Archaeologists and botanists confirm that wild grapevine (Vitis sylvestris) grew on the current territory of the Republic of Moldova as early as the Miocene epoch, which began about 23 million years ago and ended 5.3 million years ago. Researchers discovered one of the most significant pieces of evidence—a fossilized Vitis teutonica leaf—near Naslavcea in northern Moldova. Wild grapevines still grow today along the Prut and Nistru rivers. This information appears in a project that reconstructs the origins of viticulture in Central and Eastern Europe, with a focus on Moldova, according to IPN.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry presented the scientific and cultural project “7,000 Years Under Wine” during a meeting attended by academic and wine industry representatives.
According to the Ministry, the Cucuteni–Trypillia civilization, one of the oldest in Europe, played a key role in the early development of viticulture about 7,000 years ago. Archaeological sites at Rusestii Noi, Sacareuca, and Varvareuca-VIII revealed grape seeds and other archaeobotanical remains, proving that people practiced viticulture in that era.
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Archaeologists discovered a symbolic artifact—a grapevine leaf imprint in a clay shard—at Brinzeni, dating back approximately 6,500 years. Experts believe this imprint could represent an early emblem of Moldova’s winemaking tradition.
The project also includes an innovative component: specialists produced an experimental wine using wild grapevines harvested from forested areas along the Prut River. Crama Mircesti, in collaboration with the Technical University of Moldova, created the wine in controlled conditions and documented the process scientifically. The initiative opens new research paths for adapting viticulture to climate change.
Rooted in the shared heritage of Southeastern Europe, the “7,000 Years Under Wine” project also fosters international collaboration, especially with research institutes in Romania and Ukraine, which share the Cucuteni–Trypillia legacy.