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Cricova’s wine cellars in subterranean tunnels.
The Wine Routes of Moldova link together key wine destinations across the country. The network is accredited as a European Wine Route by the Council of Europe, and was named best wine route of 2024 by the Iter Vitis federation. Journeying along it, visitors can discover Moldova’s unique blend of traditional and modern winemaking with five days of tasting, culture and relaxation.
Explore Moldova’s history at Chi?in?u’s National History Museum. Photograph provided by Wine of Moldova.
Day 1
Start by exploring the Neoclassical boulevards of Moldova’s vibrant capital, Chi?in?u. Come face-to-face with the sculptures of the Alley of Classics in Stefan Cel Mare Park, admire the frescoes in the Nativity Cathedral and delve into the country’s heritage at the National History Museum. Enjoy discovering the wonderful wine shops and bars that the capital has to offer, including: Plincuvin Wine Boutique, wine.md and Wine Republic. For lunch, try some pl?cint? (local pastries) at the aptly named La Pl?cinte café.
Then head to the city’s outskirts to visit ATU, Moldova’s first urban winery, housed in a former warehouse covered in murals and graffiti. This boutique winery crafts expressions of local varieties such as white Viorica and red Codrinschi, in very small volumes. In summer, enjoy the tranquillity of the nearby Botanical Garden or travel back to the 17th century at the Village Museum. Then spend the evening sampling boutique Moldovan bottlings at cosy wine bars or enjoying fine dining at the stylish Divus Restaurant in the Thomas Albert Hotel.
The Tipova Cave Monastery in the cliffs overlooking the Nistru river. Photograph provided by Wines of Moldova.
Day 2
Start your trip through the central Codru PGI region at the historic Cricova Winery, famed for its sparkling wines, and explore its 75 miles of wine cellars in what was originally a limestone quarry. Visit over winter to join (or just watch) Wine Run, a 10km race through the labyrinth by torchlight.
At picturesque winery Crama Mirce?ti, you can admire the view over the M?gurii hills, known as Moldova’s ‘Little Tuscany’, and relax over a light lunch, paired with Mircesti’s wine. Brandy lovers should continue north to the Barza Alb? Distillery in B?l?i to sample its award-winning Divin (Moldovan brandy). Alternatively, cycle through the landscape on one of the region’s bike routes or explore the river Nistru (Dnister/Dniester) by kayak, visiting the 13th-century Saharna Monastery, or the Tipova Cave Monastery within the cliffs themselves. In the evening, head to Château Vartely for a gourmet meal with its award-winning wines, then stay in one of the Château’s private villas.
Check into a traditional cottage at Asconi Winery. Photograph provided by Wine of Moldova.
Day 3
Nearby you’ll find Orheiul Vechi, a Stone Age archaeological complex ringed by limestone cliffs. The surrounding Orheiul Nature Reserve is also home to birdwatching routes and hiking trails along the Raut river gorge, and each June hosts the open-air DescOper? Classical Music Festival.
Heading south of Chi?in?u, you won’t want to miss the world’s largest wine cellar at Mile?tii Mici winery, holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection – now over two million bottles. You can cycle along some of its 125 miles of tunnels before enjoying lunch in an elegant dining room – the traditionale sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) are delicious.
Check into a traditional cottage at the family-owned Asconi Winery, then savour authentic Moldovan hospitality and food such as m?m?lig? (polenta), paired with Asconi’s excellent wines.
The Orthodox monastery at Orheiul Vechi. Photograph provided by Wine of Moldova.
Day 4
It’s well worth a detour into the south- western Valul Iui Traian PGI region to visit the large, modern Vinuri de Comrat and sample local Gagauzian cuisine. Situated close to Chi?in?u,…
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