by Snejana Muntean
The “7,000” project is an attempt to address these challenges and create a new
image for Moldovan winemaking. Through genetic research, archaeological
excavations, historical studies, and other scientific endeavors, we aim to
demonstrate that Moldova is one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions. This
hypothesis is supported by studies of the Cucuteni-Tripolye culture. Research on
this culture has already shown that its people, in addition to practicing horticulture,
were familiar with grapevines. They consumed grapes and even produced wine.
So far, there have been uncovered and studied grape seeds, a grape leaf imprint on
a clay fragment, and clay vessels, all of which have been documented in academic
publications. This culture is of great importance to Europe, representing the
continent’s first cities, multistory houses (2-3 levels), urban streets and authorities,
sewage systems, and even cities of 40–50 thousand inhabitants.
We believe the Cucuteni-Tripolye culture holds immense value for Europe but
remains underutilized, much like Moldovan winemaking. We are convinced that
initiating a systematic, institutionalized study of this culture would be of great
interest to European scientific institutions, particularly given the cross-border
potential of the project. The Cucuteni-Tripolye culture spans regions of Moldova,
Romania, and Ukraine. In the meantime, there are other European countries that
have shown scientific interest in this topic. We propose studying it through the lens
of wine.
In the end, this imprint of a grapevine leaf on a lump of clay is a great stroke of
luck for us. It is 6,500 years old, having been discovered during archaeological
excavations in the village of Brînzeni, Edinet district, in 1980. This lump of clay
was part of a Cucuteni house, ending up in the mixture of wet clay during
construction, and then applied and spread over the wooden framework of the
house. The fact that it was found in this mixture suggests that a grapevine bush was
growing on the site, meaning we can talk about a grapevine brought from the forest
and domesticated. This is reminiscent of the grapevine trellises that cover and
adorn the courtyards of Moldovan homes.
This lump of clay, its image, can and should become the symbol of Moldovan
winemaking, as evidence of the millennia-long history of viticulture in our lands!
What we can do?
We hope you see how promising our project is and the wide-ranging impact it can
have.
By highlighting Moldova as an ancient winemaking region, we can strengthen and
grow Moldovan wine exports while boosting tourism, particularly among wine
enthusiasts. Moldova could become an exciting tourist destination, increasing
domestic wine sales. Imagine millions of tourists visiting—a realistic
goal—consuming Moldovan wine and then trying to find it in their home
countries, becoming this way Moldovan wine ambassadors.
To support this tourism flow, last year, with the support of the European Union
Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, we launched the Wine Picnic Festival,
combining Moldovan wine with European cuisine and music. This event is an
integral part of the “7,000” project.
This year, we participated in Moldova Day in the Netherlands at Park De Hoge
Veluwe, where we showcased Moldovan wines available for purchase. Most
buyers were members of the Moldovan diaspora, excited to acquire wines from
small producers in Moldova. Meanwhile, local Dutch visitors made modest
purchases, providing us with small but meaningful support.
We want to present ourselves to Europe not as a small developing country—or
worse, a poor one—seeking aid but as a nation capable of offering projects that
enrich Europe culturally, historically, and scientifically. These projects will allow
us to grow while adding value to the entire European community.
This is why we do what we do: to move Moldova forward and secure its rightful
place in the family of European nations.
Imagine the profound and far-reaching multiplier effect this project could have,
inspiring Moldovan citizens to take pride in their country, much like in Georgia,
where every citizen feels like a natural-born ambassador and touristic guide. Think
of the investments that could be attracted—public and private, domestic and
international—in infrastructure, services, hospitality and service industry, and a
range of interconnected economic activities.If you wish, this could even become a national idea—without excessive pathos!
Already, organizations such as the National Office of Vine and Wine, the Small
Winemakers Association, the Technical University of Moldova, the Institute of
Genetics, the National Institute of Vine and Wine, and the National Museum of
History have expressed interest in the “7,000” project.
more info about the project on https://www.facebook.com/7000yearsunderthewines
Cucuteni Archeological Museum Moldova