As wine consumers and wine lovers we tend to focus on what good wine to drink next, read about exciting wine regions and talented producers. It is easy to forget that before the wine gets on to our tables there is a complex production process as well as extensive regulations for wine, in place not least in order to make the wine in the glass safe and healthy. But it is worth giving this a thought once in a while. Technical standards, regulations, trade, health and safety, as well as laws and legal frameworks do not sound very sexy. Mundane? Boring? But all this is fundamental to make sure when we buy a bottle of wine the contents is what it says on the label and that it is not dangerous to drink (at least not more dangerous that the alcohol in it).
What probably is the wine world’s most important annual event deals with exactly these issues. It is The World Congress of Vine and Wine organised by The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). BKWine Magazine’s Jeanne Peixian QIAO reports from the 46th OIV congress in Moldova.
During the week of June 16–20, 2025, Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, became the epicentre of the global wine world as Moldova hosted the 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine. The event was organised by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) (*) and Moldova’s National Office for Vine and Wine (ONVV). This year’s edition of this annual congress drew nearly 300 research abstracts from 32 countries.
Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Wine: Embracing Resilience, Enhancing Value, Fostering Innovation,” the event gathered leading minds in viticulture, oenology, health, law, and economics to explore solutions for the sector’s most urgent challenges and promising frontiers.
Moldova: a natural fit for OIV’s centennial transition
Moldova’s vineyard footprint spans nearly 110,000 hectares, placing it among the world’s top 20 wine-producing nations. In 2024, it exported 144 million litres of wine to 73 countries, earning the country over 234 million USD. More than half of the exports are to European markets.
While Moldova has long hosted local wine-focused events, “this is Moldova’s first time hosting a global scientific congress”, underlined Ștefan Iamandi, Director of the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV). It also marked the beginning of a new century for the OIV; in 2024, the OIV celebrated the centenary since its creation.
The president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, set the tone with clarity: “Wine was the first industry that turned Moldova’s gaze westward. Today, the majority of our exports go to the EU. In a time of economic uncertainty and global competition, our European path gains strategic significance. That’s why we aim to become a full EU member by the end of this decade.”
Ludmila Catlabuga, Moldova’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry expanded further on the relations to Europe, “We haven’t stood on the sidelines. We’ve grown through our producers and winemakers, but also through legislative development and regulatory reform led by the Ministry. We follow the best practices of leading wine nations—France, Italy, Spain—and work closely with partners like France to apply these lessons at home, especially in waste and by-product management.”
Indigenous grape varieties are a national priority, and producers are encouraged to incorporate them into blends. “Blends that contain at least one local variety are being recognised around the world. We will continue to promote what makes us unique,” the Minister noted proudly. (**)
Wine as identity and strategy
The President of the OIV, Yvette van der Merwe, echoed this local pride from an international perspective, noting, “Wine is not only a product but part of the national identity.” Moldova, she added, represents the kind of diversity, resilience, and shared purpose that OIV hopes to foster globally.
She’s not the only one who sees Moldova this way. John Barker, Director General of the OIV, explained: “Moldova’s wine sector has been reinventing itself, stepping forward. For the OIV to hold its first congress of its second century here sends a powerful message.” He emphasised that while Moldova seeks global partnerships, it is already benefiting as a full member of the OIV, tapping into a shared platform of standards, trust, and collaboration that strengthens the global wine community.
Science and cooperation: anchors in uncertain times
The OIV Director General opened the congress with a positive message rooted in experience: For more than 100 years, the OIV has weathered phylloxera, wine fraud, prohibition, wars, and transformation. “Science and cooperation have always helped us find a way forward. Today, they are more crucial than ever.”
Asked what sustains his faith in this today, he reflected: “Wine has survived for at least 8,000 years. That history shows just how resilient and adaptable it can be. Yes, we’re living through a particularly difficult moment, but it’s also a moment of transition–and with it comes a chance to accelerate change and respond earlier than we expected.”
This theme—adaptation as opportunity—permeated the congress. From climate-resilient grape varieties to AI in winemaking, sessions explored how science can meet urgency without losing soul. One message echoed across languages and disciplines: wine must not only adapt—it must lead.
As Barker closed his remarks, he didn’t flinch from the scale of challenge. But there was a spark in his voice as he concluded: “I am confident. We will find a way forward again.”
Notes:
(*) The International Organisation of Vine and Wine or Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin (in short, OIV) is an intergovernmental organization that provides scientific, technical, and regulatory guidance and cooperatoin on viticulture, winemaking, and wine-related products. It promotes international standards, research, and cooperation among wine-producing countries to ensure quality, authenticity, and sustainability in the global wine sector. It has 51 member countries and 15 observer associates. It is sometimes described as “the United Nations of Wine”.
(**) Some local Moldovan grape varieties of note (some are shared with Romania): feteasca albă, feteasca regală, feteasca neagră, rara neagră, viorica, alb de onițcani…
Read more:
- On wines from Moldova on BKWine Magazine.
- On the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, OIV, on BKWine Magazine
- BKWine Magazine’s latest opinion column that also happened to have adaption as a theme: “Adapt or perish” – the Winemaker’s Dilemma?
