All you need to know about Moldova - and its wines

Serious wine lovers may be aware that Moldova produces world-class sparkling wines, crafted using Méthode Traditionnelle and matured in limestone cellars. Others may be surprised.

The country is also home to Mileștii Mici, the world's largest wine cellar, which stores close to 2 million bottles (below). The cellars extend for 200 kilometres underground, of which only 55km are in current use.

I tried some Moldovan wine in Moscow a long time ago and was impressed by the quality. 

Should you be tempted to visit, The Republic of Moldova has just launched a new official website www.moldova.md, which it describes as a new tool for presenting the country.

The website reveals that Moldova is a small country, 135th in the world in terms of size, but among the top 20 global exporters of plums, walnuts, cherries, apricots, rape seed, apples, and grapes.

And its ranks in the top 20 global exporters of wine.

The Invest Moldova Agency says the new website is a "a modern identity card for the country, the platform provides a structured, easy-to-navigate presentation of the Republic of Moldova for international audiences and for citizens at home and abroad".

The content is presented to provide a quick and accurate understanding of Moldova. Available in English, its is specifically tailored to international audiences.

An key element of the launch is the placement of a dedicated www.moldova.md banner at Chișinău International Airport, in the passport control area, so arrivals can immediately access it.

“A strong country image is built through consistency and through an identity that is presented coherently across all international platforms," says Irina Tolstousov, deputy director, Invest Moldova Agency.

"We aim to provide the Republic of Moldova with a modern presentation framework, developed based on the experience and standards applied by countries that have been implementing nation branding strategies for many years. 

"At the same time, we placed a strong emphasis on usability and accessibility, ensuring that these tools can be used easily and effectively by institutions, partners, and communities that promote Moldova.”

Fancy a wine trip to Moldova? Here is your chance

Are you involved in the wine industry?

Fancy a trip to one of the more exotic wine producing nations on the planet?

Moldova has just been announced as the host nation for the Congress of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in 2025.

The announcement coincided with the Moldova National Wine Day held over the weekend, which featured a record number of 94 wineries in the capital Chisinau.

Moldova has a well-established wine industry and is the 11th largest European wine-producing country.

Established in 1924, the OIV's role is harmonising and standardizing the global wine industry, providing support and assistance through its network of over 1,000 international experts from 50 member states.

As the organization marks its centenary, the year 2024 has been declared the International Year of Vine and Wine.

As to who the smiling folk in the image above are, I have no idea. The press release did not bother to identify them.  

For more info see www.wineofmoldova.com