The establishment of the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV) in 2013 marked a revolution in Moldova’s winemaking sector. The transition was challenging, but the industry unified and grew stronger, says Elizaveta Breahna, a representative of ONVV.
Convincing winery owners to support the initiative was a challenge, according to Breahna. Producers had to contribute 10 bani per liter of wine to a newly created Wine and Vine Fund managed by ONVV. However, to compensate for these contributions, the government removed excise duties and licensing requirements for winemakers.
“It was a difficult decision, but the right one,” Breahna explained on RLIVE TV. “This fund allowed for the promotion of Moldovan wines, with the state matching private sector contributions at a 50:50 ratio. USAID also played a crucial role. It unified the industry under the ‘Vinul Moldovei. A Living Legend brand, which significantly boosted promotion efforts.”
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A Milestone in Public-Private Cooperation
Winemaker Ion Luca emphasized the historical importance of this decision, stating that ONVV gave winemakers the right to self-govern, self-finance, and collaborate with the state in a 50-50 funding model.
“This was a first in Moldova’s independent history—where the state relinquished control and empowered producers,” said Luca. “It became a model of public-private cooperation that other industries now look to for inspiration.”
Before ONVV’s creation, the strict licensing regulations inherited from the Soviet Union made it nearly impossible for family-owned wineries to operate legally. The reforms allowed small and medium-sized winemakers to enter the market, fostering a more diverse and competitive industry.
A Success Story for Moldova’s Economy
The establishment of ONVV helped Moldovan wine gain international recognition and boosted economic growth and export potential. By uniting under a single national brand and strategically investing in promotion, Moldovan winemakers transformed their industry into one of the country’s strongest economic sectors.