Moldova’s National Wine Day turns 25
The Republic of Moldova will celebrate the 25th edition of National Wine Day this October, using the milestone event to spotlight its wine heritage, tourism offer and growing international presence under the slogan ‘United by Wine’.
Wine sits at the heart of Moldovan identity, and few countries celebrate it on quite the same scale.
This year, the Republic of Moldova will mark the 25th anniversary of its flagship National Wine Day, with the annual celebration returning to Chișinău on 3–4 October 2026.
Held during the first weekend of October each year, the festival has grown from a domestic celebration into one of the country’s most significant cultural and economic events, drawing both local visitors and international tourists.
In 2026, organisers are positioning the anniversary edition as a major showcase for the national wine brand, Wine of Moldova, Unexpectedly Great, as well as a wider statement of the country’s ambitions in wine tourism and exports.
From national celebration to industry platform
National Wine Day was created to celebrate Moldova’s long-standing winemaking culture, which dates back more than 5,000 years. Over the past 25 years, however, the event has evolved alongside the country’s wine sector.
“The story behind the celebration mirrors the country’s own transformation,” according to cite Stefan Iamandi, director of the National Office of Vine and Wine. “Over the past two decades, Moldova has redefined itself as an emerging wine destination, blending centuries-old winemaking traditions with modern innovation.”
What began as a national holiday has become a strategic industry platform. Today, the event acts as both a consumer-facing festival and a promotional tool for the country’s producers.
The wine sector contributes approximately 3% of Moldova’s GDP and nearly 8% of total exports, underlining its importance beyond tourism alone.
Stefan Iamandi, director of the National Office for Vine and Wine, says wine remains deeply embedded in Moldova’s identity.
“Moldova is distinctive as a wine-producing country because wine is not just an agricultural product here, but a defining part of national identity, history, and scale.”
He adds: “With a winemaking tradition that dates back over 5,000 years, Moldova combines deep heritage with a modern, quality-driven approach.”
Identity at the core
Alongside the anniversary celebrations, organisers are expected to continue spotlighting Moldova’s indigenous grape varieties, which have become increasingly central to the country’s positioning internationally.
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“Moldova’s uniqueness also lies in its indigenous grape varieties, such as Feteasca Albă, Feteasca Regală, Feteasca Neagră, Rara Neagră, and Viorica, which deliver wines with a strong sense of place,” says Iamandi.
These native grapes sit alongside international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, all grown across Moldova’s three wine Protected Geographical Indications — Codru, Ștefan Vodă and Valul lui Traian — as well as Divin, the country’s fourth GI dedicated to Moldovan spirits.
The country has increasingly focused on premiumisation and quality in recent years.
“In recent years, Moldovan winemaking has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from a focus on volume to quality, terroir expression, and international recognition,” says Iamandi.
Today, approximately 90% of Moldova’s wine production is exported to more than 70 countries worldwide.Historically, however, wine was produced in nearly every household, reinforcing its role as a defining part of Moldova’s national identity rather than simply an industrial product.
Tourism push
Wine tourism is another major focus. Moldova now has more than 100 wineries, alongside attractions including its underground limestone cellars, some of which stretch for hundreds of kilometres.
National Wine Day serves as an accessible entry point for visitors wanting to explore the country’s wider wine offer.
Festivalgoers can purchase a Taster’s Booklet, which includes a tritan glass, tastings of 12 wines plus one favourite wine across the two-day event, alongside a 20% discount on Wine of Moldova promotional items.
This year’s edition is expected to feature a renewed concept, a record number of wineries and curated experiences designed to showcase the diversity of Moldovan wine.
Chișinău will once again act as the centre of festivities, with organisers positioning the capital as the gateway to the country’s broader wine regions and tourism offer.
As Moldova marks the 25th edition of National Wine Day, the message is clear: this is no longer simply a national celebration, but a statement of intent from a country using wine as both cultural calling card and economic engine.
As Moldova marks the 25th edition of National Wine Day, organisers are inviting international visitors to experience the country’s wine culture first-hand. While the flagship festival will take place in Chișinău on 3–4 October 2026, the celebrations will extend across a full week dedicated to wine throughout October, offering visitors the opportunity to explore Moldova’s wineries, indigenous grape varieties and wider tourism offering.
Click here for an insight into last year’s event.
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