Discovering Moldavia’s Wine Heritage
Moldavia, a historic region spanning parts of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, boasts a rich winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years. Its diverse terroir and unique grape varieties offer wine enthusiasts an exciting journey through Eastern European viticulture.
Towns and Villages
Explore charming wine-centric towns that showcase Moldavia’s viticultural heritage:
- Iași: The cultural capital of Romanian Moldavia, known for its proximity to renowned wineries
- Cricova: Home to the world’s largest wine cellar, a subterranean city of wine
- Mileștii Mici: Holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection
- Orhei: A historic town near picturesque vineyards and the Orheiul Vechi monastery complex
Wine Producers
Visit these notable wineries for tastings and tours:
- Purcari Winery: Produces the famous Negru de Purcari, once favored by Queen Victoria
- Château Vartely: Offers modern winemaking facilities and a stunning location
- Cricova Winery: Features underground wine cities and sparkling wine production
- Castel Mimi: A beautifully restored château with state-of-the-art winemaking facilities
Accommodations
Stay at these wine-themed accommodations for an immersive experience:
- Purcari Chateau: Luxurious rooms overlooking vineyards
- Château Vartely Guest House: Cozy lodgings within the winery complex
- Etno Resort Butuceni: Traditional guesthouses near Orheiul Vechi and local vineyards
- Butoiul de Aur: Wine-barrel shaped cottages in Milestii Mici
Dining
Savor local cuisine and wine pairings at these establishments:
- La Taifas (Chișinău): Traditional Moldovan dishes with an extensive local wine list
- Propaganda Café (Iași): Modern fusion cuisine featuring Romanian wines
- Carpe Diem Wine Shop and Bar (Chișinău): Wine-focused menu with tapas-style plates
- Casa din Luncă (near Orheiul Vechi): Rustic restaurant offering homemade wines and traditional fare
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore these specialty wine shops and bars to taste local vintages:
- Carpe Diem Wine Shop and Bar (Chișinău): Offers an extensive selection of Moldovan wines
- Vinuri de Comrat (Comrat): Specializes in wines from the Gagauzia region
- Invino Wine Shop (Iași): Features a curated collection of Romanian wines
- Unvinpede (Chișinău): A cozy wine bar with a rotating selection of local wines
Other Shops
Pick up local souvenirs and artisanal products at these shops:
- Artizana (Chișinău): Handmade crafts and traditional Moldovan textiles
- Ceramica Ungheni (Ungheni): Beautiful locally-made ceramics, perfect for serving wine
- Iași Farmers’ Market: Fresh local produce and homemade products
- Roșu Wine Accessories (online): Moldovan-made wine accessories and gifts
Attractions
Visit these wine-related and cultural attractions:
- National Museum of History (Chișinău): Exhibits on Moldovan winemaking history
- Mileștii Mici Wine Cellars: Underground wine city with over 200 km of tunnels
- Orheiul Vechi: Cave monastery complex near picturesque vineyards
- Iași Botanical Garden: Features a section on local grape varieties
Events
Plan your trip around these wine-centric events:
- National Wine Day (October): Largest wine festival in Moldova, held in Chișinău
- Iași Wine Festival (September): Celebrates Romanian wines in the heart of Iași
- Vernаculiа Wine Festival (August): Focuses on indigenous grape varieties in Purcari
- Christmas Fair (December): Features mulled wine and local specialties in Chișinău
Appellations
Discover the main wine-producing regions of Moldavia:
- Ștefan Vodă: Known for full-bodied reds, including the famous Purcari wines
- Codru: Central region producing elegant whites and sparkling wines
- Valul lui Traian: Southern region specializing in rich reds and dessert wines
- Cotnari DOC (Romania): Renowned for its sweet white wines made from indigenous grapes
Grape Varieties
Moldavia’s wine industry thrives on both international and indigenous grape varieties. Fetească Albă and Fetească Regală are prominent white grapes, while Fetească Neagră leads the reds.
- White varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté
- Red varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir
- Indigenous varieties: Rară Neagră, Plavai, Zghihară de Huși
Main Wine Styles
Moldavian wines offer diverse styles to suit various palates. Dry whites from Fetească Albă showcase crisp acidity and floral notes.
- Full-bodied reds: Fetească Neagră, Cabernet Sauvignon blends
- Sparkling wines: Traditional method from Cricova
- Dessert wines: Ice wines and late harvest selections
Food Specialties
Moldavian cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Mămăligă, a polenta-like dish, complements hearty red wines.
- Sarmale: Stuffed cabbage rolls, ideal with Fetească Neagră
- Plăcintă: Savory pastries, paired with crisp whites
- Brânză: Local cheeses, excellent with both red and white wines
Drives & Walks
Explore Moldavia’s picturesque wine country through scenic routes. The Wine Road of Moldova connects major wineries and offers breathtaking views.
- Orheiul Vechi loop: Historical sites and small wineries
- Codru Forest trail: Nature walks with winery stops
- Milestii Mici underground cellars: World’s largest wine collection
Itineraries
Plan your Moldavian wine adventure with these curated itineraries. The 3-day Chisinau Wine Tour covers urban wineries and nearby estates.
- 5-day Central Moldova: Cricova, Mileștii Mici, and Château Vartely
- Week-long Wine and Culture: Combine winery visits with historical sites
- Weekend Getaway: Focus on Chișinău’s wine bars and local producers
Getting There & Around
Chișinău International Airport serves as the main gateway to Moldova. Rental cars offer flexibility for winery tours, while organized wine tours provide a worry-free option.
- Buses: Connect major towns and wine regions
- Trains: Limited network, but scenic routes available
- Taxis: Affordable for short trips within cities
Best Time to Visit
Fall is ideal for wine enthusiasts, coinciding with the harvest season. The National Wine Day in October showcases Moldova’s finest wines.
- Spring: Mild weather, perfect for vineyard walks
- Summer: Warm temperatures, ideal for outdoor wine tastings
- Winter: Cozy indoor tastings and ice wine production
Sustainability Efforts
Moldovan wineries are embracing eco-friendly practices. Organic viticulture is gaining traction, with several producers obtaining certifications.
- Solar power: Increasing use in winery operations
- Water conservation: Drip irrigation systems widely adopted
- Biodiversity: Cover crops and wildlife corridors in vineyards
Language Tips
Romanian is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken. Learning a few wine-related phrases can enhance your experience.
- “Noroc” – Cheers
- “Vin roșu/alb” – Red/white wine
- “Degustare de vinuri” – Wine tasting
Further Resources
Enhance your Moldovan wine journey with these valuable resources. The Wine of Moldova website offers comprehensive information on local wines and producers.
- Moldova Travel: Official tourism portal
- Cricova Winery: Tours and tasting information
- Carpe Diem Wine Shop: Online store for Moldovan wines
