Wines of Moldova Short Break

Arrive in Chisinau and transfer to the five-star Berd’s Design Hotel for a four-night stay. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and begin exploring the Moldovan capital at your own pace.

• Hotel Description

Travel southeast from Chisinau to Et Cetera, a family-run winery surrounded by vineyards in one of Moldova’s principal wine-growing regions. The estate produces international varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, alongside local grapes such as Feteasca Neagra, Feteasca Regala and Rara Neagra. Tour the vineyard and winery to learn about grape processing, ageing and bottling before tasting three wines directly from the barrel. The tasting is accompanied by local snacks, including placinte, traditional Moldovan pastries with fillings such as cheese, potato or sour cherries. Return to Chisinau after the visit. (B)

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Head just outside Chisinau to Milestii Mici, famous for its extraordinary network of underground wine galleries. Around 200 kilometres of tunnels have been excavated from the limestone, with streets beneath the ground named after different grape varieties and wines. Milestii Mici entered the Guinness World Records in 2005 for its vast wine collection, which numbers well over a million bottles. Explore part of the underground complex before visiting the tasting rooms to sample a selection of Moldovan wines. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the winery before returning to Chisinau. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Travel south from Chisinau to the elegant Purcari Winery, one of Moldova’s oldest and best-known wine estates. Founded in 1827 and located around 30km from the Black Sea, Purcari has a long tradition of winemaking and historic cellars dating back to its earliest years. The estate produces wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Saperavi, Chardonnay and the indigenous Rara Neagra grape, both as single varieties and blends. Purcari also produces Ice Wine from Muscat and Traminer grapes, picked when winter temperatures fall below freezing. Tour the historic cellars before tasting a selection of wines, which may include Rosu de Purcari and the celebrated Negru de Purcari. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the winery before returning to Chisinau. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Depending on your flight time, there may be time for some final sightseeing in Chisinau. Take a stroll through Cathedral Park and Stefan cel Mare Public Garden, browse the colourful Central Market or stop for a final coffee before transferring to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)