Moldovan exports are directed to the European Union. “In a situation of economic uncertainty and increasingly tough global competition, our European path is of great strategic importance, which is why we want to be part of the EU by the end of this decade,” said Maia Sandu. The President of the International Organization of Vine and Wine, Yvette van der Merwe, and the Director General of the OIV, John Barker, also spoke about the importance of this congress and the role of Moldova in the international wine landscape. “The theme of this year’s congress – Shaping the future of wine: embracing sustainability, adding value, encouraging innovation – is extremely relevant in the current context and highlights the opportunities we can seize now. We are the ones who make the change, and this congress is an opportunity to ask questions, listen and discuss all the challenges in this area,” said Yvette van der Merwe. “We are living through a defining moment for the wine sector worldwide, marked by the increasingly visible impact of climate change, the constant evolution of consumer preferences and geopolitical and economic instability at the global level. By gathering at this congress, we reaffirm not only the strategic importance of the sector, but also the vital role of scientific cooperation in shaping a sustainable future,” said John Barker. The official part of the event ended with a panel discussion “10 years of evolution of the wine sector, challenges and progress”, moderated by Stefan Iamandi, Director of the National Office for Vine and Wine. The congress participants were then divided into a series of discussion sessions, during which topics were discussed reflecting the most pressing issues in viticulture, oenology, economics and nutrition. On the occasion of the congress, the Stefan cel Mare Public Garden in Chisinau was decorated with photo zones and thematic artistic compositions, and the Alley of Classics hosted an exhibition of the most representative grape varieties for our country. At the same time, 15 wineries of the country had the opportunity to present their wine products, which have won numerous awards at international competitions, to international experts. On June 17 and 18, other discussion sessions will follow, which will be held at the Palace of the Republic and maib park. A total of 300 sessions will be organized within 4 panels. Of these, 29 will be presented by Moldovan researchers in the field of viticulture and related industries. They will make valuable presentations on varieties resistant to climate change, precision viticulture, digitalization and automation of oenological processes, the legal framework for the production and promotion of alcoholic beverages, or the relationship between responsible wine consumption and health. Also on June 19, technical visits to the most famous wineries of Moldova and a gala dinner will take place. The event is organized by the International Organization of Vine and Wine in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and the National Office of Vine and Wine. Moldova has been a member of the OIV since April 3, 2001, becoming the first CIS country to join the OIV. In 2024, the International Organization of Vine and Wine celebrated its 100th anniversary.// 16.06.2025 — InfoMarket
