Winemaker Cotnari Unveils 2 Mio EUR Modernization Programme

Romanian winemaker Cotnari SA is planning to modernize their vineyards with EU funds and has presented the Agency for Payments for Rural Development and Fisheries - Iasi County with a 2 million EUR project for the procurement of several pieces of farming machinery. "We intend to use the two million euro to procure 42 small-size tractors suitable for vineyards and one large tractor of 360 horse power. We also intend to buy 42 trailers, a multi-purpose excavator, 20 mobile vineyard sprinklers, 11 natural fertilizer dispensers and 11 chemical fertilizer dispensers," said Ioan Matei, Commercial Manager of Cotnari.

In 2008, Cotnari made massive investments in starting new vineyards, as well as in modernizing the storage and decantation facilities. "We have recently finished planting 200 hectares of grapevine, which brings the overall surface of our vineyards to approximately 1,500 hectares. Our intention is to expand by another 260 hectares in 2009. Of that addition, 100 hectares will be dedicated to the Romanian variety called Feteasca Neagra, because we intend to compete also on the red wine market," said Constantin Deleanu, Executive Manager of Cotnari. In 2008, Cotnari produced over 8 million litres of wine and sold over 12 million bottles. The turnover reached 30 million EUR.

Cotnari SA was established in 1948 as a branch of a larger State-controlled farm for the purpose of managing 128 hectares of vineyard. Between 1966 and 1968, a modern facility was built to process up to 500 tons of grapes every 12 hours. The company was privatized in 2000, when the employees took over. Presently, Cotnari comprises over 1,500 hectares of vineyard and produces mainly traditional Romanian wines, such as Feteasca Alba, Grasa de Cotnari, Tamaioasa Romaneasca and Francusa de Cotnari. Two years ago, a new product range was launched: Chateau Cotnari, Blanc Cotnari, Grasa 2000 and Busuioaca de Moldova. Approximately 10% of the production is exported to the U.S., Canada, Norway, Greece, Italy, Spain and Japan.