Divine, which is distilled from wine, together with brandy (a mixture of alcohol, grapes and other ingredients), merisor (distilled from apples), tuica (distilled from prunes), rachiu and vodka – are all strong drinks traditionally made in the Republic of Moldova. Our national pride is taken all over the world by the divines produced in Chisinau, Balti, Tiraspol, Calarasi and Bardar. Divines and brandy are also produced on a large scale in Stauceni, Falesti, Hincesti, Nisporeni, Ungheni, and other winemaking centres. Moldovan divines, in terms of age and quality, are divided in three categories: for every day consumption (3-5 years old), superior quality (over 5 years old) and collection divines. Divines with special names are highly appreciated by the connoisseurs: Belii Aist - Barza Alba, Aroma, Cezar, Orfeu. The following divines have a special reputation: Nistru, Doina, Bucuria, Sarbatoare, Chisinau (10 years old); Codru, Noroc, Dacia, Stefan Voda (20 years old); and most of all, those matured for over 40 years like Victoria, President and Ambasador.

Vines grown in the central and northern regions of Moldova such as Aligote, Rcatiteli, Feteasca alba, and Riesling de Rhein are used as the basis for divine production. Their wines undergo a series of distillations and storage in oak casks, which create divines with a rare aroma of flowers and vanilla, with a harmonious and smooth taste, with nuances of the noble oak tree, with amber colours…

When savouring Moldovan divines you will feel the warmth of the sun mixed with the coolness of morning dew, the transparency of our clean air mixed with the vigour of our rich soil, and you will appreciate the uniqueness of this original drink.

A moderate consumption of a divine will restore your physical strength, will bring peace of mind and give you confidence in your own abilities. It will enhance your love of life and beauty.

Don’t forget to buy a bottle of divine for your friends – it makes a divine gift.

Exhibition with pictures, souvenirs, jewellers sales

Nie ma ograniczeń w przywożeniu, wywożeniu i wymianie walut. Jednakże warunkiem koniecznym jest zadeklarowanie na granicy posiadanej kwoty pieniędzy. Ilość wywożonych pieniędzy nie może przekraczać kwoty zadeklarowanej i posiadanej przy wjeździe. Próby wywiezienia pieniędzy nie zgłoszonych przy wjeździe są traktowane przez władze jak przemyt, co grozi karą pozbawienia wolności do 2 lat. Obowiązujące przepisy celne nie odbiegają od ogólnie przyjętych standardów.

Moldovan cuisine has had a great influence on the traditional food of the other nationalities that live on this territory. At the same time some elements have been incorporated from Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian and Russian cuisine, as well as elements taken some centuries ago from Greek and Turkish food.

The ingredients used in the traditional meals are: a variety of vegetables like tomatoes, green peppers, aubergines, white cabbage, beans, onions, garlic, etc. The vegetables are used for salads and sauces; they are baked, pickled, salted, and canned thus becoming a real food art. The maize and maize flour give a specific color to the traditional meals, like soups, biscuits, flakes, alcohol free drinks, etc. The most common is “mamaliga” – a maize porridge or polenta with a fine and delicious taste. “Mamaliga” is served together with diced meat, cheese, fried meat, cream, etc.

Meat cooked for the first and the second course has a special place in the Moldovan food. The most common are chicken soup, goulash, roast meat, grilled minced meat rolls, etc. A lot of meat courses are grilled over charcoal. But before the grilling procedure the meat is properly picked.
There is not a holiday without cabbage rolls, meat jelly, noodles, etc. The traditional table is not complete without biscuits, pies, cake dipped in syrup and fruit.

In different parts of Moldova there are local cuisines. In the East the Ukrainians prefer borsch, in the south the Bulgarians can offer a delicious chicken sauce – mangea, and the Gagauzians may serve you sorpa – a spicy ram soup, and the Russians will offer you their traditional pelmeni – a kind of roll stuffed with meat.

The Moldovan cuisine is served with a variety of traditional drinks: stewed fruits, juices, as well as alcoholic drinks like: wine, brandy, “tuica” – plum brandy, etc.

Wine growing in Moldova is a century-old tradition. The famous Moldovan wines are well known and appreciated at home and far beyond the country borders. The wines can be dry, sweet and strong, they have a varied bouquet of flavours and colours. For wine producing European vines are used such as: Sauvignon, Cabernet, Muscat, etc., as well as Moldovan varieties: Feteasca, Black Rara, Moldova, etc.

