Wine tourism
Wineries near Chisinau: cellars, distances and tours
Several of Moldova’s best-known wineries are within an hour or so of Chișinău, and most ask you to book ahead. Here is what the main ones are known for, how far they are, and how a tour of our cellar at Răzeni works.
Book ahead
The local guide g0.md calls wine tourism the number one reason people come to Moldova, and notes that almost everywhere you need to book in advance. The National Office for Vine and Wine says the number of wineries open to visitors has doubled in the last few years.
The great underground cellars
Mileștii Mici holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection: more than 1.5 million bottles, stored 80 metres underground and about 10 km from the capital. Cricova, founded in 1952, is an underground wine city with galleries stretching over 70 km and Moldova’s largest sparkling-wine producer. Both are set in former limestone quarries (ONVV). g0.md puts Cricova 25 minutes and Mileștii Mici 30 minutes from Chișinău.
Châteaux within reach
g0.md also lists Castel Mimi, an 1893 château designed by Bernardazzi, 46 minutes away; Château Vartely, in the hills of Orhei, 45 minutes away; and Château Purcari, founded in 1827, about 90 minutes away.
Doina Vin at Răzeni
Our winery is in the village of Răzeni, Ialoveni district, about 30 km and 35 minutes from Chișinău, in the Codru wine region. A tour takes you through the winery and the brick-vaulted cellar, which according to the family’s records dates from 1875, and every package includes a tasting. Tours run Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–19:00, by advance booking, in Romanian, Russian or English, and last about 1.5–2 hours.
| 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 |
Tips for a winery day
- If you taste, don’t drive: come with someone who isn’t drinking, or by taxi.
- Many guided day trips from Chișinău pair Cricova with Old Orhei (InsideMoldova).
- The first weekend of October is National Wine Day, when wineries across the country welcome visitors: see our National Wine Day guide.
FAQ
How far is Doina Vin from Chișinău?
About 30 km, 35 minutes from Chișinău, in the village of Răzeni, Ialoveni district.
Do I need to book a winery tour?
Almost everywhere, yes (g0.md). Our tours are by advance booking, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–19:00.
Which winery near Chișinău has the largest wine collection?
Mileștii Mici, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection, more than 1.5 million bottles (ONVV).
