Moldova to Host 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine

For the first time in its history, the World Congress of Vine and Wine will be hosted by Moldova, a nation with the highest vineyard area per capita in the world—4 hectares per 100 people. With a total of nearly 110,000 hectares of vineyards, Moldova ranks among the top 20 wine producers globally and stands as the 14th largest wine exporter.

In 2024, Moldova exported 144 million liters of wine, valued at over $234 million USD, to 73 countries, with half of those exports destined for European markets. Wine is more than a product in Moldova—it's a deep-rooted part of the country’s cultural identity, economy, and heritage. Today, Moldova boasts over 250 wineries, many of which have embraced wine tourism, offering exceptional wines and immersive experiences to visitors.

Moldovan wines have gained increasing international recognition, collecting thousands of medals in the past five years from prestigious competitions such as Mundus Vini, Decanter World Wine Awards, and Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. This global acclaim reinforces Moldova’s status as a serious contender in the production of high-quality wines with unique terroir and ancient winemaking traditions.

A turning point for the country’s wine promotion came in 2013 with the creation of the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV) and the launch of the brand "Wine of Moldova: Unexpectedly Great", further raising the profile of Moldovan wines on the world stage.

The 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine will take place from June 16 to 20, 2025, at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău. The event will convene 300 delegates from 51 member countries of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), including winemakers, researchers, and policymakers to explore the future of the wine industry.

Attendees will also participate in 13 technical visits to Moldova’s leading wineries and enjoy a gala dinner in Cricova, the famed underground wine city known for its sprawling tunnels and exquisite wines. This year’s edition coincides with the 100th anniversary of the OIV, marking the beginning of its second century in a country where wine is truly a way of life.