Moldova's wine sector opened 2026 on a promising financial note, with total viticulture exports for the first two months reaching $34.3 million — a 7% increase in value compared to the same period in 2025, according to data published by the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV).
While export value grew, total volume declined by 20%, settling at 18.9 million liters. This divergence signals a clear shift in Moldova's export strategy: fewer liters shipped, but at significantly higher prices per unit — a hallmark of premiumization.
Divin Leads the Value Surge
The standout performer was Divin & Brandy, which posted a remarkable +76% increase in value, reaching $11.3 million, while volume grew +52% to 2.9 million liters. Bottled Divin alone surged +152% in value, confirming growing international appetite for Moldovan premium spirits.
Sparkling wines delivered equally impressive results, with total value climbing +51% to $1.6 million and volume rising +11% to 0.650 million liters. Bottled sparkling wine achieved an average price of $3.25 per bottle — up 56% year-on-year, making it one of the strongest price-per-unit performers in the entire portfolio. Even bulk sparkling wine saw its average price rise +29% despite a volume contraction, suggesting significantly stronger demand for premium fizz from Moldovan producers.
Together, Divin and sparkling wines represent the twin engines of Moldova's premiumization story in early 2026.
Still Wines Remain the Volume Backbone
Still wines continue to dominate by volume, accounting for 80% of total export volume and 60% of export value. Despite a value dip of 3% to $20.4 million, the category showed a notable improvement in average bottled price — $2.08 per standard bottle, up +16% year-on-year.
Bulk still wine, while shrinking in volume (-26%), saw its average price per liter rise +24%, reflecting improved raw material positioning on international markets.
Geographic Reach: Europe Dominates, Africa Rises
Moldova exported its viticulture products to 44 countries, with the top 10 markets accounting for 86% of total export value. Europe remained the dominant destination, representing 66% of total value at $22.7 million — up +29%. The CIS bloc held second place at 24% ($8.1 million), though declining 4% versus 2025.
A notable highlight was Africa, which grew +42% to $1.5 million, representing 4% of total exports — a market to watch. Meanwhile, Americas contracted sharply by -76%, and Asia slipped -14%.
A Story of Quality Over Quantity
The 2026 data paints a clear picture: Moldova is successfully repositioning its wines on the premium segment. Average prices rose across virtually all categories — bottled Divin at $4.43/bottle, sparkling at $3.25/bottle, and still wines at $2.08/bottle. For an industry navigating a challenging 2025 harvest marked by drought and heat stress, this value growth is a significant achievement.
Source: ONVV/Wine of Moldova
0 comments