Strong drinks such as plum brandy, are produced using traditional methods.

Wine tastings are offered in most Moldovan cellars.

Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, has in the last decade become a renowned international exhibition centre. The international exhibitions “Moldova Wine” (held annually in February) and the

Wine Festival (held annually in October), have an excellent reputation and are visited by thousands of people from home and abroad.

Competitions for wine, sparkling wine, cognacs, vodka and other liquors are held at these exhibitions, where producers from France, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, etc., participate. The most popular drinks are offered to the public for tasting, and the public can buy prize-winning drinks. Excursions to famous vineyards and wineries, monasteries and medieval castles are organized for foreign guests.

These exhibitions present a great insight into Moldova and its traditions. If you want to discover the charm of Moldovan drinks, do not miss the chance to participate at these celebrations.

We await your visit!

Wine Tasting Rooms

Every villager’s house in Moldova has a “wine tasting room”, which is the “garlici” of the cellar (the room at the entrance to the cellar where the wine is kept).

Moldovan wineries are renowned for their wine tasting rooms, which are tastefully and skillfully decorated. These rooms themselves are works of art. The world’s first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, said in regard to the Cricova wine tasting rooms: “It is harder to leave Cricova then to leave Earth”.

The Cojusna winery has two tasting rooms decorated in gothic style. Milestii Mici winery has three gorgeous tasting rooms in Byzantine style. The wineries in Chisinau – “VISMOS”, “Aroma”, the National Institute of Wine and Vineyards and Stauceni - have many rooms decorated in styles varying from Roman to the typical designs of the times of the great rulers of Moldova - Stephen the Great, Mihai Viteazul and Dmitri Cantemir.

There is also impressive architecture to admire in the tasting rooms, which have collections of rare wines and where you can buy your favourites, at Ialoveni, Cricova, Acorex, Branesti, Orhei, Balti, Calarasi, Hincesti, Bardar, Carpineni, Tiraspol, Dubasari, Comrat, Taraclia, Ceadir-Lunga, Basarabeasca, Cimislia, Cahul, Trifesti, Vulcanesti and Slobozia.

In all these wineries tastings are arranged, which may help you improve your skill to appreciate the divine nectar.

Geographic position: latitude 47⁰2¹  North and longitude 28⁰50¹ East.Chisinau is a significant administrative, political, economic, scientific, cultural and touristic centre of the Republic of Moldova. The first historic record of the name Chisinau goes back to July 17 1436. The name derives from a word meaning “spring, pump, pipe”.

The city is located on seven hills and stretches over 120 km^2. The population of Chisinau is over 752 thousand. Chisinau is crossed by two rivers – the Bic and Isnovat. The climate is moderate continental. The City is divided into 5 sectors: Centre, Buiucani, Botanica, Riscani and Ciocana. The Greater Chisinau area comprises 18 territorial administrative areas: 1 municipality, 6 towns, 8 communities and 3 villages. The local administrative state body is the City Hall of Chisinau.

Annual City celebration:14^th of October.

The National Bank of Moldova was established in 1991.

The current banknote series was introduced by NBM between 1993 and 1995.

Banknotes: ONE LEU; FIVE LEI; TEN LEI; TWENTY LEI; FIFTY LEI; ONE HUDRED LEI; TWO HUNDRED LEI, FIVE HUNDRED LEI.

Coins: 1 bani; 5 bani; 10 bani; 25 bani; 50 bani. (1 Leu = 100 bani)

If you want to see the specimens of banknotes and coins access the web-site: www.bnm.org

The undertaken economic reforms in Moldova enjoy the support of International economic-financial organisations. Since 1992, when Moldova adhered to IMF, WB and EBRD, it has benefited from a range of investments from International financial bodies and some countries, such as Romania, Russia, USA, Germany, Japan, and others.

The Republic of Moldova is an industrial-agricultural country. The share of agriculture and industry in real GDP constitutes 37 %, which amounted Lei 10134 million in 2003. About 50,8 % of the country’s active population are involved in agriculture.

The industry is specially concentrated on processing the raw agricultural material, and is also represented by light, chemical, wood processing, machine building industries.

