Moldova Hosts Global Wine Congress

The Republic of Moldova will host the 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine and the 23rd General Assembly of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in Chișinău from June 16 to 20, 2025. Registrations are now open, with early-bird discounts available between April 16 and 30, 2025. Pre-registration without payment is available until April 15, and the final deadline for full registration is May 31.

Organized by the Moldovan Government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, and the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV), the congress will bring together global experts under the theme "Charting the Future of Vine and Wine: Embracing Resilience, Elevating Value, Fostering Innovation." The scientific community has shown strong engagement, with 279 abstracts submitted by researchers from 32 countries. The contributions are distributed across four main fields: viticulture (88), oenology (100), economy and law (63), and safety and health (28).

The congress will feature four structured sessions: resilient viticultural practices for sustainable ecosystems, adaptive and innovative technologies in sustainable oenology, value chain improvement and resilient business models, and the intersection of wine, nutrition, and health.

Ludmila Catlabuga, Moldova's Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, invited the international wine community to Chișinău, calling the event an opportunity to celebrate heritage and innovation. State Secretary Andrian Digolean pointed to Moldova's deep connection to viticulture, citing that the country has four hectares of vineyards per 100 inhabitants and that 15 percent of its active population is employed in the wine industry.

OIV President Yvette Van der Merwe emphasized the importance of collective engagement in addressing global sector challenges. OIV Director General John Barker noted the significance of the event as the first Congress and General Assembly in the organization's second century, coinciding with the rollout of the OIV's new Strategic Plan.

The OIV, founded a century ago, is the global scientific and technical reference for the vine and wine sector. Its 51 member states account for the majority of global wine production, consumption, and vineyard area. The organization continues to shape international standards and practices across viticulture, oenology, law, and consumer health.