Moldovan Wines Make a Splash on the International Scene
Moldova, a country blessed with rich soil, good climate and located at the same latitude as the most famous wine regions in France, remains virtually unknown internationally for its wines. With USAID assistance, Moldova’s wines are taking their rightful place on the global market and gaining recognition for their excellent quality and unique styles.
USAID has been working to promote Moldova’s wine industry since 2002. The first step was helping winemakers and farmers establish virus-free vineyards which have a longer life, yield 50 percent more grapes, and produce high-quality grapes that command a premium price. As a result, winemakers have increased sales and farmers have increased their incomes.
 |
| Journalists from the Czech Republic taste Moldova’s wines |
Today, USAID is assisting Moldova's wine industry to find its place amongst the wines of France, California, Italy, and Spain, among others, by expanding and diversifying its export markets. Improved production techniques, market research, better branding, and participation in international wine competitions and fairs has catapulted the Moldovan wine industry to the international scene. In London, Germany and France, Moldovan wines were a main attraction in competition and awarded numerous honors.
On the eve of Moldova’s Wine Festival on October 11, 2007, the Chargé d’Affaires to the U.S. Embassy to Moldova, Kelly Keiderling, held a reception for local and international journalists, diplomats, and representatives from the government and wine industry to celebrate Moldova’s wine industry’s achievements. Guests tasted wines from seven of Moldova’s premier wineries, which had recently formed an association supported by USAID to raise Moldova’s winemaking image in target export markets.
“Moldova’s wines are its most promising high-value export. Through our efforts, working in partnership with key stakeholders, we are helping the sector grow so it can play a more vital role in Moldova’s private sector economic growth,” Keiderling remarked at the event.
Back to Top ^ |
