A vineyard in Moldova — Photo courtesy of iStock / niromaks
Moldova is far from most traveler's circuits, and oenophiles are missing out. Bordered by Ukraine and Romania, this country the size of Maryland is among the top 20 global wine exporters. Holding more vines per capita than any other country, Moldova is serious about its production and exports 67 million bottles annually – which are in high demand.
The country has a host of wine-related events, ranging from cellar runs and music festivals to vineyard races and a National Wine Day celebration, on their annual event calendar. With such a dense culture of wine, we have curated a list of the top 10 wineries to visit, ranging from small to large and family-owned to state-owned vineyards.
Large-scale Wineries
Milestii Mici
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Home to the world's largest wine cellars, which ramble on for 200 kilometers (124 miles), Milestii Mici also holds the country's national collection of wine, around 2 million bottles. The same collection was registered in 2005 with the Guinness World Records as the largest in the world.
Today, it's most valuable wine is worth 480 euros, but rest assured, Moldovans believe wine is for everyone. Plenty of bottles are priced very reasonably.
Cricova
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Cricova holds the world's second largest cellars stretching 120 km (75 miles). These tunnels have existed since the 15th century when the land was quarried for limestone. Hop into a train-like golf cart that can hold up to 24 people – making it perfect for large groups – with your guide.
Learn about the winery's history and how each bottle is turned by hand before venturing into a tasting room. Sample their most popular sparkling wines while snacking on traditional Moldovan dishes.
Purcari
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Purcari is one of the oldest wineries in Moldova, receiving its first gold medal in 1878 for a wine they still make today. Having entered more than 30 markets worldwide, Purcari might be the most easily-found Moldovan wine abroad.
Located within its own micro-climate and receiving warm winds off the Black Sea, Purcari grapes ripen gently during summer days of sunshine across its hills on the 260-hectares of vines. Try the Negru de Purcari, the wine that won gold so many years ago.
Castel Mimi
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Castel Mimi is another massively important winery within Moldova, in part due to the stunning feats of architecture that the winery inhabits. Now restored, the winery preserves the collective memory of many through its tour which features snapshots of the winery's endurance through empires – namely Russian, Romanian and Soviet rule. Guests love the motion-detected slideshow of the family's history.
Spend time in the courtyard and dine at the onsite restaurant. Keep an eye out for the developing wine-themed spa.
Chateau Cojusna
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Best known for its dessert wines, Chateau Cojusna makes wine from grapes grown across their 600 hectares of vines. Aged in oak barrels that hold up to 10,000 liters – some of the largest casks there are – Chateau Cojusna is one of the largest privately-owned wineries in the country. Just a 20-minute drive from Chisinau, call a day in advance to schedule a tour.
Small-scale wineries
Et Cetera
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Et Cetera is southeast of the capital, Chisinau, and holds its own airstrip. Wine lovers can actually be flown from the capital to the vineyard on the winery's private, four-person plane. Taste their popular rosé, then stay over in the farm-chic rooms. Hit the pool or take a bike tour of the vineyards to break up the wine tastings.
No matter how you spend your time here, the highly individualized service reflects the company's relationships-forward mission.
Chateau Vartely
The beautiful winery lit up at night — Photo courtesy of Chateau Vartely
Chateau Vartely holds a number of varied wine tours in a beautiful setting just three kilometers away from Orhei Lake. The winery includes a guesthouse for those that want to stay over and keep on tasting after the tour. Additionally, the 300-hectare vineyard also houses a sauna, recreational area, and a fireside lounge for relaxing after dinner at the internationally-inspired restaurant.
KaraGani
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KaraGani, located in southern Moldova, offers not only traditional vintages, but also a look into the history and culture of the Gagauz people – a subculture of Moldovans. With notice, the husband and wife that own the operation will prepare a traditional Gagauz meal to accompany the tasting.
Atú Winery
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Atú Winery is stirring up some excitement within the wine-making community as one of the only urban wineries in Chisinau. Having already received several awards within its first year or two of production, Atú wines are some of the best in the country. With a youthful audience in mind and beautifully designed labels, the wines are proving very popular.
Minis Terrios
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Minis Terrios is a family-owned and -run vineyard that hopes to inspire adventure in others. It's among the first successful family wineries, thanks to familiar wines like rosé and merlot which include native grapes.
