Moldovan Wine Industry

The wine industry plays a significant role in the Moldovan economy. Moldova is highly dependant on wine and it is considered the backbone of the agricultural sector. It receives considerable attention from Moldovan authorities, who see it as a strategic sector since 90—95 percent of the wine is exported making it a large contributor to the treasury.

In 2007, Moldova cultivated 156,40 hectares, from which 96.5 percent is privately owned. Over the past 5—7 years, about 40 percent of all wine and spirits companies have invested in new vineyards with the goal of assuring higher quality grape supply.

Being such a small country with a continental climate and highly fertile soil, Moldova is one of the few European wine producers able to make wide range of wine styles.

There are several types of wineries in Moldova that specialize in producing still wines, sparkling wines, and spirits. Approximately 40 wineries produce and export bottled wines.

In global terms, Moldova was ranked 7th in the list of world wine exporters in 2005, exporting 2.3 million hectoliters of bottled wines, the majority of which went to CIS countries. Recently the sector has gone through a series of significant positive changes, which were stimulated partially by new developments in the world wine market. Over the past decade, producers have focused on quality improvements and changes in the styles of Moldovan wines to attract a wider range of consumers internationally.



Copyright © 2008—2009 Moldova Wine Guild