Small and cozy, Chisinau is a city of warm and welcoming people, amazing local cuisine and Moldova’s wine, and it’s already a great idea for the weekend. Chisinau Airport connects flights all over Europe, so if you get a spontaneous idea to add a splash of color to your everyday life, don’t hesitate to check out this destination.
Besides, a trip to Moldova can be really budget-friendly, with affordable taxi and accommodation options.
Why not broaden your experience of Moldova beyond just Chisinau? After all, many fascinating locations for a Moldova wine tour are located just an hour drive from the capital. We’ve gathered some great ideas for wine lovers that promise unforgettable experiences and a chance to immerse yourself in the country’s winemaking culture.
Cricova
Cricova Winery boasts the second-largest wine cellars in the world and is located just 15 kilometers from Chișinău, offering stunning views of the vineyard-covered valley as you approach the facility. The winery is so vast that it’s not possible to explore it on foot. The cellars form an entire underground city, complete with distinct quarters, streets and even road signs. The best option is to take a guided tour in a tourist tram, which includes a wine tasting, where you will learn a lot about the winery.
Travel tip: Try the sparkling wine here! Cricova was the first producer in Moldova to craft sparkling wine using the “Méthode Traditionelle” (the Dom Pérignon method).
Mileștii Mici
Mileștii Mici is a winery boasting the world’s largest wine collection, officially recognized by the Guinness World Records. The complex features an underground cellar network spanning over 200 kilometers. The cellars maintain a constant temperature of 12-14°C – conditions optimal for the storage and ageing of high-quality wines. Much like at Cricova, the site features a system of named streets and intersections, and driving through the vast underground complex is permitted. Mileștii Mici is not merely a winery but a landmark tourist destination, perfect for discovering Moldova’s winemaking traditions and culture.
Castel Mimi
Located just a short drive from Chișinău, Castel Mimi is one of Moldova’s most impressive tourist attractions with a unique collection of wine. Visitors can come to Castel Mimi not only for a tour but also for an extended stay. The castle is a great choice for a romantic weekend. Additionally, it includes a fine-dining restaurant and spa complex.
The restaurant is a special highlight because the menu blends traditional Moldovan authentic flavors with European influences, all complemented by an impressive wine selection.
Travel tip: The Wine Spa has unique treatments, such as wine baths!
Purcari
Château Purcari is a tourist attraction nestled between the Dniester River and the Black Sea. The classic variant of the wine tour to Purcari includes a visit to the production facility and the cellar, followed by a tasting session. Guests also have the option to stay overnight at the Château Purcari complex. In warm weather, the place is perfect for strolling around, because the surroundings feature vineyards, lakes, and scenic waterfronts.
Travel tip: If you prefer a more intimate setting, visit the family-run Et Cetera winery, located just a few kilometers from Purcari.
Gagauzia & Vinuri de Comrat
Winemaking in Moldova is not concentrated solely around Chișinău. If you have a little more time, you can head to Comrat, a unique autonomous region of the Gagauz people. This is the home of Vinuri de Comrat, a winery where, for over 120 years, local winemakers have preserved and passed down the traditions of crafting unique wines from southern Moldovan grapes.
A special highlight: dishes of traditional Gagauz cuisine, such as meat soup shurpa and flatbread gozleme, fresh from a local oven, paired with a glass of wine will make your visit to Moldova a rich and unforgettable experience.
Orheiul Vechi and Pivnitele Branesti
What about a more authentic and less touristic wine experience in Moldova? Orheiul Vechi, a renowned historical and archaeological complex in Moldova situated along the Răut River, preserves traces of several ancient civilizations and is well worth a visit. It is a rural area featuring lush landscapes and a rock-hewn monastery built by monks as early as the 13th century.
For wine enthusiasts, the Brănești Winery, just a 15-minute drive away in the village of Brănești, is a must-visit spot. The winery is situated 60 meters underground within a limestone gallery, creating ideal conditions for the storage and aging of premium red and white wines as well as sparkling wines. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the winery and wine tasting sessions. Additionally, the stylish “Epoca de Piatră” (Stone Age) restaurant is located right inside the gallery where limestone was once quarried.
Special highlight: Another option for Moldova wine tasting in the region is Château Vartely, known for its exceptional wine collection. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, dine at the restaurant, and stay overnight in comfortable accommodations.
Key Takeaways
In Moldova, wine is not merely a beverage but an integral part of the culture. Every winery carefully preserves Moldovan winemaking traditions, offering visitors the chance to experience them. Immerse yourself in the country’s atmosphere as you explore wine regions, picturesque landscapes and unique customs, combining tastings with visits to Moldova’s historical and natural spots.
The spirit of wine fills the air in Moldova! Don’t hesitate to come and experience the taste within the wine tours.
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Read more from Galyna here.
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25-plus countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure.
