Ekaterina's family owned a few acres of vines in the Codrii mountains, a forested area in central Moldavia, whose grapes were used to supply the family or sent to the local cooperative. Even as a child, Ekaterina dreamed of a future winery. I was introduced to winemaking by my parents when I used to sneak in to watch the fermenting vats. Attracted but also challenged by my budding interest, my mother convinced me a few years later to attend the Chisinau Agricultural Institute. A general curriculum, including oenology, delivered by this institution in the country's capital. A promising start.