CHIȘINĂU, Moldova, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Moldova has achieved a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title after 493 people formed the world's largest human image of a grapevine during the 25th edition of National Wine Day.
The record was officially confirmed on October 3, 2026, in Chisinau's Great National Assembly Square by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ adjudicator Pravin Patel.
The attempt became one of the highlights of Moldova's flagship wine event and gave a visual dimension to the anniversary edition's theme, "United by Wine". Hundreds of participants came together to form a single grapevine, one of the most recognisable symbols of the country's winemaking heritage.
Stretching approximately 39 metres, the human grapevine followed a design approved in advance by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™. Participants recreated the roots, trunk, branches, six grape clusters, six leaves and vine tendrils. Different clothing colours were used to distinguish the elements and ensure the formation could be clearly recognised from the air.
All 493 participants were individually registered and assigned fixed positions, while entry and counting were strictly controlled. QR-code scanning was used as part of the verification process to prevent double counting.
The participants remained in formation for around 15 minutes while the record attempt was assessed against more than 30 technical criteria, including compliance with the approved design, the number and positioning of participants, the size of the formation and the required photographic and video evidence.
"The Republic of Moldova has achieved a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title, and for us this is undoubtedly the most beautiful gift for the 25th edition of National Wine Day.
Hundreds of people came together to form a single grapevine – a symbol of our winemaking traditions and a visual expression of this year's message, 'United by Wine'," said Stefan Iamandi, Director of the National Office for Vine and Wine.
The anniversary edition also reached new participation milestones, bringing together 114 wineries, selling 14,000 tasting booklets – around 50% more than in 2025 – and welcoming visitors from more than 70 countries.
National Wine Day is Moldova's largest annual event dedicated to the "Wine of Moldova. Unexpectedly Great." national wine brand. The next edition is scheduled for October 2–3, 2027.
Contact: Ionela Stati, istati@wineofmoldova.com
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Moldova achieves GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title as 493 people form world's largest human image of a grapevine
Moldova achieves GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title as 493 people form world's largest human image of a grapevine
LONDON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hakluyt, the global strategic advisory firm for businesses and investors, is delighted to announce the appointment of The Honourable Julia Gillard AC, former prime minister of Australia and current chair of Wellcome, to its international advisory board.
Julia Gillard is one of Australia's most prominent political leaders and an influential figure in global health. She began her career at the law firm Slater & Gordon, where she became a partner, before moving into politics as chief of staff to the premier of Victoria. Elected to the Australian House of Representatives in 1998, Julia served as deputy prime minister from 2007 to 2010, and then as prime minister of Australia from 2010 to 2013 – the first woman to hold the role.
Julia currently serves as chair of Wellcome, the UK-based global charitable foundation focused on improving health through science. She is also patron of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), the inaugural chair of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London, and patron of Beyond Blue, a mental health charity in Australia.
Chaired by Lord William Hague, Hakluyt's international advisory board includes senior leaders from across business, government and academia, who support the firm's global connectivity and expertise.
Lord Hague said: "I am delighted to welcome Julia to Hakluyt's international advisory board. She brings first-hand experience of government decision-making that will be of great value to the firm, and her work at Wellcome gives her a global perspective on science, innovation and health, as well as the partnerships needed to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges."
Julia Gillard commented: "I am excited to be joining Hakluyt's international advisory board. Having had the privilege of serving in public office at the highest level, I have seen how critical sound judgement is in periods of uncertainty and change. I look forward to working with William and my fellow advisory board members to support Hakluyt's clients and the firm's continued growth."
Thomas Ellis, Hakluyt's managing partner, added: "I am thrilled that Julia is joining Hakluyt's international advisory board. She combines exceptional government experience with a deep understanding of the forces shaping economies and societies around the world. As a highly respected voice on leadership questions and many global trends and issues, she brings a distinctive perspective that will strengthen the advice we provide to our clients."
This appointment is effective immediately.
Notes to editors:
Hakluyt is a strategic advisory firm that works with corporate leaders and investors around the world on their most important commercial issues. For more information on the firm, please visit www.hakluytandco.com
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Julia Gillard joins Hakluyt's International Advisory Board
