Discover the charm of Moldova, a small country with a rich winemaking tradition that is gaining international recognition for its exceptional wines.
Nestled between the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea in Eastern Europe lies Moldova, a country with a long history of winemaking. In recent years, Moldova has experienced a surge in independent wineries, offering vineyard tours, wine tastings, and unique accommodations. With its three distinct winemaking regions – Codru, Valul lui Traian, and Ștefan Vodă – Moldova has become a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. In fact, a local vintage from Moldova recently won the prestigious title of Best Red Wine at the Concours Mondiale de Bruxelles 2022. From exploring the world’s largest collection of wine to sleeping in a wine barrel, Moldova offers a truly immersive wine experience.
Codru: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
The Codru region, the largest of Moldova’s wine regions, is known for its fresh and floral white wines, including chardonnays, rieslings, and sauvignon blancs. The region’s temperate climate, rolling countryside, and limestone-rich terroir draw favorable comparisons to Burgundy in France. Vineyard tours and wine tastings are popular activities for visitors, but there are also unique ways to experience the local produce. At Asconi Winery, guests can stay overnight in traditional thatched-roof cottages and tend to their own garden-sized vineyard. Milesti Mici, on the other hand, boasts the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection, with two million bottles stored in a labyrinth of underground tunnels. Codru is also home to Chişinău, the capital city of Moldova, which offers a vibrant food scene and hosts the annual National Wine Day celebrations.
Valul lui Traian: Bold Reds and Natural Beauty
Encompassing the southern reaches of Moldova, the Valul lui Traian wine region is renowned for its big, bold, and fruity red wines, such as merlots, malbecs, and the local fetească neagră. The region’s grape varieties benefit from the rich black soil and high temperatures, balanced by the shade from the Tigheci Forests and winds from the Black Sea. Exploring the countryside by bike on the Southern Moldova cycling routes allows visitors to discover the region’s wineries, orchards, and natural sights. The routes connect some of the most respected wineries with beautiful spots like Lake Beleu, a haven for bird-watching and part of the Lower Prut UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Ștefan Vodă: Small Region, Big Wines
Despite being the smallest wine region in Moldova, Ștefan Vodă boasts some of the country’s most outstanding wineries. Located in the southeast, the region’s clay soil, rich in iron, has been recognized since ancient times for its red wines, including cabernet sauvignon, pinot gris, and rara neagră. In recent years, the region’s white wines have also gained recognition for their fruity and mineral tastes. At Chateau Purcari, the country’s oldest winery, guests can spend the night in a giant wine barrel and wake up to breathtaking views of the vineyards. Et Cetera Winery offers a superb restaurant where visitors can savor regional dishes paired with delicious wines. Don’t miss the unique Monastery Acoperământul Maicii Domnului, partially built below ground level to adhere to an Ottoman rule.
Conclusion:
Moldova’s rise in the world of wine is a testament to its rich winemaking heritage and the dedication of its independent wineries. From the picturesque vineyards of Codru to the bold reds of Valul lui Traian and the exceptional wines of Ștefan Vodă, Moldova offers a diverse and immersive wine experience. Whether you choose to explore the world’s largest wine collection, sleep in a wine barrel, or simply indulge in wine tastings and vineyard tours, Moldova is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by wine enthusiasts around the world. So, raise a glass and toast to the extraordinary wines of Moldova.
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