Festival weekend planner
Vernisajul Vinului (Wine Vernissage) — a 3-day weekend in Central Moldova
25–26 April 2026. Chișinău, Moldova.
The weekend, day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Chișinău
Land at Chișinău International Airport (KIV), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.
- Day 2
Vernisajul Vinului (Wine Vernissage)
Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Insider tip: Seek out the Fetească Neagră masterclass track—it's where local enologists reveal why this indigenous variety punches above its international profile, and small producers pour pre-release samples. Arm yourself with tasting notes on Rară Neagră beforehand; it's criminally underrated and many exhibitors will engage deeply if you show genuine curiosity.
- Day 3
Wine country day in Central Moldova
Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch at one of the regional addresses below before heading home.
Where to stay
Three angles for the festival window. Festival hotels book out 6+ months in advance — apartments are the contingency when the main shortlist is sold out.
- Hotels in Chișinău
Live inventory around the festival window — 2 adults, all star ratings.
- 4–5 star options near Chișinău
Higher-end shortlist when you want the milestone weekend treatment.
- Apartments in Chișinău
Self-catering option — useful when festival hotels sell out 6+ months ahead.
Booking.com links — we may earn a commission. We never recommend hotels we wouldn't use ourselves.
Practical
- Nearest airport
- Chișinău International Airport (KIV)
- Festival site
- Visit official site
Insider tip
Seek out the Fetească Neagră masterclass track—it's where local enologists reveal why this indigenous variety punches above its international profile, and small producers pour pre-release samples. Arm yourself with tasting notes on Rară Neagră beforehand; it's criminally underrated and many exhibitors will engage deeply if you show genuine curiosity.
Want a longer trip than the festival weekend?
The milestone-trip planner builds a 3–10 day Central Moldova itinerary with accommodation, tours, and pacing options.
Plan a Central Moldova trip →