Northern Moldova’s Wine Country
Northern Moldova offers a unique wine experience, blending traditional winemaking methods with modern techniques. This region, known for its rolling hills and fertile soil, produces some of Moldova’s finest wines.
Towns and Villages
Soroca is a must-visit town, famous for its medieval fortress and gypsy culture. Balti, the largest city in the north, serves as a hub for wine tourism.
Don’t miss Rudi, a picturesque village home to the Rudi Monastery and surrounded by vineyards.
Wine Producers
- Chateau Vartely: Located near Orhei, offers guided tours and tastings
- Vinaria din Vale: A family-owned winery in Trifesti, known for organic wines
- Cricova Winery: Famous for its underground wine cellars and sparkling wines
Smaller Producers
Et Cetera Winery in Crocmaz and Pelican Negru in Peresecina offer intimate tasting experiences. Book in advance for these boutique wineries.
Accommodations
Eco-Resort Butuceni in Orhei provides a rustic experience amidst vineyards. For luxury, try Vila Roz in Soroca, offering panoramic views of the Dniester River.
Budget travelers can find comfortable guesthouses in villages like Rudi and Calaraseuca.
Dining
La Taifas in Balti serves traditional Moldovan cuisine paired with local wines. In Soroca, Casa Arcasului offers medieval-themed dining experiences.
For farm-to-table meals, visit Agropensiunea Gagauz Sofrasi in Congaz, showcasing Gagauzian specialties.
Wine Shops & Bars
Vinuri de Comrat in Balti offers a wide selection of local wines. For a cozy wine bar experience, visit Carpe Diem in Soroca.
Don’t miss Casa Vinului in Orhei, featuring wines from small producers across Northern Moldova.
Other Shops
Pick up local handicrafts at Arta Rustica in Balti. For traditional Moldovan sweets, visit Dulceata Bunicii in Soroca.
Piata Centrala in Balti is great for fresh produce and local specialties.
Attractions
- Soroca Fortress: 15th-century stronghold with panoramic views
- Old Orhei: Archaeological complex with cave monasteries
- Padurea Domneasca: Nature reserve near Glodeni, perfect for hiking
Wine-related Attractions
Visit the National Wine Day celebrations in October, held in major towns across Northern Moldova.
Events
- Mărțișor Festival (March): Traditional spring celebration
- DescOperă (June): Open-air opera festival in Old Orhei
- Gustar Music Festival (August): Showcases local and international artists
Wine Events
Vernisajul Vinului in Balti (September) features wine tastings and local cuisine.
Appellations
Codru: Known for white wines, particularly those made from Fetească Alba and Chardonnay.
Valul lui Traian: Produces full-bodied reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Local Classifications
Look for wines labeled IGP (Indicație Geografică Protejată) for quality assurance.
Grape Varieties
Northern Moldova’s vineyards are home to a diverse range of grape varieties. Indigenous grapes like Feteasca Alba and Feteasca Regala thrive alongside international varieties.
- White grapes: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté
- Red grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir
- Local varieties: Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra
Main Wine Styles
The region produces a wide array of wine styles, reflecting its diverse terroir and winemaking traditions. Crisp whites and full-bodied reds dominate the local wine scene.
- Dry white wines: Fresh and aromatic
- Red wines: Often aged in oak, with rich tannins
- Sparkling wines: Gaining popularity, made using traditional methods
- Dessert wines: Sweet and luscious, often made from late-harvest grapes
Food Specialties
Northern Moldovan cuisine blends influences from Romanian, Ukrainian, and Russian traditions. Local dishes pair excellently with regional wines.
- Mamaliga: Cornmeal polenta, often served with sour cream and cheese
- Zeama: Hearty chicken soup with noodles
- Placinte: Savory or sweet stuffed pastries
- Mici: Grilled meat rolls, perfect with red wine
Drives & Walks
Explore Northern Moldova’s picturesque landscapes through scenic drives and walks. Vineyard tours offer unique insights into the region’s winemaking heritage.
- Orheiul Vechi: Ancient cave monastery complex with stunning views
- Soroca Fortress: 16th-century fortress overlooking the Dniester River
- Padurea Domneasca: Nature reserve with centuries-old oak trees
- Tipova Monastery: Rock-carved monastery with nearby hiking trails
Itineraries
Plan your Northern Moldova wine adventure with these curated itineraries. Each route showcases the region’s best wineries and cultural attractions.
3-Day Wine Tasting Tour
- Day 1: Visit Cricova winery, explore Chisinau
- Day 2: Tour Chateau Vartely, explore Orheiul Vechi
- Day 3: Visit small family wineries in Codru region
5-Day Northern Moldova Explorer
- Days 1-2: Chisinau and nearby wineries
- Day 3: Soroca Fortress and local wine tasting
- Day 4: Balti city tour and winery visits
- Day 5: Padurea Domneasca and farewell dinner with wine pairing
Getting There & Around
Northern Moldova is accessible by air through Chisinau International Airport. Car rentals are available for exploring the region’s wineries and attractions.
- Flights: Direct connections from major European cities
- Trains: Limited rail network, mainly connecting Chisinau to other cities
- Buses: Extensive intercity bus network for budget travelers
- Taxis: Affordable option for short distances, negotiate fares in advance
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Northern Moldova is during the grape harvest season, typically from late August to October. Spring offers pleasant weather and blooming landscapes.
- Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities
- Fall (September-November): Wine festivals and harvest events
- Winter (December-February): Cold temperatures, limited wine tourism activities
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds
Sustainability Efforts
Northern Moldova’s wine industry is embracing eco-friendly practices. Many wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic viticulture methods.
- Chateau Vartely: Uses solar panels and energy-efficient equipment
- Cricova Winery: Implements water conservation techniques
- Small producers: Focus on traditional, low-intervention winemaking
Language Tips
Romanian is the official language of Moldova, but Russian is widely spoken. Learning a few key phrases can enhance your wine tasting experience.
- “Noroc” – Cheers
- “Vin rosu/alb” – Red/white wine
- “Multumesc” – Thank you
- “Unde este vinaria?” – Where is the winery?
Further Resources
Expand your knowledge of Northern Moldova’s wine scene with these helpful resources:
- Wine of Moldova: Official website with winery listings and events
- Moldovan National Office for Vine and Wine: Regulatory information and wine statistics
- Visit Moldova: Tourism portal with travel tips and itineraries
- “The Wines of Moldova” by Caroline Gilby MW: Comprehensive guide to Moldovan wines