Today's state was created in 1991 by the disintegration of the USSR. Its geographical roots lie in the historical landscape of Bessarabia (see history there). Numerous archaeological finds, such as amphorae and grape seeds, prove that viticulture has been practised here for over 5,000 years. To the north, east and south, the state is surrounded by Ukraine. In the west, it borders on Romania, whose influence can be felt through the long common history in viticulture. The princes of Moldova established their own wine culture in the Middle Ages. However, this collapsed again from the beginning of the 16th century under 300 years of Ottoman rule and the associated ban on alcohol.