Explore Moldova’s ancient winemaking tradition and booming wine tourism industry
Nestled between the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea, Moldova is a small country with a big reputation in the world of wine. With its ancient winemaking tradition and a recent surge in independent wineries, Moldova has become a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Offering vineyard tours, wine tastings, excellent restaurants, and unique accommodation options, Moldova’s wine tourism industry is flourishing. Recently, a local vintage even won the prestigious Best Red Wine award at the Concours Mondiale de Bruxelles 2022. Let’s dive into the world of Moldovan wine and discover the hidden gem of European wine tourism.
Codru: Discover the Burgundy of Eastern Europe
The Codru region, the largest of Moldova’s wine regions, is renowned for its fresh and floral white wines. Chardonnays, rieslings, and sauvignon blancs thrive in its temperate climate, rolling countryside, and limestone-rich terroir. Visitors can enjoy vineyard tours and wine-tasting experiences, but there are also unique opportunities to immerse themselves in the local produce.
At Asconi Winery, guests can have an authentic experience by staying in traditional, thatched-roof cottages and tending to their own garden-sized vineyards. For wine enthusiasts, Milesti Mici offers a chance to explore the largest wine collection in the world. Descend into a labyrinth of limestone tunnels stretching 125 miles, where two million bottles (and counting) are stacked from floor to ceiling. Codru is also home to the vibrant capital, Chişinău, which hosts the annual National Wine Day celebrations, showcasing the best of Moldova’s wine culture.
Valul lui Traian: Bold Reds and Natural Beauty
The Valul lui Traian region, located in the southern part of Moldova, is known for its big, bold, and fruity red wines. Merlots, malbecs, and the local fetească neagră grape varieties thrive in the region’s rich black soil and high temperatures. White wines like muscats and sparkling whites and rosés also make their mark. Exploring the countryside by bike on the Southern Moldova cycling routes allows visitors to enjoy the region’s wine experiences while taking in the natural beauty.
The cycling routes connect esteemed wineries and orchards with breathtaking sights like Lake Beleu, a haven for bird-watching and part of the Lower Prut UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Travelers can rent bicycles at wineries and rural bed and breakfasts, immersing themselves in the region’s wine and nature.
Ștefan Vodă: A Taste of Tradition and Memorable Experiences
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 iron-rich clay soil has been renowned for its red wines since ancient times. Grape varieties like cabernet sauvignon, pinot gris, and rara neagră produce exceptional red wines, while the white wines are known for their fruity and mineral flavors.
Chateau Purcari, the country’s oldest winery, offers guests a unique overnight experience in a giant wine barrel, providing stunning sunrise views across the vineyards. At Et Cetera Winery, visitors can indulge in a variety of regional dishes paired with their delicious wines. The winery’s restaurant serves locally sourced, wine-heavy cuisine, including rabbit stewed in white wine and marinated trout with mussel sauce. Don’t miss the plăcintăs, traditional apple- or cheese-filled pastry-cakes baked by the owners’ mother.
Conclusion: Moldova’s Rise as a Wine Tourism Destination
Moldova’s wine tourism industry is on the rise, attracting visitors from around the world with its ancient winemaking traditions, picturesque vineyards, and unique experiences. The Codru region offers a taste of Burgundy in Eastern Europe, while Valul lui Traian showcases bold reds amidst stunning natural landscapes. In Ștefan Vodă, visitors can immerse themselves in tradition and indulge in memorable wine-tourism experiences.
With direct flights from London and easy access to rental cars, exploring Moldova’s wine regions has never been more convenient. To make the most of the trip, it is recommended to book winery tours and accommodations in advance. Moldova is truly a hidden gem in the world of wine, and wine enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to discover its rich and diverse offerings.
Plan your trip: For more information and to plan your visit to Moldova, visit moldova.travel.
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