LocationsThe first Oenological Centre in the Republic of Moldova was inaugurated in Cahul with the support of the EU and UNDP
May 11, 2025
A new space dedicated to excellence in winemaking, research and promotion of wine culture was inaugurated on Sunday, 11 May in Cahul. Located within the “Nicolae Botgros” Community Hall, the Oenological Centre includes a tasting room, an office for the team and a warehouse for machinery, designed to capitalize and expand the wine potential of the southern region. The Oenological Centre is founded by the Winemaking Cluster, funded by the European Union through the programme ”EU4Moldova: Focal Regions”, implemented by UNDP and UNICEF. The total value of the investment is more than 153,500 euros, including the local contribution.
“We thank the EU and UNDP for their support in the development of the municipality and region of Cahul. The Cahul Oenological Center is an important point of economic and tourist development, which will contribute to the development of the wine sector in the Republic of Moldova", said Nicolae Dandiș, mayor of Cahul city.
The Winemaking Cluster members and small local producers will benefit from multiple opportunities offered by the new centre. Producers will have access to modern winemaking equipment, participate in courses, workshops and seminars dedicated to continuous training in winemaking, marketing and wine tourism.
The Oenological Centre will also contribute to the development of regional tourism by organizing tastings, tours and themed events.
“Winemaking is the art of agriculture. Viticulture and winemaking have brought together for hundreds, thousands of years, tradition and innovation; more than that - people. Wine brings people together. The Winemaking Cluster and the Oenological Centre are the cornerstone for harmonious cooperation and development of the wine industry in the region, friendly relations, hospitality. The Cahul Oenological Centre is an important point of economic and tourist development, which will contribute to the development of the wine sector in the Republic of Moldova,” noted Nicolae Minciună, manager of the Winemaking Cluster.
The Winemaking Cluster consists of 22 members, including wine producers, local public authorities, and education and research institutions, and is dedicated to the development of the wine sector in the Cahul region.
As of 2019, UNDP Moldova and its partners - the European Union, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom - have supported the formation and development of 17 clusters, investing US$4.8 million. The areas covered include livestock farming, horticulture, tourism and industry.
The clusters aim to generate greater added value for local economic growth and improve the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.
In 2024, nine Moldovan clusters successfully completed the ECEI Bronze Label "Striving for Cluster Excellence" certification process, reflecting their commitment to performance and excellence. Fifty new products and services have been developed and export volumes have increased thanks to new partnerships, including with 10 clusters in EU Member States.
