Compared to the same period last year, export volume fell by 16%, while export value declined at a slower rate—5%. At the same time, certain product categories and foreign markets are showing significant growth.
The data was presented at the 11th National Conference on Winemaking, organized by the National Office of Viticulture and Winemaking in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.
The published figures show that from January through July 2026, wine exports totaled 61.5 million liters, while their value fell to $116.2 million.
Still wines remain the main export category, with a value of $69.5 million and a volume of 47.8 million liters. Although exports declined, the average price for bottled wine rose by 8%, and for bulk wine by 11%. For sparkling wines, the average price per bottle also increased by 11%.
The most significant growth was recorded in the fortified wines segment—up 60% in value terms, to $7.1 million—and in the “Divin” and brandy category—up 22%, to $34.7 million. In the bottled products segment, exports of “Divin” and brandy increased by 85% in value terms.
During the first seven months of the year, Moldovan wine products were exported to 65 countries through 114 active exporters, with bottled products accounting for 59% of the total export value. Europe remains the main market with a 61% share, while Africa saw a 61% increase.
Romania remains the main destination for bottled wine exports, with a volume of $20 million, followed by Ukraine and Nigeria. Among the markets with the highest growth are Ghana (+83%), Nigeria (+71%), Ukraine (+55%), Belarus (+31%), and the Netherlands (+19%).
It was a difficult year
Stefan Iamandi, director of the National Office of Viticulture and Winemaking, explained: “The wine year was full of challenges: high temperatures and a hydrological drought—the most severe in the last three decades—put pressure on the industry and require quick solutions. At the same time, we need to look beyond the next harvest and discuss the need for new investments, technologies, and financing options, the creation of new partnerships, and how we can build a more competitive and resilient wine industry. The wine industry has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to adapt. In the current context of climate change, the dynamics of foreign markets, production costs, the need for technology, and ever-increasing consumer demands are forcing us to be more forward-thinking and to plan for the long term.”
