Moldovan wines gain recognition in international markets
Moldovan wine is increasingly gaining recognition in international markets, largely due to the efforts of women from the diaspora who are transforming their homesickness into successful businesses. For example, Ludmila Terza, who has settled in Canada, and Mariana Berescu, based in Greece, are both promoting local wines despite facing bureaucratic challenges and local competition. Their initiatives are helping to bring Moldovan wines closer to foreign consumers.
The journey of Moldovan wine to foreign markets is fraught with challenges. In Canada, Ludmila Terzi faces a strictly regulated system where the state controls the sale of alcohol. This situation makes the import process laborious and involves multiple intermediate steps.
“It’s quite complicated because I can’t work directly with the supplier. Instead, I have to go through the state monopoly. I hire a transport service to deliver the wines directly to the SAC warehouse, the state alcohol company. From there, I can only withdraw the wines based on the client's order. It’s a long path to get Moldovan wines from the vineyard to the glasses of local consumers, but it’s worth it. We’re talking about perseverance and the desire to make quality Moldovan wines known anywhere in the world,” says Ludmila Terzi.
In Greece, the challenges are of a different nature. Mariana Berescu is trying to establish her presence in a country with a millennia-old winemaking tradition, where competition is fierce. To make an impression in the market, she regularly participates in festivals and exhibitions, promoting Moldovan wines to tourists and locals alike.
“Initially, it’s not very profitable. I attend festivals and exhibitions so that people in Greece can taste our wines. When they do, many—from tourists to locals—enjoy them. It would be great if they could easily find our wines when they come here to relax,” shares Mariana Berescu.
Despite the cultural and market differences, consumer preferences in both Canada and Greece converge around Moldovan native varieties. In Quebec, for instance, wine made from a rare black grape variety is growing in popularity, and interest in white wines is increasing, even though red wines have traditionally dominated the Canadian market.
For Ludmila Terzi, the wine business is more than just a quest for profit; it embodies a deep emotional connection to her roots. Her venture began with a desire to rediscover the tastes of home, and she has since created an authentic Moldovan experience for her customers in Canada, including traditional dishes.
“We will always seek out the wines we grew up with. My husband says, ‘Stop looking for wines that suit your taste because they’re in Moldova. Just go and bring them from there,’” she explains.
Thus, whether served in restaurants in Quebec or taverns in Greece, Moldovan wine becomes a true ambassador for the country, demonstrating that initiative and a connection to one’s roots can transform a local product into international success.
Author: Veronica Scorpan
