Moldova toasts its future with wine

Workers label bottles at state-run Milestii Mici, north of Chisinau. Moldova also has private wineries, many of which are working hard to produce vintages that appeal to Western consumers. They prefer lighter, fruitier wines over the sweet varieties favored by Russians.  (Vadim Denisov / AFP / Getty Images)

Bottles of wine get a hot-wax seal at Milestii Mici.  (Vadim Denisov / AFP / Getty Images)

A woman stands outside the Orthodox cathedral in Chisinau. Early on Easter morning, the country’s biggest religious holiday, the plaza in front of the church is packed with congregants waiting to have their baskets of elaborate cakes and breads, decorated eggs and wine blessed by priests.  (John McConnico / Associated Press)