The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Supply, Ljupco Dimovski, and officials of the diplomatic corps to Macedonia, attended the traditional vineyard pruning ceremony in “Pirava” – vine plantation in Valandovo honoring St. Trifun, the patron saint of wine and winemaking. After the solemn ceremony and the symbolic pruning of the branches, President Ivanov conveyed his wishes for a successful harvest and sweet grapes.

- It is in the spirit of our tradition that today wine trees are pruned. I wish quality and bountiful year to wine growers and winemakers, President Ivanov said.

- Today I am at a plantation in this valley where my birthplace is. As a student and as a high school boy, I very often attended such manifestations. I am glad to have the opportunity to see people I know, with whom I have spent my childhood, President Ivanov said.

The delegation led by President Ivanov, among whom were the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, the Ambassador of the French Republic, the UK Ambassador, the Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary and the Charge d’Affairs from the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia visited the wine cellar “Vizba” and were introduced with the latest production achievements of the largest wine cellar in the south of Macedonia.
The Manager of the wine cellar “Vizba-Valandovo”, Vita Huzjan and the team of oenologists presented the products among which is "Alexander" – six-time winner of gold medals at fairs and second ranked in the world wine selection.