The WINET cross-border project, joined together wine companies from the Republic of Moldova on a working visit to colleagues from Romania and Bulgaria.

Between July 4-11, several local winemakers explored wineries in Romania and Bulgaria, as part of a  good practices exchange program.The event was organized by the WINET,a cross-border project funded by the European Union which aims to develop trade and collaborative relations within the wine sector in the 3 countries.

Bulgarian  wineries from Vidin and Stara Zagora were the first visited . Betterhalf Garage Wines, Alexandra Winery & Vineyards, Edoardo Miroglio wine are just some of the companies that have opened easily for Moldovan specialists. Our winemakers had the opportunity to discuss with their counterparts the new industry trends, opportunities and problems that emerged during the pandemic and the solutions they identified. They also exchanged ideas and practices that proved useful in adjusting the production and marketing process to the world market demand .

Another wine sector representatives delegation, accompanied by business support organizations members , took  a tour of  the wineries from Romania, the neighboring country. The  good practices exchange  started in the city of Cernavoda, at the Rasova winery. The winemakers talked about differences and similarities between wine production, grapes growing and processing methods. 

The experience continued at Trantu Murfatlar Winery and Hamangia Winery. The hosts exhibited their vineyards, and technologies used to make Bachus liqueur. The program culminated with a wine tasting where besides local wines' similar flavors,  Moldovan specialists have appreciated the specificity  of the area. 

Moldovan participants were particularly impressed by the way their romanian and bulgarian  colleagues developed their wineries' tourist branch. This field is of great importance for Bulgarian and Romanian winemakers, focusing not only on the wine quality , but also on the way they receive their guests and the experience they live at thewinery. Their will is that any guest leaves with a good wine, and a state of well-being, due to by the beautiful places   he saw and interesting things learned about the history and tradition of those places.

"It was  captivating to talk to the owners of small wineries in Bulgaria, who told us about their business model and the 22 thousand tourists who visit them every year. We came up with some ideas and the desire to invest in this business  field  and to develop it. "Said Dan Prisăcaru from Familia Mea winery.

It is always welcome for entrepreneurs to visit similar businesses, both in the country and abroad, as it has given them the opportunity to look at business from a different perspective, take over some successful practices and adapt them to local market requirements. Thus, the positive reactions of the participants did not take long to appear.
"Any experience exchange  is useful. The opportunity to talk to colleagues from other countries, to find out what methods they use helps you analyze your own business and gives you ideas on how to become better ”mentions Ilie Gogu from Gogu Winery.

WINET is a cross-border project in the Black Sea Region, which includes three countries: Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria.The project mission  is to increase trade and cooperation in the wine sector.