The Embassy of the United States of America in Chisinau is hosting a wine-tasting event for foreign visitors to highlight quality Moldovan wines and celebrate Moldova’s winemaking tradition on the eve the National Wine Festival, the Embassy said in a press release. The U.S. Embassy will showcase wines from members of the newly established Moldovan Wine Guild, which is a private sector initiative supported by the U.S. Government. According to the Embassy, Moldovan Wine Guild markets premium Moldovan wines and raises the image of Moldova as a winemaking country in target export markets. The United States has been helping Moldova’s wine sector since 2002. During the first stage, local farmers and winemakers were given assistance to establish virus-free vineyards. These vineyards have a longer life, yield 50% more grapes and produce high-quality grapes that command a premium price. As a result, winemakers have increased sales and farmers have increased their incomes. Today, the United States is working to assist Moldova's wine industry to find its place among the great wines of France, California, Italy, Australia and Spain, among others. To be successful, Moldova’s wineries will need to expand and diversify their export markets. This is being accomplished through hiring international consultants to advise wineries, conducting market research, and assisting Moldovan winemakers to participate in international wine competitions and fairs. Additionally, Moldovan wineries are being supported to increase the appeal of their wines among new audiences by modernizing their styles and improving branding and marketing techniques.