Southern Moldova’s Wine Country
Southern Moldova, nestled between Romania and Ukraine, offers a unique wine experience steeped in ancient traditions. This lesser-known region boasts picturesque vineyards, historic wineries, and warm hospitality.
Towns and Villages
The heart of Southern Moldova’s wine country lies in its charming towns and villages. Comrat, the capital of the Gagauzia region, serves as a great starting point for wine tours.
- Vulcănești: Known for its excellent red wines
- Taraclia: Home to several family-run wineries
- Cahul: A larger town with a rich winemaking history
Wine Producers
Southern Moldova boasts a mix of large-scale wineries and small, family-owned operations. Some notable producers include:
- Vinuri de Comrat: A modern winery offering tours and tastings
- Crama Mircești: Known for its traditional winemaking methods
- Vinia Traian: Produces award-winning red wines
Many wineries offer tours and tastings, often including traditional Moldovan snacks.
Accommodations
Lodging options in Southern Moldova range from basic guesthouses to more upscale hotels. For a unique experience, consider staying at a winery.
- Gagauz Sofrasi: A traditional guesthouse in Comrat
- Hotel Prietenia: A comfortable option in Cahul
- Vinuri de Comrat Guesthouse: Stay on-site at the winery
Dining
Southern Moldovan cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Try these restaurants for authentic experiences:
- La Plăcinte (Comrat): Traditional Moldovan dishes
- Restaurant Bugeac (Comrat): Gagauz specialties
- Casa Veche (Cahul): Wine-focused menu with local ingredients
Don’t miss trying local specialties like zeamă (chicken soup) and mămăligă (polenta) with your wine.
Wine Shops & Bars
Southern Moldova offers unique wine-tasting experiences beyond wineries. Explore these local establishments:
- Carlevana Winery (Cahul): Wine shop with a tasting room
- Gagauz Sofrasi (Comrat): Traditional wine bar serving local varieties
- Vinia Traian Wine Shop (Taraclia): Showcases regional wines and offers tastings
Many shops offer shipping services, allowing you to send your favorite wines home.
Other Shops
While exploring Southern Moldova’s wine country, don’t miss these local shopping experiences:
- Piata Centrala (Comrat): Open-air market for fresh produce and local crafts
- Gagauz Handicraft Center (Vulcănești): Traditional textiles and pottery
- Cahul Central Market: Local cheeses, meats, and seasonal fruits
Look for wine-related souvenirs like hand-painted glasses or locally made corkscrews.
Attractions
Southern Moldova offers more than just wine. Discover these cultural and historical sites:
- National Gagauz History and Ethnographic Museum (Beșalma): Learn about local culture
- St. John the Baptist Cathedral (Comrat): Impressive Orthodox architecture
- Taraclia History Museum: Exhibits on regional history and winemaking
Many attractions offer guided tours in English with advance notice.
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-focused events in Southern Moldova:
- National Wine Day (October): Celebrations across the region
- Gagauz Wine Festival (November, Comrat): Local wines, food, and cultural performances
- Cahul Wine and Music Festival (August): Combines wine tastings with live music
Book accommodations early for popular events, as they can draw large crowds.
Appellations
Southern Moldova’s wine regions are defined by geographical indications (GIs):
- Valul lui Traian: Known for full-bodied red wines
- Stefan Voda: Produces excellent white and sparkling wines
- Comrat: Specializes in indigenous grape varieties
Look for wines labeled with these GIs to taste the distinct characteristics of each region.
Grape Varieties
Southern Moldova’s vineyards boast a mix of international and indigenous grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay thrive alongside local stars.
- Red varieties: Rara Neagră, Fetească Neagră, Saperavi
- White varieties: Fetească Albă, Viorica, Rkatsiteli
Main Wine Styles
The region produces a diverse range of wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds. Sparkling wines made using traditional methods are gaining recognition.
- Dry red wines: Bold and structured, often aged in oak
- White wines: Fresh and aromatic, with good acidity
- Sweet wines: Made from late-harvest grapes, including ice wines
Food Specialties
Southern Moldovan cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Mămăligă (polenta) and sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) are staples.
- Zeamă: Traditional chicken soup
- Plăcinte: Savory or sweet pastries
- Brânză: Various types of local cheeses
Drives & Walks
Explore the picturesque wine country through scenic drives and walking trails. The Wine Road of Moldova connects major wineries and attractions.
- Purcari wine region: Rolling hills and historic estates
- Codru Forest Reserve: Nature walks and birdwatching
- Orhei Vechi: Archaeological complex with cave monasteries
Itineraries
Plan your wine journey with these suggested itineraries. Combine winery visits with cultural experiences for a well-rounded trip.
3-Day Wine Explorer
- Day 1: Chișinău city tour and wine tasting
- Day 2: Visit Purcari and Et Cetera wineries
- Day 3: Explore Old Orhei and Chateau Vartely
5-Day Southern Moldova Immersion
- Days 1-2: Chișinău and nearby wineries
- Day 3: Comrat and Gagauzia region
- Day 4: Purcari wine region
- Day 5: Cahul and surrounding vineyards
Getting There & Around
Chișinău International Airport serves as the main gateway to Moldova. Rental cars offer flexibility for exploring wine regions.
- Trains connect major cities, but schedules can be limited
- Marshrutkas (minibuses) provide budget-friendly transport between towns
- Consider hiring a local driver for winery tours to avoid drinking and driving
Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during autumn (September-October) for the grape harvest season. Spring offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities
- Winter (December-February): Cold, but ideal for ice wine production
- National Wine Day: Celebrated in early October with festivals and events
Sustainability Efforts
Many Moldovan wineries are adopting eco-friendly practices. Organic viticulture is gaining popularity in the region.
- Chăteau Purcari: Uses solar panels and recycles water in production
- Et Cetera Winery: Practices minimal intervention winemaking
- Cricova Winery: Implements energy-efficient cooling systems
Language Tips
Romanian is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken. Learning a few wine-related phrases can enhance your experience.
- “Noroc” (Cheers) – Essential for wine tastings
- “Vin roșu/alb” (Red/white wine)
- “Ce recomandați?” (What do you recommend?)
Further Resources
Expand your knowledge of Moldovan wines with these resources. The Wine of Moldova website offers comprehensive information.
- Wine of Moldova: Official wine tourism portal
- Moldova Holiday: General travel information
- “The Wines of Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova” by Caroline Gilby MW (book)