The wine encyclopaedia
Moldova has one of the largest areas under vine in the world relative to its territory. Here is how it is organised — by protected region, by grape variety and by winery to visit.
The four protected geographical indications
Moldovan wine is organised under a system of protected geographical indications (PGI), aligned with the European one. Three regions delimit the winegrowing zones, while the fourth governs divin. All are protected both in the Republic of Moldova and in the EU.
Codru
about 61,200 hacentre of the country
The largest region, around Chișinău. Known for rich, aromatic white wines and for fine sparkling wines. The largest underground wineries, Cricova and Mileștii Mici, are here.
Ștefan Vodă
about 10,000 hasouth-east of the country
On the terraces beside the Dniester, this is the home of complex red wines and distinguished blends. It is where the well-known Negru de Purcari is made.
Valul lui Traian
about 43,200 hasouth-west of the country
Named after the ancient Roman earthwork, it yields velvety reds and elegant rosés. It takes in three sub-regions: Câmpia Bugeacului, Codrii Tigheciului and Terasele Prutului.
Divin
wine distillateacross the whole country
Not a geographical region but the protected indication for divin — Moldovan brandy, made by double-distilling wine and matured in oak casks for at least three years.
Grape varieties
Native varieties
The identity of Moldovan wine — you will not drink these anywhere else.
Fetească Neagră
native red, intense, with plum and sour-cherry aromas
Rară Neagră
an old and rare red, elegant; it goes into Negru de Purcari
Fetească Albă
delicate white, with floral aromas
Fetească Regală
fresh white with lively acidity; also good for sparkling wine
Viorica
a white bred in Moldova, highly perfumed
International varieties
Wineries to visit
From the underground towns at Cricova and Mileștii Mici to castles and family wineries — a selection of estates that receive visitors. Almost all of them require a booking.
Cricova
CodruAn underground town of more than 120 km of galleries, north of Chișinău. Old collections and sparkling wines.
Mileștii Mici
CodruHolds the Guinness world record for the largest wine collection — over 2 million bottles.
Purcari
Ștefan VodăOne of the oldest wineries (1827), famous for Negru de Purcari.
Castel Mimi
Codru (Bulboaca)A residence dating from 1893, today a complex with a winery, restaurant and gardens.
Château Vartely
Codru (Orhei)A modern winery with a restaurant and rooms, looking out over the hills.
Asconi
CodruA popular stop for tastings and meals, in a well-kept rustic setting.
Fautor
Valul lui TraianA southern winery, internationally awarded for its wines from Tigheci.
Et Cetera
Ștefan VodăA family winery at Crocmaz, beside the Dniester, making small-batch wines.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Moldovan wine
What are Moldova’s wine regions?
Three regions with protected geographical indication: Codru (centre), Ștefan Vodă (south-east) and Valul lui Traian (south-west), plus the Divin indication for brandy, which applies across the whole country.
What is Divin?
Moldovan brandy, made by double-distilling wine and matured in oak casks for at least three years. It has its own protected geographical indication.
Which are the best-known native varieties?
For reds, Fetească Neagră and Rară Neagră; for whites, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală and Viorica, a variety bred in Moldova.
Which winery should I visit first?
For a first visit, Cricova or Mileștii Mici — the two underground towns near Chișinău. For reds, Purcari, in the south-east.
Do I need to book at the wineries?
Yes, almost all the large wineries receive visitors by appointment only. If you are tasting, choose a tour with transport included.
Where to stay on a wine tour
Guesthouses and hotels close to the wineries — including wineries with rooms on site.
Map provided by Stay22. Bookings are completed on the partner platforms.
Set off on a wine tour
From the cellars at Cricova to the southern vineyards — a weekend of tastings.
