Jasooralmadinah Travels&Tours: The Wine Roads of Moldova

Monday, 11 May 2015

The Wine Roads of Moldova

The cultivation of vines in Moldova dates back centuries and is one of the most ancient traditions still practised by the people. The incredible variety of grape obtained from the local vineyards produce wines which are suited to any palate and the quality produce has put this small country on the map.

The wine roads spread out from the city of Chisinau and can be separated into four routes. Each route combines spectacular vineyards with the history and culture of the Moldovan people and embarking on one of these routes is a must when visiting the country. It is said that the wine roads are the best way to discover the essence of Moldova.

Route 1: The Museum Trail

This route begins with a visit to the National college of Viticulture and Winemaking in Stauceni, where the secrets of making a perfect vintage is passed down to the next generation. Next up is Cricova, where there is an extensive collection of rare wines to be admired here before getting down to the business of sampling the huge range of wines produced in this region.

The next stop is nearby Ivancea, where the Museum of Moldovan Handicrafts awaits. This museum is located within the confines of an extraordinary 19th Century monument named the Balioz Manor. In the nearby town of Branesti, there is a labyrinth of underground galleries and the famous Branesti Cellars tasting rooms.

flickr/whl.travel

Old Orhei Monastery – Part of the Old Orhei Museum Complex

The route then proceeds to one of Moldova’s main tourist attractions, the Museum Complex of Old Orhei. Here you will find the ruins of three towns dating as far back as the 5th Century B.C. and museums with hundreds of ancient exhibits. At the end of this route you can take time to explore the wonderful natural beauty of the Orhei region.

Route 2: Rural Moldova

This route encompasses rural Moldova and a trip to a very special winery. From Chisinau head out towards Dubasari. From here continue north to Tipova, Saharna, Japca and Rudi where many people still live their daily lives in a traditional way, and along the way you will be able to admire the ancient cave monasteries and waterfalls along the River Nistru.

flickr/Klame Sergey

Tipova Monastery – One of many Cave Monasteries along the River Nistru

Stopping in one of these towns for some traditional cuisine and drinks prepared in accordance with ancient monk’s recipes is strongly advised. Once you’ve had your fill, head towards Soroca, where there are ancient fortresses which played a vital role in the protection of Moldova.

Next up are the extraordinary wineries of Balti and Calarasi, both of which are noted for their heavenly aroma and amber colours. If you find the time it is certainly worth stopping at Bahmut to explore the Scientific Nature Reserve which contains many rare and protected plant species.

Route 3: An Education in Wine

This route’s first stop is the Vinuri-Ialoveni winery, where you can learn how to appreciate the fragrance and subtlety of fine Sherries and of course try a few. The next stop is Cojusna Winery, which provides its guests with detailed information on each stage in the wine making process. Here you can also enjoy a sample of the local wines in spectacular, if unusually designed, tasting rooms.

On route to the next major stop at Nisporeni, it is worth stopping at Capriana, Varzaresti and Hincu to see some of the oldest monasteries in the country. Along the way is also the town of Dolna, which contains the stunning Ralli-Arbore Manor, often visited by Russian poet Alexander Pushkin for inspiration.

Ralli-Arbore Manor

To round off the trip, head to the Nisporeni. It has a wine centre well-known for its production of sparkling wine and there are also many handicraft centres in the area which are worth visiting.

Route 4: The Land of Golden Grapes

The first stop on this route is at one of the most famous wineries in Moldova, Milestii Mici. This winery produces a variety of fine wines and contains impressive labyrinthine cellars. Next stop is Hincesti, which is famous for its many diverse wineries, the most famous of which is Vistis-Hincesti winery. The wine centre in Leova is next on the agenda where there are many fine wines to be admired.

flickr/alex.spatari

Milestii Mici – Home to the Largest Underground Wine Cellar in Moldova

Head further down south and you will find many wineries in the area worth visiting, such as Comrat (white and dessert wines), Chirsova (sparkling wines), Cazaclia and Taraclia (Cabernet and Pinot Noir wines). Next up is Besalma which contains the Museum of History and Ethnography detailing the culture of the Gagauz people, who live in this region.

Once you have explored the museum head towards Vulcanesti which is home to one of the more modern wineries in Moldova called Aur-Vin (Golden Wine). The final stop is at Valeni, where there is a huge collection of vines on display alongside the Lower Prut Nature Reserve. This reserve is well-known for its abundance of white and yellow water lilies.