Unveiling Moldova’s Wine Wonders

If you’re unfamiliar with Moldova, don’t worry – even the most experienced and independent travellers have missed this Eastern European nation wedged between Romania and Ukraine. Though relatively small (about the size of Belgium with a population of 4 million), Moldova ranks among the world’s top 20 wine-producing countries, featuring the highest density of vineyards to arable land of any country globally. Thanks to its existing Wine Routes, visitors can easily navigate Moldova’s best wineries, and with new routes set to open in March 2020, wine-lovers will find it even simpler to explore the country’s many vineyards and historical sites.

Wine Tasting in Moldova

Ask a recent visitor about their travels in Moldova, and you’re likely to hear about remote roads leading to vineyards scattered across the rolling countryside. Visitors often share stories of the country’s two best-known wineries: Milestii Mici, boasting huge cellars that are 200km-long and 80m-deep, which holds a Guinness World Record for storing more than 1.5 million bottles; and Cricova, the leading producer of sparkling wines in the nation, known for its 120km-long cellar accessed by golf cart. Additionally, wine tastings occur in smaller, family-run enterprises, where guests enjoy intimate experiences standing around oak barrels, as well as in high-end locales with polished showrooms that elevate local production to international standards.

Moreover, a common refrain among visitors is the navigation challenges independent travellers encounter when trying to logically connect and locate wineries and other points of interest. With the launch of the new Wine Routes of Moldova, exploring this former Soviet Republic becomes much more accessible and enjoyable for adventurers and gourmands alike.

The Wine Routes

The Wine Routes of Moldova currently consist of three routes that reach into the historic wine regions of Codru, Valul lui Traian, and Stefan Voda. Each route, beginning from the capital, Chişinău, serves as both cultural and adventure corridors, mapping out festivals, events, and key points of interest, including B&Bs, fortresses, monasteries, nature reserves, and archaeological sites. For travellers, this network provides clear itineraries while revealing authentic experiences, rooted in more than 5000 years of winemaking history and significant wine production.

According to Gheorghe Arpentin, Director of Moldova’s National Office for Vine and Wine, “The routes give people an idea of how to connect the wineries in a more efficient way, so they can get the most out of their travel experience.” The new itineraries currently feature 150 road signs directing visitors to 18 wineries, established vineyards, and emerging wine producers, with expectations to reach 55 by the end of 2021. Furthermore, Mr. Arpentin emphasizes that promoting wine routes can motivate wineries to implement tourist services. He adds, “Developing wine tourism in rural regions serves as an engine for socio-economic growth, creating new jobs, slowing migration, and preserving local heritage.”

Authentic, Traditional Experiences

“With a wine route, tourists will be able to visit the country ‘better’ — especially solo travelers,” states Mihaela Sirbu, the tourism and marketing manager at Asconi Winery, which lies along the Codru Route. “Each region has its own traditions, flavors, and wines—helping visitors get the most out of their trip. Moldova is a diverse and raw country, and this authenticity provides an experience grounded in our rich heritage.”

The new routes reveal the meditative experience of driving through Moldova’s charming backroads and villages. The only sounds are those of tractors and families engaging in agricultural work, with picturesque vineyards radiating in every direction. This combination of rich soil and the wine it produces has defined this fertile land for thousands of years.

“There are many opportunities that come with the launch of the new wine routes, but the main advantage is that visitors will truly get to know our country,” says Natasha Curnic, director of GoAdventure Moldova, which offers active holidays, wine, gastronomic, and cultural tours. “We take our wine very seriously. Moreover, we also have so much more to offer in one of the most genuinely untouched spots in Europe.”