FOOD & DRINK // DRINKS

10 wineries you need to visit in

Moldova
This small country is big in the wine
world
February 13, 2019 // By Molly Harris

A vineyard in Moldova — Photo courtesy of iStock / niromaks

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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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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, Tighina, Moldova

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Purcari is one of the oldest wineries in Moldova,

receiving its crst 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 creside lounge for
relaxing after dinner at the internationally-
inspired restaurant.

KaraGani

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KaraGani Winery

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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 crst 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 crst successful family wineries,
thanks to familiar wines like rosé and merlot
which include native grapes.

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About Molly Harris

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