Discover Central Moldova’s Wine Country
Central Moldova offers a unique blend of rich winemaking traditions and picturesque landscapes. This region, known for its rolling hills and fertile valleys, is home to some of Moldova’s most prestigious wineries and charming rural villages.
Towns and Villages
The heart of Central Moldova’s wine country includes several notable towns and villages:
- Cricova: Famous for its underground wine city with 120km of tunnels
- Orhei: A historic town near the Orheiul Vechi archaeological complex
- Mileștii Mici: Home to the world’s largest wine collection
- Căpriana: Known for its 15th-century monastery and surrounding vineyards
Wine Producers
Central Moldova boasts some of the country’s most renowned wineries:
- Cricova Winery: Offers underground tours and tastings of sparkling wines
- Chateau Vartely: Modern winery with a restaurant and guest houses
- Mileștii Mici: Guinness World Record holder for largest wine collection
- Purcari Winery: Historic producer of premium wines since 1827
Accommodations
Stay close to the vineyards with these wine-themed accommodations:
- Château Purcari: Luxury rooms overlooking the vineyards
- Castel Mimi: Boutique hotel in a restored wine castle
- Eco-Resort Butuceni: Traditional Moldovan guesthouses near Orheiul Vechi
- Asconi Winery Guesthouse: Cozy rooms amidst a working winery
Dining
Savor local cuisine paired with Moldovan wines at these restaurants:
- La Placinete (Chișinău): Traditional Moldovan dishes and extensive wine list
- Poiana Bradului (Orhei): Rustic eatery serving game and local specialties
- Epoca Gastrobar (Chișinău): Modern fusion cuisine with Moldovan influences
- Casa Vinului (Cricova): Underground restaurant in the Cricova wine cellars
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore these wine-centric establishments to sample local vintages:
- Carpe Diem Wine Shop & Bar (Chișinău): Extensive selection of Moldovan wines with knowledgeable staff
- Invino Wine Bar (Chișinău): Cozy spot offering wine flights and tapas
- Decanter Wine Shop (Orhei): Local wine store with regional specialties
- Wine.md (Online): Convenient option for purchasing Moldovan wines to take home
Other Shops
Pick up local products and souvenirs at these stores:
- Souvenir Boutique (Chișinău): Traditional Moldovan crafts and wine accessories
- Central Market (Chișinău): Fresh produce and local delicacies
- Cricova Wine Shop: Exclusive wines and branded merchandise
- Artizana (Orhei): Handmade textiles and pottery from local artisans
Attractions
Beyond wineries, Central Moldova offers diverse attractions:
- Orheiul Vechi: Ancient cave monastery complex with stunning views
- Curchi Monastery: Beautifully restored 18th-century Orthodox monastery
- Orhei National Park: Hiking trails and scenic landscapes
- Old Orhei Museum Complex: Archaeological site showcasing Moldovan history
Events
Time your visit with these wine-related events:
- National Wine Day (October): Largest wine festival in Moldova, held in Chișinău
- Cricova Wine Run (January): Unique underground marathon through wine cellars
- Purcari Wine Run (September): Scenic race through vineyards with wine tastings
- Milleștii Mici Wine Festival (August): Celebration of wine, food, and culture
Appellations
Central Moldova’s wine regions include:
- Codru: Known for white wines, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
- Ștefan Vodă: Renowned for red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon
- Valul lui Traian: Diverse region producing both red and white wines
- Divin: Appellation for Moldovan brandy, similar to Cognac
Grape Varieties
Central Moldova’s vineyards cultivate a mix of international and local grape varieties. Feteasca grapes dominate, with three main types:
- Feteasca Alba (white)
- Feteasca Regala (white)
- Feteasca Neagra (red)
Other notable varieties include:
- Rara Neagra (indigenous red)
- Saperavi (red)
- Cabernet Sauvignon (red)
- Merlot (red)
- Chardonnay (white)
- Sauvignon Blanc (white)
Main Wine Styles
Central Moldova produces a range of wine styles, reflecting its diverse terroir and grape varieties:
- Crisp whites: Made from Feteasca Alba and Sauvignon Blanc
- Full-bodied reds: Crafted from Feteasca Neagra and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sparkling wines: Produced using the traditional method
- Dessert wines: Including ice wines and late harvest varieties
Food Specialties
Moldovan cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Traditional dishes to try include:
- Mamaliga (polenta-like dish)
- Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls)
- Placinte (savory or sweet pastries)
- Zeama (chicken soup)
- Mici (grilled meat rolls)
Local cheeses and cured meats complement wine tastings.
Drives & Walks
Wine Routes
Explore Central Moldova’s picturesque vineyards through these scenic drives:
- Cricova Wine Route: Visit the famous underground wine city
- Milestii Mici Wine Run: Drive through the world’s largest wine cellar
- Orheiul Vechi Loop: Combine wine tasting with historical sites
Walking Trails
For those preferring to explore on foot, consider these options:
- Codru Forest Trail: Hike through Moldova’s largest forest reserve
- Tipova Monastery Walk: Combine nature and culture near the Dniester River
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Explorer
A quick tour of Central Moldova’s wine highlights:
- Day 1: Chisinau city tour and Cricova winery visit
- Day 2: Explore Orheiul Vechi and nearby wineries
- Day 3: Visit Milestii Mici and enjoy a traditional Moldovan dinner
7-Day Wine Immersion
A comprehensive wine tour of Central Moldova:
- Days 1-2: Chisinau and surrounding wineries
- Days 3-4: Orheiul Vechi region and local producers
- Days 5-6: Codru forest area and boutique wineries
- Day 7: Milestii Mici and farewell wine pairing dinner
Getting There & Around
Central Moldova is easily accessible by air through Chisinau International Airport. From there:
- Car rental: The best option for exploring wineries
- Taxis: Readily available in Chisinau, but agree on fares beforehand
- Public buses: Connect major towns, but less convenient for winery visits
Consider booking a guided wine tour for a hassle-free experience and local insights.
Best Time to Visit
September to October is ideal for wine enthusiasts:
- Harvest season in full swing
- Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities
- Wine festivals and events
May to June offers beautiful landscapes and fewer crowds.
Sustainability Efforts
Moldova’s wine industry is embracing sustainability:
- Organic vineyards: Look for wineries like Equinox and Et Cetera
- Water conservation: Many producers use drip irrigation systems
- Solar power: Some wineries are adopting renewable energy
Support eco-friendly practices by choosing sustainable wine producers during your visit.
Language Tips
While Romanian is the official language, Russian is widely spoken. Useful wine-related phrases:
- Noroc: Cheers
- Vin roșu/alb: Red/white wine
- Degustare de vinuri: Wine tasting
Learning a few basic phrases will enhance your experience and show respect for local culture.
Further Resources
Expand your knowledge of Moldovan wines:
- Wine of Moldova: Official website with winery listings and events
- Wines of Moldova by Caroline Gilby MW: Comprehensive guide to Moldovan wines
- Local wine apps: Download “Discover Moldova” for winery information on the go
Join online wine communities to connect with fellow enthusiasts and get insider tips.
