Thanks to the WESA grant program “Promotion and Export of Moldovan Wine,” 20 Moldovan wineries have increased their exports and achieved growth in sales of value-added wines in non-traditional markets
Elena Stepanov, Executive Director of the National Inbound and Domestic Tourism Association (ANTRIM) announced this while attending the seminar “Moldova in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe”, dedicated to partners and stakeholders of the “Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe” program, which is taking place at Asconi Winery (a member of ANTRIM and the “Wine Routes of Moldova”). In her presentation, Elena Stepanov spoke about the Moldovan wine route, highlighting the successes achieved within the framework of the European cultural route ITER VITIS Les Chemins de La Vigne en Europe—from increasing international recognition to strengthening tourism offerings and attracting an ever-growing number of visitors. At the same time, the WESA (Wine Export and SME Assistance) grant program, funded by the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), was presented; under this program, ANTRIM provides economic and promotional support to participants in the “Wine Routes of Moldova.” As noted, thanks to this program, 20 winemaking companies have increased their exports, boosting sales of value-added wines in the markets of Romania, Poland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, South Korea, Japan, Canada, and other non-traditional markets. “This seminar is an important platform for dialogue and cooperation, highlighting the role of cultural routes in developing sustainable tourism and strengthening international recognition, and we are pleased to actively participate in the development and promotion of the “Wine Routes of Moldova” within the framework of the European cultural route ITER VITIS,” emphasized the executive director of ANTRIM. It was previously reported that Moldovan winemakers received grants to expand their presence in international markets under the WESA grant program “Promotion and Export of Moldovan Wine.” This initiative is funded by the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF) and is being implemented by the National Inbound and Domestic Tourism Association of Moldova in partnership with the National Office of Vine and Wine. The total budget of the WESA grant program was 8 million lei. Small producers could receive grants ranging from 300,000 to 800,000 lei, with the amount of their own contribution varying depending on the producer category. The funds are intended to help increase sales of Moldovan wines in international markets, particularly in non-traditional markets. // 16.04.2026 — InfoMarket
