This tradition is dedicated to Moldovan home wine, born out of hard work and dedication. Every year, hundreds of home winemakers from all corners of the country participate in the competition, and in the 23 years of its organization, the total number of winemakers has reached almost 10,500.
The competition has been organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 2002 to promote the traditions of quality home wine production, encourage excellence, innovation and a culture of responsible consumption. In addition, the competition promotes the exchange of experience between producers.
This year more than 450 home producers took part in the contest, and 84 winemakers reached the finals. The main prize was a 100-liter barrel, hence the name of the competition. The jury consisted of top tasters and industry experts. Among them: Anatolie Balanuta, professor of the Department of Oenology, Technical University of Moldova; Lucia Gerdelecu, director of the State Enterprise “Central Laboratory for Testing Alcoholic/Non-alcoholic Beverages and Preserved Products”; Aliona Nazaria, oenologist, Javgur winery.
This year the participants competed in the following nominations:
– Wines from Vitis vinifera varieties, harvest 2024;
– Wines from hybrid varieties and “Vitis labrusca” species;
– House wines aged for more than six months;
– Liqueur wines;
– Wines from autochthonous varieties and new breeding varieties such as Fetjaska Albae, Fetjaska Regale, Fetjaska Nyagre, Rare Nyagre, Viorica, Riton, Bijanka, Florichika, etc.
In a solemn atmosphere, the winners were announced and awarded: Gheorghe Pozhoga from Hincest; Ion Sarandi from Avdarma village, mun. Comrat; Serghei Suvac from Tanetari village, Causeni district; Nicolae Budu from Straseni; Victor Muntean from Telesheu village, Orhei district; Oleg Fucigi from Chirsova village, Gagauzia; Ion Agafita from Burlacu village, Cahul district.
The competition was held in two stages: the first stage (February-March 2025) included regional tastings, in which more than 450 private producers of home wine participated. The second stage took place on March 21 at the national level, where 84 samples were selected. Moldovan winemakers once again proved that good wine can be created not only in large wineries, but also in small farms, if there is love, dedication and skill.
Sergiu Harya, Chairman of the CCI: “I thank the National Bureau of Grape and Wine for promoting domestic producers at home and abroad. This industry has a thousand-year history. And during the 23 years of holding the contest “Best Domestic Wine” we are convinced every time that there are real professionals in Moldova. Over these years, more than 10,450 producers have participated in the contest, whose best samples demonstrate the high quality of Moldovan wines. 271 of them were honored, and some home producers are here today on the Square. I sincerely thank the organizing committee and the experts who selected the 7 best wines. Together we aim to teach also the younger generation to create home wine, to balance consumption and to show our beautiful traditions”.
Adrian Digolian, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry: “Neither rain, wind nor cold can prevent the National Wine Day. Every year, on the first weekend of October, we celebrate our Moldovan wine here. It’s not just a celebration, it’s a unique experience, reflecting the hospitality and soul of the Moldovan people. And today, on the second day, I urge you to enjoy every drop, because in Moldova, wine is not drunk – it is enjoyed and lived. The second day of the National Wine Day is dedicated to the contest “Polobocul de Aur” and to the people who create homemade wine. It is created not according to secret recipes, but with love for traditions and hardworking hands. Thank you to all producers – you are real ambassadors of the authentic taste of Moldovan wine. Honor and praise to you!”.
Stefan Yamandi, Director of the National Bureau of Grapes and Wine: “The Great National Assembly Square is full of guests wishing to taste our wonderful Moldovan wines. This is an excellent result. The first day started with a favorable rain, today we continue with beautiful sunny weather. Do you know why? Because, according to tradition, where there is Moldovan wine, there is sunshine. “Polobocul de Aur” has already become a tradition. Among the 46 small producers participating in this year’s National Wine Day, there are also those who have won the competition in previous years. This is a great result!”.
He shared an update: “The same number of tasting cards were sold on the first day yesterday as last year over two days. This result demonstrates the huge interest in the event and in the quality wines presented here.”
And on Sunday, guests of the Wine Day can visit the Peasant’s Court (Curtea Țărănească). Here they can experience workshops of pottery, weaving, woodcarving, folk dancing and painting with wine.
The Wine School continues with interactive tastings and informative sessions for those who want to understand not only the taste, but also the soul of Moldovan wine. The wineries continue to welcome guests for tours, and in the evening there will be a concert that will create a festive atmosphere until late at night.
We would like to remind you that the organizers of the NationalWine Day are: National Bureau of Grapes and Wine. Partners: Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, maib, Mastercard, Ukraine-Moldova America Enterprise Fund.
Media partner: Logos Press newspaper.
More information – on the official website of theNational Bureau of Vine and Wine, on its Facebook page, as well as in Logos Press news.