The main products imported by Moldova are the natural gas, petrol products, transport means, and equipment. The most part of energetic resources is also imported. The process of energetic complex privatisation is presently taking place in the Republic of Moldova.

Nowadays, the essential share of the total number of economic agents belongs to :
the private sector – 93,3%
the enterprises with state ownership account to 3,6%
the entrparises with foreign capital – to 2,7%.

Geographic coordinates: 45^o28’ - 48^o28’ N, 26^o40’ - 30^o06’ E

Area:
total: 33,843 sq. km
land: 33,371 sq. km
water: 472 sq. km (main rivers: Danube, Nistru, Prut, Raut; main lakes: Beleu, Bic, Dracele)

Population: 4,264,300 inh. (126,2 inh./1 sq. Km)

Land boundaries:
total: 1,389 km
border countries: Romania 450 km, Ukraine 939 km

Coastline: 200 m at the south extreme point (Giurgiulesti) with the delta of the Danube river

Extreme points:
lowest point: Nistru River -2 m
highest point: Dealul Balanesti +430 m
north point: Naslavcea
south point: Giurgiulesti
west point: Criva
east point: Palanca

Main cities: Chisinau, Balti, Tighina (Bender), Tiraspol

Climate: moderate winters (in January -4 -7 ^oC), warm summers (in July +25 +28 ^oC)

Terrain: Hilly steppes in the north & center (Codru), plain in the south (Bugeac Plain)

Natural resources: lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, arable land

Land use:
arable land: 53%
permanent crops: 14%
permanent pastures: 13%
forests and woodland: 9%
others: 11%

Soils: chernozemic (black soil), podzolic (forester soil)

Flora: 2300 species of wild plants (oak, beech, maple, linden)

Fauna: 68 species of mammals (fox, roe buck, deer, wild boar), 270 species of birds and more than 10 thousand species of invertebrates

From the XIV century it was a part of the Moldova Principality, situated between Oriental Carpathians and the Nistru river, in the north bounded by Hotin, and in the South – by the Low Danube and the Black Sea.

Following the Peace concluded in Bucharest, in 1812, a part of this territory was asigned to Czarist Russia, which called it Basarabia - an older name, earlier attributed to the southern part. The aim was to identify this territory as a separate geographic entity from the Moldova Principality.

The Independence of the Democratic Republic of Moldova was proclaimed in January 1918. And later, on March 27 1918 it was decided to re-unite it with Romania. The next annexure process took place in 1940, following the Molotov - Ribbentrop summit. According to this Basarabia became part of the USSR and was proclaimed as the Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldavia. It comprised only nine Basarabian counties and six districts from the left bank of the Nistru River. The present territory of Moldova is smaller compared to the area attributed to Russian authorities in 1812, since the North Hotin, Acherman and the southern Ismail were given up in 1940 by the Soviet authorities to Ukraine.

Due to the restructuring process that started in the Central and Eastern Europe, in June 1990 Moldova proclaimed its sovereignty, and on August 27, 1991 – its State Independence. In March 2, 1992, the Republic of Moldova became a member of the United Nations.

The state language acts as the working language in the activity of all state bodies, state administration and public authorities. The translation into Russian is assured.

Russian along with Moldavian is used as a communication language among different nations.

In order to meet the national-cultural needs of ethnic groups inhabiting the territory of Moldova, the functioning of other languages, such as Ukrainian, Russian, Bulgarian, Jewish, Gypsy, etc. is guaranteed.

The most frequent spoken foreign languages are English, French, German and Italian.

Moldova is populated by different ethnic groups. A breakdown of major ethnic groups is as follows: Moldovans – 64,5%, Ukrainians - 13,8 %, Russians – 13 %, others (Gagauzians, Bulgarians, Jews, Byelorussians, Germans, etc.).

A high ratio of the population lives in the rural area. The urban population represents 45 %. The major cities of Moldova include the capital city, Chisinau (over 755140 people); Balti (127603); Cahul (119 131); Hincesti (119569); Orhei (115828); Soroca (100490); Ungheni(110674); U.T.A. Gagauzia (155711). BR>

The head of the Orthodox Church of Moldova (Moldova’s Metropolitan) is His Grace Vladimir, the Metropolitan of Chisinau and all Moldova. The church is subdivided into 4 dioceses: Chisinau, Edinet and Briceni, Cahul and Lapusna, Dubasari and Tiraspol. An office of locum tenens operates in the city of Balti.

