National Moldovan Wine Day Celebrated in Moscow

On October 4, one of Moscow's largest concert venues, "VK Stadium," hosted the grand festival "VinFest" dedicated to the national Moldovan Wine Day. The event was organised by the Cultural and Educational Centre of Moldova in Russia to remind Moldovans living in Russia about the traditions and culture of their homeland.

"The wine industry has long been a key sector in the Republic of Moldova. Many remember the times when this industry provided jobs. Unfortunately, due to the mistakes of the Moldovan authorities, these opportunities have been lost. However, we believe that we can restore them. The Russian market plays a crucial role for Moldova as a winemaking country. We know how to make wine, we love doing it, and it should become one of our trademarks," said Ilan Shor, leader of the political bloc "Victory," who attended the event.

The festival brought together over 3,000 compatriots who participated in folk dances, listened to national music, and enjoyed performances by stars of the Moldovan stage. In a special zone, guests had the opportunity to take part in various workshops, such as wine painting, wreath weaving, and making traditional Moldovan protective dolls and bracelets in the colours of the Russian and Moldovan flags.

"Moldova is an agro-industrial republic with rich traditions in agriculture, including viticulture and horticulture. We wanted our compatriots to feel at home. Additionally, our centre supports Moldovan entrepreneurs working in Russia. Many of them continue their agricultural traditions here, and our task is to help them find markets and resolve legal issues," said Grigory Cojocaru, chairman of the business community of the Cultural and Educational Centre of Moldova in Russia.

Guests of the festival had the chance to taste national dishes and wines produced by Moldovan winemakers who grow grapes in various regions of Russia, preserving Moldovan winemaking traditions. Attendees not only enjoyed unique flavours but also exchanged experiences at seminars and workshops.

"Our viticulture is essentially no different from Moldova's: it is filled with love for the vine and the grapes. For a Moldovan, the vine is sacred, a guiding thread throughout life. This celebration symbolises the warmth and love for our homeland. I am convinced that the vine helps strengthen the friendship between our fraternal peoples," said Victor Stadnitsky, a winemaker and chairman of the Lipetsk Regional Public Organisation for the Promotion and Support of Moldovan Culture "Rodina."

The festival also featured a concert with performances by Russian and Moldovan musicians. Popular songs were performed by Alexander Samson, Olga Varvus, Liliana Chebanu, the "Alai" group led by Ion Moraru, the "Vatra Niamului" ensemble, and others.

"It feels like home with so many fellow Moldovans around! The food, the songs—everything is so wonderful, it's overwhelming!" shared Maria, a guest of the festival.

The Cultural and Educational Centre of Moldova in Russia was established in 2023 to unite Moldovans living in Russia, develop cultural and educational projects, preserve national traditions, language, and identity, and strengthen the Russian-Moldovan friendship. Public reception offices of the Cultural and Educational Center are being opened in Russian cities to provide a space where compatriots can spend their leisure time in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

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