Wine Paradise in Eastern Europe
Moldova stands as one of Eastern Europe’s leading wine destinations, with vineyards covering 7% of the country’s territory and a winemaking tradition spanning over 5,000 years. The country’s wine industry has undergone significant modernization while maintaining its traditional charm and authentic experiences.
Towns and Villages
Cricova emerges as a must-visit destination, famous for its underground wine city with 120km of limestone tunnels storing millions of bottles. Purcari village in the southeast showcases historic wine estates dating back to 1827 and offers stunning views of vineyards stretching to the Black Sea.
Wine Producers
- Château Purcari: Moldova’s most prestigious winery, known for its award-winning Negru de Purcari
- Cricova Winery: Houses the second-largest underground wine cellar in the world
- Mileștii Mici: Holds the Guinness World Record for largest wine collection
- Castel Mimi: A restored castle-winery offering tours and fine dining
Accommodations
| Location | Accommodation | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Purcari | Château Purcari Guest House | Vineyard views, wine tasting, traditional cuisine |
| Bulboaca | Castel Mimi Hotel | Luxury rooms in historic castle, pool, restaurant |
| Chișinău | Radisson Blu Leogrand | Central location, wine bar, modern amenities |
Dining
Traditional restaurants offering authentic Moldovan cuisine pair perfectly with local wines:
- Propaganda Café (Chișinău): Modern interpretations of Moldovan dishes with extensive wine list
- Vila Vintage (Cricova): Underground restaurant serving traditional meals paired with Cricova wines
- Purcari Restaurant: Fine dining with vineyard views and wine pairings
Local Food and Wine Pairings
– Plăcinte (traditional pastries) with local white wines
– Mămăligă (polenta) with red Rara Neagră
– Zeamă (chicken soup) with Viorica or Fetească Albă
Wine Shops & Bars
Carpe Diem Wine Shop in Chișinău offers Moldova’s largest selection of local and international wines.
Top wine bars include:
- Tasting Room 101 – Contemporary wine bar featuring weekly tasting events
- Atelier 101 – Boutique wine shop with expert sommeliers
- Wine.md – Modern shop offering shipping services and exclusive collections
Other Shops
Central Market in Chișinău sells local wine-making supplies and traditional crafts.
Specialized shops worth visiting:
- Artizana – Traditional Moldovan handicrafts and wine accessories
- Souvenir Boutique – Wine-themed gifts and local artisanal products
Attractions
Beyond wineries, explore these wine-related sites:
- National Wine Collection at Mileștii Mici – Over 1.5 million bottles
- Wine Gallery – Interactive museum showcasing Moldova’s wine history
- Golden Collection at Cricova – Premium wines from around the world
Events
Annual wine celebrations:
- National Wine Day (October) – Moldova’s biggest wine festival
- Wine Vernissage (May) – Spring wine tasting event
- Wine Run (September) – Marathon through Purcari vineyards
Appellations
Moldova’s main wine regions:
- Codru – Central region known for white wines
- Stefan Voda – Southeastern region producing red wines
- Valul lui Traian – Southwest region famous for red blends
- Divin – Protected designation for Moldovan brandy
A Hidden European Wine Paradise
Moldova stands as Eastern Europe’s most intriguing wine destination, with over 3,500 years of winemaking history and the world’s largest wine cellars at Mileștii Mici.
Grape Varieties
Moldova grows both international and indigenous grape varieties across its fertile lands.
Native Varieties
• Fetească Albă – Light, fresh white wine with apple and citrus notes
• Fetească Neagră – Full-bodied red with black fruit flavors
• Rara Neagră – Light to medium-bodied red with soft tannins
International Varieties
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
Main Wine Styles
Moldova produces diverse wine styles suited to different tastes.
Key Styles
• Dry Whites – Crisp, aromatic wines from Fetească Albă and Sauvignon Blanc
• Full-Bodied Reds – Rich wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Fetească Neagră
• Sparkling Wines – Traditional method sparklers from Cricova
• Sweet Wines – Ice wines and late harvest specialties
Food Specialties
Traditional Moldovan cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines.
Must-Try Dishes
• Mămăligă – Cornmeal porridge served with cheese and sour cream
• Zeamă – Traditional chicken soup
• Sarmale – Cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice
• Plăcintă – Pastries with various fillings
Drives & Walks
Explore Moldova’s wine country through scenic routes and trails.
Wine Routes
• Orheiul Vechi Wine Trail – Ancient monastery complex with nearby wineries
• Purcari Wine Road – Historic wine region with stunning landscapes
• Codru Wine Route – Forest region with boutique wineries
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Wine Tour
• Day 1: Chișinău city tour and Cricova underground cellars
• Day 2: Visit Purcari and Castel MIMI wineries
• Day 3: Explore Orheiul Vechi and local wine tastings
Week-Long Experience
• Days 1-2: Chișinău exploration and major wineries
• Days 3-4: Southern wine region and Gagauzia
• Days 5-7: Central Moldova wine routes and cultural sites
Getting There & Around
Direct flights connect Chișinău International Airport with major European cities. Most wine regions lie within 2 hours of the capital.
Transportation Options
• Car Rental: Available from major agencies at the airport, best for wine route exploration
• Private Tours: Many operators offer dedicated wine tours with English-speaking guides
• Public Transport: Buses connect major towns but aren’t ideal for winery visits
• Taxis: Use official services or ride-sharing apps within Chișinău
Best Time to Visit
Plan your visit during September-October for harvest festivals and perfect wine tasting weather.
Seasonal Highlights
• Spring (April-May): Mild weather, beautiful vineyard blossoms
• Summer (June-August): Warm days, outdoor wine tastings
• Fall (September-October): Harvest activities, National Wine Day
• Winter (November-March): Underground cellar tours, ice wine production
Sustainability Efforts
Moldovan wineries increasingly embrace eco-friendly practices and organic cultivation.
Green Initiatives
• Et Cetera Winery: Solar power, water recycling
• Purcari: Organic vineyard conversion
• Castel MIMI: Sustainable agriculture practices
• Small Producers: Traditional farming methods
Language Tips
Romanian is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken. Basic wine vocabulary helps enhance tastings.
Essential Wine Terms
• Vin – Wine
• Struguri – Grapes
• Noroc – Cheers
• Degustare – Tasting
Further Resources
Connect with local wine communities and stay updated on events.
Useful Links
• Wine of Moldova – Official wine industry website
• Moldova Travel – Tourism portal
• Moldovan Wine Guild – Industry association
• Local Wine Apps – Wine.md for tasting notes and winery information
