Wineries and wine
Moldova holds the largest wine cellar on earth and a winemaking tradition going back more than five thousand years. Here is where to taste, and how to get there.
The wine regions
Codru, Valul lui Traian and Ștefan Vodă — the three PGI regions, each with its own terroir.
ExploreGrape varieties
Fetească Neagră, Rară Neagră, Viorica and the international varieties that took to Moldova.
ExploreThe leading wineries
Cricova
The longest underground galleries in the world — 120 km of tunnels at a depth of 80 m, holding legendary collections, among them Goering’s and those of the Soviet cosmonauts.
Mileștii Mici
The largest wine collection in the world, certified by Guinness — over 2 million bottles in 200 km of galleries. Overwhelming, and hard to match anywhere else.
Castel Mimi
One of the finest wineries in Moldova, internationally admired for its architecture. A first-rate restaurant, a boutique hotel and premium tastings.
Purcari
Winemaking since 1827, with internationally awarded wines. Negru de Purcari was served at the British royal court. Today it runs tours, tastings and events in striking surroundings.
Asconi
A modern winery with excellent wines, its own restaurant and a contemporary take on Moldovan winemaking. Well suited to tastings and events.
Et Cetera
A boutique winery making wines with a signature, known for exceptional quality and a craft approach. Intimate tastings in elegant surroundings.
Château Vartely
The estate takes in a winery, a restaurant, a hotel and a conference centre. Award-winning wines, elegant architecture and serious cooking in one place.
Vinăria Poiana
Natural and organic wines in genuine countryside. Traditional winemaking, pastoral views and a warm welcome.
Useful to know
What to know about Moldovan wine
Native varieties
Fetească Neagră, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, Rară Neagră — varieties you will not find anywhere else.
Cricova vs Mileștii Mici
Cricova is famous for tours through its catacombs, Mileștii Mici for the world record number of bottles. Both are worth the trip.
The wine season
Autumn (September–October) is the harvest. The Wine Festival is held in October, in Chișinău.
What a winery visit is like
The larger wineries take visitors by appointment. At Cricova and Mileștii Mici you do not walk down steps — you drive in, or ride a small electric train, into a limestone labyrinth tens of kilometres long, originally quarried for building stone. Down there it is always 12–14°C, whatever the season, which is exactly what the wine needs. The collections of old bottles are kept there too, behind bars.
The château wineries work differently. At Castel Mimi or Château Vartely a visit means architecture, a restaurant and, often, a room to stay the night. At Purcari, in the south-east, you are on the grounds of the country’s oldest winery, the one that once sent Negru de Purcari to the British royal court.
Whichever winery you choose, the tasting is the moment to ask for the native varieties: Fetească Neagră, Rară Neagră or the aromatic Viorica. And if you can pick your dates, come in autumn — on the first weekend of October, Chișinău holds the National Wine Day.
Where to stay in Moldova — compare and book
Hotels, apartments and guesthouses on one map, with prices compared across Booking, Airbnb and other platforms.
Map provided by Stay22. Bookings are completed on the partner platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Moldova’s wineries
Which are the best-known wineries in Moldova?
The most visited are Cricova, with over 120 km of underground galleries, and Mileștii Mici, which holds the Guinness record for the largest wine collection in the world. Other leading wineries are Castel Mimi, Purcari, Château Vartely and Asconi.
How many wine regions does Moldova have?
Moldova has three wine regions with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): Codru, in the centre around Chișinău; Valul lui Traian, in the south-west; and Ștefan Vodă, in the south-east, home of the famous Negru de Purcari.
What are Moldova’s native grape varieties?
The most important native varieties are Fetească Neagră, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, Rară Neagră and Viorica. They give Moldovan wine an identity of its own, alongside international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
When is the best time for a wine tour in Moldova?
Autumn (September–October), during the harvest, is ideal. The first weekend of October brings National Wine Day, the country’s largest wine festival, held in central Chișinău.
Can I visit a winery without booking?
Most of the larger wineries take visitors by prior appointment only. Check each winery’s official site, or get in touch and we will arrange the tour for you.
Plan your visit
Where to stay
Real hotels and guesthouses, with prices compared on the map across Booking, Airbnb and other platforms.
SeeTours & day trips
Organised trips with transport included — useful above all if you are going tasting.
SeeGetting there from Romania
Plane, coach, train or car — real journey times, border crossings and the documents you need.
SeeWant a wine tour built around you?
Tell us which wineries interest you and we will arrange it all: transport, tastings, somewhere to stay.
