For the first time in history, the Republic of Moldova is represented at one of the most prestigious international competitions dedicated to the sommelier profession – the ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026. It is taking place from 11 to 17 October in Lisbon, Portugal.
Shares in Europe’s largest luxury goods manufacturers fell today after LVMH’s results proved to be worse than analysts’ expectations. Weak sales of fashion apparel and leather goods have heightened doubts about a swift recovery in the luxury market.
The legendary Latvian ‘Riga Balsam’ has found itself at the centre of a crisis due to the possible bankruptcy of its manufacturer, AS Amber Latvijas balzams. However, ‘Riga Balsam’ is just one of the company’s brands; the company sold its products in 185 markets and has distribution centres in many European countries. The company’s other well-known brands include ‘Moscow Vodka’ and several types of tequila.
Romania produces wine, has numerous wineries and a large domestic market, but continues to post modest export figures, says Cezar Ioan, publisher of Vinul.ro magazine.
This year, Moldova could welcome around 580,000 foreign tourists, which is more than eight times the figure from two decades ago.
In Moldova, Wine Day set new records for sales and tastings. Over the course of two days, 14,000 ‘Tasting Books’ were sold and over 110,000 wine tastings were recorded. The number of booklets sold rose by 55 per cent compared with 2025, when over 9,000 copies were purchased. The number of tastings exceeded last year’s figure by more than 30 per cent.
A new tourism cluster, ‘The Pearl of the Dniester’, is being established in Moldova, comprising towns and villages located on both banks of the Dniester. In addition to the districts of Ștefan Voda and Căușeni, the cluster also includes Tiraspol, Bendery and the surrounding villages.
The Republic of Moldova has set a new Guinness World Record in the category ‘World’s Largest Human Image of a Vine’.
Moldova is hosting National Wine Day, which is traditionally held on 3 and 4 October in the Great National Assembly Square. Over the two days, at least 200,000 visitors are expected, 30,000 of whom are foreign tourists.
The National Association for Inbound and Domestic Tourism of the Republic of Moldova (ANTRIM) has developed a new concept for promoting the country, focused on attracting travellers from Switzerland. The project was presented as part of Moldova Business Week 2026, which is taking place from 28 September to 2 October.
