The 19th National Wine Day was official opened at the Rădăcini Wines Wineries. The format of the holiday this year is different than that the previous years, with only online broadcasts, IPN reports.

The event involved representatives of the Government and the diplomatic corps working in Moldova, who congratulated the country’s winegrowers on the result of their work. “Those who know what winegrowing and winemaking are know that the process does not last for a year, but for many years, and includes the planting of vine, its growing, recouping of investments and conquering of markets,” stated Prime Minister Ion Chicu.

He noted that the Government of the Republic of Moldova will continue to come up with solutions for farmers, especially winegrowers and winemakers. “The budgetary-fiscal policy for next year will be modified so that we could stimulate export. I refer to the modification of the VAT rate. This measure will stimulate especially the exporters, among whom the winemakers are the most prominent ones,” said the official.

Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Ion Perju said that wine exports last year came to over US$ 200 million. The wine industry accounts for about 2% of the GDP and for 9% of all export revenues.

“Winemaking is not only a sector of the national economy. It is a symbol for the country and for the whole world as today all the stress of Chisinau and the national wineries should have been full of tourists. Regrettably, we do not have them. Even so, those who are abroad, both our citizens and those who wanted to come to the country, anyway will celebrate alongside us,” stated Ion Perju, noting that the wines made in Moldova in time have won over 850 awards.

Owing to this event, Moldova occupied an honorable place on the map of wine tourism. “Due to the difficult situation this year, the sector is very responsible. We had to be inventive and look for solutions to first of all ensure the security and health of consumers and to do so that the flame of the National Wine Day continues burning,” said Gheorghe Arpentin, director of the National Office of Vine and Wine.

The event included an artistic program and the presentation of awards to the best winemakers of the year. The Top Prize went to Rădăcini Wines, which hosted the event today.