Embark on an unforgettable journey to the captivating Republic of Moldova, situated at the core of Eastern Europe. Embrace the warm hospitality of this mesmerizing country, where Moldovan families welcome you wholeheartedly. Dive deep into a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries, witnessing and celebrating the cherished traditions passed down through generations.
The Wine country of Eastern Europe
But Moldova’s appeal doesn’t stop at traditions; it mesmerizes visitors with its exceptional wines. Explore the sprawling vineyards covering the undulating hills, where skilled winemakers have honed their craft over generations. Sample the exquisite flavors, from refreshing whites to rich reds, as Moldova’s winemaking expertise earns global recognition. Indulge in an immersive wine-tasting journey that tantalizes your senses.
As you traverse, let picturesque villages and pristine landscapes captivate your imagination. Relish the culinary delights of traditional Moldovan dishes, savoring each delectable bite. Let the mysteries of the Republic of Moldova unfold before you, crafting your unique story of exploration and revelation. Allow the vibrant essence of this remarkable country to etch lasting memories on your heart and taste buds, uncovering the magic of its hospitality, timeless traditions, and unparalleled wines.
Republic of Moldova – a surprising country
When you cross the border into this small yet promising country, hailed as “the number two off-the-beaten-path destination in the world” and located about 400 km from Bucharest in South-East Europe, you’ll find a seamless blend of past and present. Here, folklore, cultural heritage, and traditional crafts coexist with rapidly developing infrastructure and contemporary architecture.
The untouched countryside, genuine villages, and unique historical sites define Moldova’s allure, offering an escape from urban chaos. Let’s delve into some standout holiday spots in the Republic of Moldova.
The place with the 1001 mysteries
For those interested in cultural tourism, the “Orheiu Vechi” archaeological complex, dubbed “the place with the 1001 mysteries,” stands out. Nestled in the Raut River Valley in the Orhei District, just 60 km from Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, it ranks among Moldova’s most significant historical landmarks and is a contender for the UNESCO World Heritage list. This open-air rock complex boasts ruins, fortifications, cave monasteries, and karst caves.
Start your exploration of the “Orheiu Vechi Complex” at the Orheiu Vechi Exhibition Center near Trebujeni village. Here, a quaint museum showcases artifacts from archaeological excavations, and a tourist information center awaits visitors.
After you visit the Orheiu Vechi Complex and spend time there, you’ll find the nearby Butuceni Village in the Orhei District, a rural gem. Here, you can discover and savor genuine Moldavian dishes at “Agro Pensiunea Butuceni,” a rejuvenated traditional guesthouse. They serve food and wine in ceramic pots in a restaurant that looks like a spacious old room with a “hay roof.”
The Raut river runs close, and the pension nestles in a lush, secluded setting where relaxation and fresh air reign supreme. Staying in the Orhei district, don’t miss the “Pearl of Bessarabian monasteries” – the “Curchi Monastery.” Situated 55 km from Chisinau in a village of the same name, it features five stunning churches and abbeys, a surveillance tower at the entrance, and a quaint lake.
The monastery recently underwent a full restoration, and more international tourists visit annually, drawn to its tranquility.
Beyond its stunning locales, Moldova takes pride in its authentic wineries spread across the nation. When you explore Moldova, you’ll see that almost every home boasts its own vineyard. Families meticulously craft wine, storing it in their cellars or selling to large wineries to support themselves.
“Wine has been a part of civilized life for some seven thousand years. It is the only beverage that feeds the body, soul and spirit of man and at the same time stimulates the mind…” – Robert Mondavi
The Republic of Moldova, internationally recognized as a wine country, boasts renowned underground cellars and towns producing various white, red, and sparkling wines. It ranks among the world’s top 10 wine producers and features on the cultural-touristic route of the European community.
Across the country, 142 wineries operate, with 23 welcoming tourists. Visitors can learn about the production processes, watch bottling, and taste the final product, often paired with traditional cheese, pastries, olives, or cheese pies.
Guiness World records
The Guinness Book of Records also includes the “Milestii Mici” Wine Complex, located 20 km south of Chisinau, which is the oldest storage place for wines produced in Moldova and boasts the largest wine collection in Europe, comprising over 1.5 million collection bottles.
An underground gallery, situated 80 meters below ground with a length of nearly 250 km, can be visited by personal car. Notably, the galleries are named after various wines, such as “Cabernet,” “Aligote,” and “Feteasca.”
Crico winery
In Cricova, a city situated 20 km from the Moldovan capital, another renowned winery bears the city’s name – “Cricova Winery.” It is well-known abroad for its sparkling wine products.
What makes this winery particularly interesting is the fact that the only remaining sample of “Easter Jerusalem” liquor, “Ian Beher,” harvested in 1902, is housed here. Many important individuals have attempted to purchase this bottle, offering significant sums of money or old collection cars in exchange, but they have all been refused.
The cellars stretch over 120 km, taking on the shape of a champagne glass. Visitors can explore them with a special little train and witness wine collections belonging to international personalities. Moreover, you can savor their wines in rooms named “The European Room,” “The Seabed Tasting Room,” or “The Presidential Room.”
Best time of the year to visit Moldova
The best time to visit Moldavian wineries and taste their wines and freshly harvested grapes is from the end of September until the first week of October. During this period, the “National Wine Day” attracts almost 100 wine producers to a grand festival held in the city center of Chisinau, featuring traditional dances, live music, delectable food, and authentic souvenirs.
Traveling all around the country, in search of cultural, religious, medieval, traditional, or historical places, you will notice for sure, as long as the eye can see…vineyard landscapes.
Helped also by the perfect climate, winemaking is deeply ingrained in Moldova’s culture and history, tradition, and, of course, economy, as their wines are exported over 30% to foreign countries.
Facts about the Republic of Moldova
Let’s find out some interesting facts about Moldova:
- Moldova is placed 12th among the top world wine exporters.
- Vine growing and wine making in Moldova count for almost 5,000 years.
- The largest underground wine cellar in the world is Cricova.
- The Milestii Mici’s wine collection of 1.5 million bottles has been included in the Guinness World Record in the category The Largest Quality Wine Collection in the World.
(https://triptomoldova.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/20-facts-about-moldova/)
So, if you will ever cross beside a shelf in a store or a supermarket in your country and you will see a wine or a sparkling wine with the name of “Cricova”, “Purcari”, “Chateau Vartely” or “Et Cetera”, be sure that the perfect place to taste it is right at their producer, located in the Republic of Moldova.