Moldova’s Wine Exports Hit Record $53.2 Million Despite 16% Drop in Volume

Moldova’s wine industry is undergoing a significant transformation, as new export data for the first quarter of 2026 shows a shift from high-volume, low-margin production to a focus on premiumization and higher earnings per liter. According to the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV), Moldova exported 16% less wine by volume in Q1 2026 compared to the same period last year, shipping 29 million liters. Despite this drop in volume, export revenues reached a record $53.2 million, marking a 5% increase over Q1 2025 and the highest opening quarter on record.

This divergence between volume and value is a marked change for Moldova, which has historically relied on bulk wine exports at low prices. The implied revenue per liter has nearly doubled over the past decade, rising from $0.96 in 2017 to $1.83 in 2026. This trend reflects a deliberate move by producers to target higher-value markets and improve product quality, rather than simply increasing output.

Europe remains Moldova’s most important export region, accounting for 65% of total value at $34.6 million, up 21% from the previous year. Romania is the leading destination for bottled Moldovan wine, responsible for nearly 35% of export value in this category. Other key European markets include the Czech Republic, Poland, and the Netherlands. The African market also showed strong growth, with exports rising 39% to $2.5 million, signaling efforts to diversify beyond traditional European and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) markets.

In contrast, exports to America fell sharply by 74% to $1.5 million, while Asia saw a decline of 20% to $1.6 million. These shifts highlight both the volatility of certain markets and Moldova’s ongoing search for new opportunities.

A closer look at product categories reveals that still wines remain the largest segment by volume (80%) and value (61%), but their export value dropped by 3% as volumes fell by 18%. The most notable growth came from Divin and brandy—Moldova’s aged grape distillates—which accounted for just 15% of export volume but generated 32% of total value. Exports of bottled Divin surged by 177% in value and 201% in volume compared to Q1 last year, reflecting increased international recognition and successful market development efforts.

Other categories such as sparkling wines and liqueur wines also posted gains, each growing by 30% in value and 13% in volume. Vermouth exports declined steeply by 96%, both in value and volume.

The top ten countries for bottled wine exports now represent 83% of total export value and 81% of volume. After Romania, other significant destinations include Nigeria—now fourth in volume—Canada, Ukraine, Russia, China, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. The presence of Nigeria and China among these top markets underscores Moldova’s expanding global reach beyond its traditional Soviet-era corridors.

Over the past decade, Moldova’s wine sector has averaged annual Q1 exports of about 31.5 million liters valued at $41.3 million. The current figures show that while overall volumes are below this average, revenues have reached new heights due to higher prices per liter across almost all categories.

Industry observers note that this premiumization strategy is not accidental but reflects years of investment in quality improvement, branding, and targeted marketing campaigns abroad. As Moldova continues to build its reputation as a producer of quality wines and spirits, producers are watching closely to see if these gains can be sustained through deeper relationships with international buyers and continued innovation in both product offerings and market development strategies.

The ONVV’s latest report suggests that Moldova’s wine industry is now better positioned to weather fluctuations in demand from any single region or product category. With Europe leading growth but Africa emerging as an important secondary market—and with premium products like Divin driving much of the value increase—the sector appears set on a path toward greater resilience and global recognition.