The religious personnel is mainly trained within the Chisinau Theological Academy, Theological Seminary (“Noul Neamt Monastery”, in Chitcani), the Spiritual Lyceum for girls (Suruceni Monastery), the Spiritual Lyceum for boys (“Nasterea Domnului” Monastery, in Zabriceni).

The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova guarantees the religious freedom of its citizens (art. 31). Each citizen has the right to share any religion, individually or in group, to spread this faith, to exercise their cult either in a private or public, as long as it does not contradict the Constitution and the law in force.

The householder will always serve his guest with great Moldovan wine and with the best dishes of food. Usually, the guests are invited into the “Casa Mare” (Big Room) – a traditional room in each house where people feast together. There are a lot of holidays in Moldova and everyone can join in them.

The Winter Holidays, for instance, feature greetings cards, best wishes, plays performed by both children and adults from one door to another, thus announcing with joy the coming of the New Year. Everybody is looking forward to Santa Claus to come on a sleigh filled with presents. Especially children prepare themselves for this event: they put on different costumes and masks and perform in front of the Christmas tree. In fact, at that period the holidays, following the traditional agricultural calendar coincide with the Christian festival of Christmas.

Another very important traditional holiday is “Martisor” – the symbol of spring. In March everybody in Moldova hangs on their collar two knitted white and red ropes, which symbolize nature’s revival.
In Spring the most important holiday for our people is the Easter religions holiday. For this celebration people prepare in good time, they cook special food: Easter Cake and painted eggs and the best wine. In the course of time the painted eggs have become a handicraft art.

A lot of traditional events in our country represent an amalgam of elements characteristic to the agricultural, religious and civil calendars, a mixture that was transformed in a permanent source of goodwill, warmth and hospitality in Moldova. During the holidays guests in Moldova can participate in a range of cultural events: concerts “Martisor”, “Ciresar”, “Maria Biesu Welcomes”, etc., performances, parades, mass manifestations on Independence Day, on “Limba Noastra” Day, on towns or villages’ Day, etc. On Harvest Days traditional fairs are organized in towns and villages. Especially during these holidays, tourists can get closer to the national folk and handcraft art.

We cannot speak about Moldova without mentioning the traditions of a family nature: weddings, celebrations, etc., which become real shows performed by guests and hosts.

In Moldovan villages “sezatorile” are very traditional social meetings, especially in the winter, where people sing, dance, and make handicrafts.

It’s truly said that each guest in the “Casa Mare” of Moldova is a real friend.

Jedynie część na zachód od Dniestru jest kontrolowana przez rząd mołdawski; Naddniestrze (część na wschód od Dniestru zamieszkana głównie przez Rosjan i Ukraińców ze stolicą w Tyraspolu) ogłosiło niepodległość po upadku Związku Radzieckiego i od czasu krótkiej wojny domowej jest niezależne od rządu w Kiszyniowie. Od kilku lat trwają bezowocne rozmowy zjednoczeniowe, w których pośredniczy OBWE. Władze mołdawskie opowiadają się za zjednoczeniem “asymetrycznym”, w ramach którego Naddniestrze otrzyma szeroką autonomię, władze w Tyraspolu dążą zaś do zjednoczenia “symetrycznego”, w którym obie części Mołdawii będą miały takie same prawa.

Marginalna część Mołdawian opowiada się za zjednoczeniem z Rumunią, w zorganizowanym w 1994 roku referendum na ten temat większość obywateli kraju opowiedziała się przeciwko zjednoczeniu (94,4% za niepodległością).

Ambasada RP
Str. Plamadeala 3 MD-2009 Chisinau, Moldova
tel. (0-037322) 23-85-51, 23-85-52
fax. 23-85-53
e-mail: ambpolsk@ch.moldpac.md

Wydział Konsularny
Str. Vasile Alecsandri 101,
MD-2012 Chisinau., Moldova
tel. (00 37 322) 22 38 50, 51
fax. (00 37 322) 22 38 52
e-mail:konsulpl@ch.moldpac.md

Wydział Ekonomiczno-Handlowy
weh@polonia.md
www.polonia.md
ul. Plamadeala 3, MD-2009,
Kiszyniów, Republika Mołdowy
tel. (0037322)238956
fax: (0037322)238957

Long before the God Dionysus was worshipped, the vines brought joy to the prehistoric nations that lived in this region.

