Moldova’s National Wine Day has reached its 25th edition, evolving alongside the country’s wine industry. Since its launch, the event has become a major platform for promoting Moldovan wine, winemaking traditions, wine culture and wine tourism, as well as the people behind the industry.
Ahead of the anniversary edition, traditionally held on the first weekend of October, here is a look back at the key moments, figures and changes that have shaped 25 editions of National Wine Day and accompanied the transformation of Moldovan wine.
What You Should Know About National Wine Day and Moldovan Wine
National Wine Day was officially established in 2002 by a decision of the Parliament of Moldova and was initially celebrated on the second Sunday of October.
A decade later, in 2012, Parliament changed the format, establishing the event for the first Saturday and Sunday of October.
The first edition of National Wine Day was held at Moldexpo and brought together more than 50 wine producers.
From its first edition, National Wine Day has been a national celebration dedicated to promoting Moldovan wine, grape growers and winemakers, as well as the country’s winemaking traditions.
Seven competitions for winemakers were organized during the first edition, with Cricova winery receiving the Grand Prix. The trophy featured a stork carrying a bunch of grapes.
In 2015, National Wine Day was held at wineries across the country and attracted approximately 17,000 visitors, including foreign tourists.
In 2019, the event expanded from the Great National Assembly Square to Cathedral Square and Eugen Doga pedestrian street, creating a genuine “Wine Town” that attracted more than 70,000 visitors.
The COVID-19 pandemic did not stop National Wine Day. In 2020, the event moved online, to wine shops and wineries, while international journalists took part in a transcontinental online tasting of Moldovan wine.
That same year, the history of Moldovan wine was showcased through a special exhibition of wine labels dating from 1950 to 1990, turning the event into an exploration of winemaking heritage and identity.
The return of National Wine Day to the Great National Assembly Square in 2022 attracted more than 120,000 visitors, who had the opportunity to discover wines from 86 producers.
In 2023, the program was expanded to wineries, which welcomed nearly 20,000 visitors, while 94 producers participated in the event in the Great National Assembly Square.
In 2024, National Wine Day surpassed 150,000 visitors, who tasted more than 50,000 glasses of wine using the Tasting Passport.
Introduced in 2017 to promote moderate consumption and a more organized tasting experience, the Tasting Passport has since also become a useful tool for understanding consumer preferences.
In 2025, National Wine Day set a new record for winery participation, with 106 wineries present in the Great National Assembly Square, including 43 small producers.
National Wine Day generates value beyond the wine sector, connecting tourism services, gastronomy, hospitality, transportation and other areas, while visits to wineries extend the experience across several regions of the country.
The event also has an educational component and promotes responsible consumption of quality wine. Its program includes the Wine School, featuring thematic lessons on wines and sparkling wines with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), indigenous and newly developed varieties, old local grape varieties and PGI Divin.
Over 25 editions, National Wine Day has grown alongside the industry it represents. Technologies, markets, wines and consumers have changed, new generations of producers have emerged, and Moldovan wine has become increasingly present on international markets and within Moldova’s tourism offering.
The 25th edition of National Wine Day will take place on October 3–4, 2026, in the Great National Assembly Square. More than 110 wineries will bring together the diversity of Moldovan wine in one location, while the program will include tastings, the Wine School and experiences dedicated to wine culture and education.
The 25th edition will also take place at wineries across the country on October 3–4.
