Codru
Codru wine region: Moldova’s central PGI
Codru is Moldova’s central wine region and one of its three protected geographical indications (PGIs) for wine. Here is where it lies, what it is known for, and which of our wines from Răzeni carry PGI Codru.
Where Codru is
Moldova has three protected geographical indications (PGIs) for wine, Codru, Ștefan Vodă and Valul lui Traian, and a fourth, Divin, for its wine brandy. The system follows the EU model and has been in place since 2013.
Codru is the central region. The PGI “Codru” area covers the Centre, South-East and North wine zones of Moldova, and its specification, approved in 2017, names these wine centres: Hîncești, Răzeni, Ialoveni, Bulboaca, Chișinău, Romănești, Nisporeni, Călărași, Orhei, Telenești, Dubăsari, Tiraspol, Fălești, Bălți and Rașcov. The National Office for Vine and Wine notes that the region was extended in 2016 to include Bălți and vineyards in Transnistria.
Landscape and climate
The National Office for Vine and Wine describes Codru as Moldova’s coolest wine zone: wooded hills and slopes around many small river valleys. Oak and linden forests cover a quarter of the landscape and shelter the vines from northerly winds and frost. Soils are mostly grey forest soils and chernozems. Winters are long but not usually extreme, summers and autumns are warm, and the land lies about 100–150 metres above sea level.
Grapes and styles
The region is known above all for white grapes, especially Fetească Albă, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and for crisp base wines for sparkling wine. Red varieties grow in its warmer microclimates, notably for the Codru red blend. Across Moldova about 70% of wine vineyards are planted with white varieties, most of them in Codru.
The famous cellars
Codru is home to Moldova’s best-known underground cellars. Mileștii Mici, about 10 km from Chișinău, holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection: more than 1.5 million bottles, kept 80 metres underground. Cricova, founded in 1952, has galleries stretching over 70 km and is Moldova’s largest producer of sparkling wine.
Codru at Doina Vin
Our winery is in the village of Răzeni, Ialoveni district, about 30 km from Chișinău, and Răzeni is one of the wine centres named in the PGI Codru specification. Doina Vin S.R.L. holds right of use no. 6C of 31 March 2016 for the PGI “Codru” (AGEPI register).
Being inside the area does not make every wine a PGI wine. On our labels, PGI Codru appears on the Artitude, Perla Neagră and Goliard brands and on the KAVI sparkling wine; our other lines are produced in Moldova without the PGI. The PGI Codru wines in our shop are listed below.
Visiting Codru from Chișinău
Our cellar at Răzeni is 35 minutes from Chișinău. Tours run Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–19:00, by advance booking, in Romanian, Russian or English:
| Tour | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic: tour and tasting | 280 MDL per person |
| Plus: tour, tasting and cașcaval cheese | 380 MDL per person |
| Standard: tour, tasting and a meal | 600 MDL per person |
| Premium: private guide, a meal and two gift bottles | 1,000 MDL per person |
FAQ
Is Răzeni in the Codru region?
Yes. Răzeni is one of the wine centres named in the specification of the PGI “Codru”, approved in 2017 (AGEPI register).
Are all Doina Vin wines PGI Codru?
No. PGI Codru is on the labels of Artitude, Perla Neagră, Goliard and KAVI; our other lines are produced in Moldova without the PGI.
How far is Codru from Chișinău?
Chișinău is itself one of the region’s wine centres. Our winery at Răzeni is about 30 km away, 35 minutes from Chișinău.
Sources
- National Office for Vine and Wine (Wine of Moldova), “Enotourism Guide. Republic of Moldova”, 2025, pp. 10–13, 16 (opens in a new tab)
- AGEPI, register of geographical indications: PGI “CODRU” (area and holders of the right of use) (opens in a new tab)
- The Drinks Business, “Moldova’s National Wine Day turns 25”, 11 May 2026 (opens in a new tab)