For the local population wine was for centuries a source of pride and wealth, as well as a prestigious trade commodity.

The Roman poet Ovid (46BC - 17 AD) was sent into exile in the region and mentions the locals’ habit of concentrating wine by freezing it. So the Dacians not only drank, but also ate wine! Vine growing spread to such an extent that by the reign of Burebista (82-44 BC) migrating tribes came to partake of the wealth. Then, according to a Greek historian, Burebista instructed his high priest Deceneu to order that all the vines be dug up. But as the proverb says, “Vines always revive” and when the Romans annexed the territory in the first century AD they found that viticulture was once again flourishing.

When Moldova was established as an independent state the landowners had extensive vineyards. The first institutions to become involved in wine making were Moldova’s numerous monasteries. And, as it was considered to be a gift from heaven, the Eucharist wine had to be of the highest quality! Along with grain, wine was one of Moldova’s first exports. Dimitri Cantemir (1673-1723) mentions in his ‘Descriptions of Moldova’ that in the 18th century Moldovan wines were much in demand by merchants from Russia, Kazakhstan, Hungary and Transylvania.

Wine was stored and shipped in oak barrels. Moldovan oak was used for these barrels on account of its preservative qualities. Foreigners also particularly favoured it, as it was resistant to deathwatch beetles.

The symbolic marriage between the vine and oak is still fundamental to wine making today. Usually only hundred year old oaks are used and it is believed the qualities of the tree are transmitted through the wine to the drinker.

Quality wines are still kept in oak casks today, or - when large quantities are involved - stainless steel vessels, which are lined in oak.

There are 180 wine-making plants among the 142 thousand hectares of vineyards in the Republic of Moldova. That’s excluding the fact that every inhabitant of a Moldovan village has at his home everything needed to make his own wine: wine press, vat, casks.

Moldova currently produces 12-14 million decalitres of brut wines. There are 29 wineries in the country, which you can visit. Among the most famous are: Romanesti, Nisporeni, Cricova, Ialoveni, Tigheci, Ciumai, Cimislia, Comrat, Trifesti, Dubasari, Milesti Mici, etc.

If you choose to get to know Moldova through The Wine Road you will not regret it. You will be able to appreciate the real value of different young wines, table wines, superior quality vintages and classic sparkling wines, as well as brandies, sherries and so on, whichever you prefer.

Certain wines have always been considered to provide cures for various diseases. Moderate consumption of good wine is also thought to extend life. It is not for nothing that we say here “wine is the staff of the old” and “just as milk is for babies, wine is for the old”. Everything just depends on quantity and quality.

A legend says that in the 18th century one of Moldova’s rulers, Grigore Ghica, fell sick. No doctor could cure him. One day a peasant in a bull cart stopped at the gates of the ruler’s palace and asked for an audience. The man promised to cure his majesty on the understanding that the latter would handover his power, for one month, to somebody else, and would come away with him. The peasant took the ruler to Rudi, where he was treated for one month with grapes and wine. At the end of the month, the ruler came back to reign in good health. As a sign of gratitude, he later erected the famous Rudi monastery (1777) on the bank of the Nistru river.

Nowadays Moldova still offers treatment for certain serious diseases through vinotherapy (treatment with grapes, must, juices) and oenotherapy (treatment with wines) at the spas in Camenca, Calarasi, Vorniceni, Vadul lui Voda and Cahul.

Wines that are known for their therapeutic properties are used in these spas. Natural wines containing trioxistilben slow down the ageing of the body’s cells and prevent the emergence of oncological diseases and arteriosclerosis. Red wines are particularly rich in oxidisers: Codru, Joc, Dionis, etc. White wines, Feteasca, Aligote, Riesling, etc, have strong antibacterial properties that suppress tuberculosis, malaria, cholera bacteria, etc.

Natural wines are also useful for acute respiratory diseases. There’s a famous drink in Moldova called “izvar”. It consists of red table wine – Cabernet or Merlot – that is prepared in a special recipe with pepper, cloves, sugar and honey and is served hot. Wine infused with wormwood is prescribed for diarrhoea and intestinal problems.

