ABOUT US
How Meet Moldova Was Born
During a trip to Moldova in 2013, we stumbled upon Château Purcari and were immediately shocked by how incredible the wine was. An in-depth Google search and a few glasses later, we learned more about the winemaking techniques, the soil, the Russian embargo and the resiliency of the Moldovan people.
We found an incredible wine with an even more inspiring backstory, and couldn't wait to share our discovery with friends back home. Back stateside, we scoured wine stores everywhere to try to find Moldovan wines with little luck. We were shocked that a wine so well received from everyday people and critics alike couldn't be found on shelves in the U.S. So we decided to start a campaign to get them on shelves in the States ourselves. This is how Meet Moldova was born.
Remember to sip, savor, and do the world a favor by drinking Moldovan wines.
Meet the Team
The faces behind the Meet Moldova campaign.
Purcari's Story
A Timeline
1827
Founding Year
Issued a special decree by the emperor granting Purcari the status of the first specialized winery in Bessarabia (now known as Moldova).
1878
Paris World Expo
French experts at the Paris World Expo were so impressed by the dry wine with an intense ruby color of Negru de Purcari, they were convinced it was from Bordeaux, rather than a small village on the banks of the Dniester River.
This was the first time Negru de Purcari wine won a gold medal at an international exhibition.
2003
Purcari Company
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the winery had to cease production, that is until 2003 when Vinaria Purcari Company rebuilt and renovated the cellars and revived the production facility.
2006
Russian Embargo
Due to a diplomatic conflict, Russia banned the import of Moldovan and Georgian wines. Russia was responsible for 80-90% of the total wine exports, costing the Moldovan government and people millions in losses.
2015
Decanter Awards
By 2015, no other winery in all of America, Germany, Austria and all of Central Europe won more prestigious Decanter Worldwide Wine Awards than Chateau Purcari.
2017
Challenge du Vin
By 2017 no other winery in the world won more prestigious Challenge du Vin gold medals and a Grand Prix than Chateau Purcari.
2018
Funding
From 2014 to 2018, the EU spent $1.2B on wine promotions. Despite 25% of the population working in the wine industry and holding the most awarded wine brand in the world, Moldova received no funding.
Source: USDA GAIN Report