Moldova, a small landlocked country in Eastern Europe, is home to one of the oldest and most diverse wine cultures in the world. With a history of grape growing and wine-making dating back thousands of years, Moldova boasts a rich wine heritage that reflects its geographical location and cultural influences.
Moldova has 112,000 hectares of vineyards planted with over 50 types of wine grape varieties, 10% of which are local types, 17% are Caucasian, and 73% are European. The country sits on similar latitudes to the classic wine regions of the world, like Bordeaux and Piedmont. The climate is moderately continental, with warm summers and mild winters, and the soil is fertile and diverse, ranging from black earth to limestone and sandstone.
Moldovan wineries specialize not only in well-known international grape varietals like Merlot, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc, but they also produce top-quality wines made from traditional Moldovan grape varietals like Feteasca Neagra and Rara Neagra for red wines and Feteasca Alba and Feteasca Regala for white wines. These indigenous grapes have unique aromas and flavors that reflect the terroir and identity of Moldova.
Moldova is also famous for its sparkling wines, which are made using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle. The country has a long tradition of producing sparkling wines since the 19th century, when Russian aristocrats and nobles favored them over French champagne. Today, Moldovan sparkling wines are exported to more than 30 countries and have won numerous international awards.
Another distinctive feature of Moldova’s wine industry is its underground cellars, which are among the largest and oldest in the world. The most famous ones are Cricova and Milestii Mici, which have over 120 km and 200 km of tunnels respectively, where millions of bottles of wine are stored at optimal temperature and humidity conditions. These cellars are not only functional but also tourist attractions, offering visitors guided tours, tastings, and cultural events.
Moldova’s wine industry has faced many challenges throughout its history, such as wars, political turmoil, economic crises, and trade embargoes. However, it has also shown resilience and innovation, adapting to changing market demands and consumer preferences. In recent years, Moldova has invested in modernizing its wineries, improving its quality standards, promoting its national brand “Wine of Moldova”, and diversifying its export markets.
Moldova is a hidden gem for wine lovers who want to discover new flavors and experiences. With its rich wine heritage, diverse grape varieties, impressive cellars, and hospitable people, Moldova offers a unique destination for wine tourism that is worth exploring.