Moldova: Viticulture

Unlike Russia to the north east, Moldova is able to grow the great majority of its vines without winter protection. Most vines are cordon-trained on medium-height trellises. Very little irrigation is in place and 90% of vineyard work is done by hand due to low wages and reasonable availability of labour. Average vine age is notably high but some 30,000 ha/74,131 acres of vineyard were replanted between 2006 and 2013, with substantial holdings now owned and managed directly by private wineries. Several aid organizations have been working in Moldova to support the wine industry given the economic significance of wine.