Nestled between Romania and Ukraine, the small and charmingly quaint country of Moldova is rapidly becoming one of the leading wine holiday destinations thanks to wine experts, Winerist.
Offering a variety of wine experiences in over 133 regions and capitals, Winerist has understandably become one of ‘the largest online travel specialists for wine and food tours featuring wineries, wine tours, cooking classes, wine hotels and more’.
The perfect booking platform for those eager to enjoy special wine tastings, whilst experiencing culture and heritage, has seen an increase of interest in bookings to the Eastern European country and have begun promoting and selling breaks to this destination.
With the biggest density of vineyards in the world, 3.8 per cent of the country’s territory and 7 per cent of the arable land, it comes as no surprise that Moldova is majorly growing in popularity.
The wine industry in Moldova accounts for 3.2 per cent of the GDP and 7.5 per cent of the country’s total exports, and as a result, employs 250 thousand citizens across its 140 wine companies.
No longer a well-kept secret, Moldova now seems to be the main destination for those desiring a vinous experience, and the perfect place to start is in the capital, Chisinau. The city’s atmosphere revolves around relaxation, food and wine.
The beautiful city combines Stalinist architecture with extreme modernism, therefore architectural fans will find Chisinau to be the perfect location for their wine tours. Recently, there have been several bookings available at Casa Daca Hotel & Wine Bar, Parol and at the Purcari Wine Bar; the first wine bar to boast wines from all of the local producers.
Winerist has recently unveiled a full day experience, which showcases the city and its most popular subject wine. Book the ‘Private Wine tour visit and tasting at Castel Mimi and Asconi Winery with lunch from Chisinau. 9-hour experience 09:00 – 18:00’ tour and spend the day enjoying the area and everything it has to offer, from Orthodox churches and museums to city markets.
Wander through the city’s vibrant markets, and witness the lively vibes of Moldova’s capital. Chisinau Central Market has been welcoming people since it began in 1825, and here you will find just about anything, so be prepared for some haggling.
Afterwards, the tour will guide you to Ascony Winery. Founded in 1994, this winery has developed a variety of high-quality wines, made from local and European grape varieties such as Traminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Franc, and created a wondrous place to visit with friends and family.
Once you have experienced Ascony Winery, the tour will lead you to Castel Mimi — a castle known as one of the most ‘beautiful architectural masterpieces in the world of wine’. According to the story of the castle, Constantin Mimi, the last governor of Bessarabia, planted the first-grade wines on the grounds in 1893; a legend worth visiting as the history and traditions of this location has been remarkably preserved.
Once the tour of Mimi’s winery has been completed, visitors will be escorted back to Casa Daca in Chisinau to continue their exploration of Moldova.
Surprisingly, Moldova is one of the least visited places in the world, and yet those choosing to visit the country will be taken aback by its beauty, architecture and culture, and will undoubtedly leave visitors with unforgettable memories.
If you choose to visit this charming destination, you will not be disappointed as Moldova’s low hills, plateaus, plains and rivers will offer you a spectacular getaway, featuring moderately-continental temperatures.
Those desiring a taste of Moldova’s quality red wine can do so by visiting the southern region of the country, whilst white wine enthusiasts can enjoy their own vinous experience in the central part of Eastern European country; either way, visiting Europe’s best-kept secret will undoubtedly leave you wanting more.
If you would like to have a taste of Moldova’s wine before travelling to this charming location, then Diana Isac, founder of Winerist, gives her recommendations of which wines to order.
According to Isac, white wine fanatics will enjoy one of Moldova’s ‘own’ grape variety wines: Feteascǎ Regalǎ, Château Vartely 2017 Feteasca. Available in various shapes, ‘Alba’, ‘Regala’ and ‘Neagra’. Only £6.25, this Regala is popular due to its appealing floral, white plum and apple flavours and you can purchase it from The Wine Society.
Those more devoted to red wines can enjoy the Purcari Rara Negra 2016, which is a prime example of a raspberry grape that is indigenous to Moldova. With a complex and distinctive taste, this £20.00 wine will surely surprise you if you purchase it from Amazon.
For more information on the Moldova tours, visit winerist.com.
