Moldova's Wine Day draws 150,000 despite rain
More than 150,000 visitors attended Moldova’s 24th National Wine Day celebration in the capital, Chișinău, on October 4 and 5.
The two-day event went ahead in the Great National Assembly Square (PMAN), despite rainy weather.
According to data collected by the organisers, visitors came from around 30 countries.
The event was held under the national brand slogan, "Wine of Moldova: A Legend Alive." Authorities reported 9,100 tasting tickets were sold – an 82% increase on the previous year.
Visitors tasted vintage and new wines presented by 106 wineries from across the country, including both established producers and 43 small local wineries.
The prestigious Grand Prize for outstanding achievements in the wine sector was awarded to the Cricova Winery.
Other key distinctions:
The Wine Creator Trophy went to DIVUS Winery, a small producer celebrating five years of operation;
The Distillate Creator Trophy went to Bardar Winery;
The "Petru Ungureanu" Medal for Accomplished Oenologist of the Year was awarded to Ion Borta of Cricova;
The "Nicolae Guzun" Medal for Best Viticulturist of the Year was awarded to Vasile Dodon, Călăraș Divin.
On Sunday, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced the winners of the 23rd annual "Golden Barrel 2024" competition, which focuses on amateur winemakers across the country.
Over 450 participants submitted homemade wine samples, and the best were awarded for their passion and mastery in the art of winemaking.
Winners of the best homemade wines:
Best White Wine: Gheorghe Pojoga (Hâncești), for "Floricica";
Best Red Wine: Ion Sarandi (Avdarma, Comrat), for "Saperavi";
Best Rosé Wine: Serghei Suvac (Tănătari, Căușeni), for "Cabernet Sauvignon";
Best White Wine – Hybrid Varieties: Nicolae Budu (Strășeni), for "Cuderca";
Best Red Wine – Hybrid Varieties: Victor Muntean (Teleșeu, Orhei), for "Crîmskii Negru";
Best Matured Red Wine: Oleg Fucidji (Chirsovo, Gagauzia), for "Feteasca Neagră";
Best Sweet/Fortified Red Wine: Ion Agăfiță (Burlacu, Cahul), for "Cahor".
Translation by Iurie Tataru
