Wine expert Ion Luca, who is a member of the Association of Small Wine Producers of Moldova, said 2018 was generally a good year for Moldovan winemakers. The grape harvest was good, but the rain that fell in July affected mainly the white sorts. On the other hand, the autumn was very long, without rain and with very good temperatures. This enabled to extend the harvesting period. In an interview for Radio Free Europe that is quoted by IPN, the expert said each year sees challenges, but these can be dealt with depending on the skillfulness of winemakers.

“The sector in 2018 grew, in particular exports, as the largest part of the wine made in Moldova is exported, both bottled and non-bottled wine. The harvest of 2017 was partially sold, but partially it is maturing. That’s why incomes from the 2017 record harvest are yet to be earned. The sales of both non-bottled wine and bottled wine increased,” stated the expert.

The lack of labor force is a problem. “Here, we regrettably do not differ from the other sectors of the Republic of Moldova. The effect of migration is seriously felt and we do not have people who would work in vineyards and also in wineries,” said Ion Luca.

As to exports, the expert said big progress is witnessed annually and the Moldovan wines reach more markets and in larger quantities. The situation before 2006 was different as the Moldovan wine was exported mainly to Russia, which absorbed the largest part of the Moldovan wine production in Moldova, and this market disappeared overnight. It takes time to conquer new markets. Moldova’s image as a wine country should be first built in a country and this process lasts for tens of years.