Grape varieties
From native varieties you will not find anywhere else — Fetească Neagră, Rară Neagră, Viorica — to the international classics that have settled into Moldovan terroir.
Moldova’s own
Native varieties
Varieties grown for centuries across the Romanian-speaking lands, and the reason Moldovan wine tastes like nowhere else.
Fetească Neagră
The most highly regarded native red variety, grown for centuries across the Romanian lands. "The black maiden" gives intense, velvety wines with aromas of dried plums, sour cherries and spice, and remarkable ageing potential.
Fetească Albă
A delicate native white variety with floral and meadow-fruit aromas. It gives fine, balanced and elegant wines, most enjoyable in youth.
Fetească Regală
A white variety that arose in the Romanian lands from a natural crossing. It gives fresh, aromatic wines with lively acidity — excellent as everyday wines and as a base for sparkling wines.
Rară Neagră
A rare native red variety whose berries ripen unevenly on the bunch. It gives elegant, fine wines with delicate tannins. It is a classic component of the celebrated Negru de Purcari blend.
Viorica
An aromatic white variety created in the Republic of Moldova, highly perfumed, with intense notes of flowers and exotic fruit. One of the most expressive and modern Moldovan white wines.
Classics that settled here
International varieties
World-renowned varieties that find ideal soil and climate in Moldova.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The king of international red varieties, very well adapted in southern Moldova. It gives structured wines with firm tannins and excellent ageing potential.
Merlot
An international red variety prized for velvety, round and approachable wines with generous fruit.
Chardonnay
The queen of international white varieties, giving wines that range from fresh and mineral to full and rich, matured in barrique.
Sauvignon Blanc
An aromatic white variety with vibrant herbaceous and citrus notes, very popular in Moldova for fresh, expressive wines.
Saperavi
A red variety of Georgian origin with intensely coloured must, which goes into prestige blends such as Negru de Purcari, bringing colour and structure.
Somewhere to stay on a wine tour
If you are going tasting, someone has to drive — or you sleep there. Compare the options on the map.
Map provided by Stay22. Bookings are completed on the partner platforms.
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.
SeeFrequently asked questions
What you need to know
What are Moldova's native grape varieties?
Fetească Neagră and Rară Neagră among the reds, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală and Viorica among the whites. The first four have been grown for centuries across the Romanian-speaking lands; Viorica was created in Moldova.
Which international varieties are grown in Moldova?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, all French in origin, plus Saperavi, a Georgian variety that goes into prestige blends such as Negru de Purcari, adding colour and structure.
What is Rară Neagră?
A rare native red variety whose berries ripen unevenly on the bunch. It gives elegant, refined wines with delicate tannins and is a classic component of the celebrated Negru de Purcari blend.
Which Moldovan wine should you try first among the native varieties?
A Fetească Neagră if you want an intense red with dried plum, sour cherry and spice. Or a Viorica if you want an aromatic white with linden blossom and exotic fruit. Both are hard to find outside the Romanian-speaking lands.
Taste the varieties at source
A wine tour lets you compare varieties at the winery itself, with someone who knows them.