Those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, especially ulcers, are recommended red wines that have a high content of tanning agents, such as Cabernet, Sauvignon, Saperavi, Rosu de Peresecina (Peresecina Red), Romanesti, Rosu de Purcari (Purcari Red). Wines are also useful for patients with metabolism problems. One of the most important effects of wine is the reduction of cholesterol in the human body. Particularly effective, in this respect, are aromatic wines: Buchetul Moldovei (Moldova’s bouquet), Roua Diminetii (Morning’s dew), and Vermouth. Cahor type wines are believed to protect against radiation and so are included in the daily rations of crews on nuclear ships and submarines, workers at nuclear plants, Arctic and Antarctic explorers and cosmonauts. To improve the appetite and prevent beriberi, you should have before meals 50 centilitres of Vermouth or 100-150 centilitres of Portwein. Red table wines are prescribed for anaemia. Weak white wines, especially sparkling wines, stimulate weak hearts. Sparkling wines also strengthen pulmonary activity. Oak distillates in wine help improve the condition of those suffering from heart deseases.

Dry wines are used for treating diabetes. For problems with the joints, wines that are rich in mineral ingredients are recommended: Aligote, Feteasca, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Reisling and Rcatiteli.

But the most important property of Moldova’s drinks is its elixir of love and beauty.

Try it and you will never regret it.

Among the most famous are the sparkling wines produced in Cricova. Cricova is an underground world featuring many kilometres of galleries, caves and niches and is an ideal environment in which to mature all sorts of sparkling wines – white, rosй and red. Moldova was one of the pioneers in world winemaking to produce red sparkling wine, with the flavour of muscatel and rose petals. It rivals brands like Citronй in the world market. Currently the Republic of Moldova is producing classic sparkling wines especially the “cuve close” in many of its wineries, including Cricova, Chisinau (”VISMOS”, the National Vine and Wine Institute), Milestii Mici, Nisporeni, Stauceni (the National College of Viticulture and Winemaking), Salcuta, Hincesti and Chirsova. The brands of sparkling wine – Moldova, Chisinau, Cricova, Sparkling Muscat, National, Nisporeni and so on, are among those making Moldova famous in many lands and have received major awards at international competitions in Paris, Bordeaux, San Francisco, Buenos Aires, Budapest, Yalta, Chisinau, Moscow, Sofia, Miculov, Bratislava, Verona, Madrid and Athens.

The fascinating quality of Moldovan wine is due in the main to the flavour of such high quality grapes as Chardonnay, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Pinot menie, Sauvignon, Aligote, Traminer rosй, Muscat, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Pinot noir. A flavour particular to Moldovan sparkling wines comes from the local Feteasca Alba, which has been produced for many generations in the Republic.

Many visitors to the country affirm that Moldovan sparkling wine is best drunk in Moldova, in order to fully appreciate its miraculous charm. Indeed its full flavour is a combination of Moldovan folk dances and music, and of the spectacular ambience the hardworking people of Moldova are masters at creating.

Dear friends! Enjoy Moldovan sparkling wines at least once, either in the vineyards or in special winery tasting halls, accompanied by a melancholic tune on the violin, and you will never forget it. Moldova offers you unforgettable wines and memories!

Moldova is waiting for you!

Don’t miss the chance!

It is in Cricova that the traveller will discover the biggest wine cellar in the world. It is also here that he can take a trip around its underground streets, which stretch for over 100 km. Visitors will pass by one of the most tremendous wine collections of over 30,000,000 litres, and be welcomed into the spacious tasting halls. “Quality has become a tradition” - is what the wine producers say. There are few tourists to Moldova who have not visited CricovaСs cellars. Tourists are greeted with the same warm welcome at all the other wineries. Every wine enthusiast can enjoy the flavour and quality of the drink in a Dionysian atmosphere, selecting the one matching his taste, as each wine in Moldova is unique. The harvest from Milestii Mici boasts its specific features and the wines produced here and deposited in the local cellars, which stretch for more than 50 km, obtain the most noble and full flavour.

In Cojusna one can discover a bouquet of wines, which reminds one of the tenderness and dynamism of a Moldovan traditional dance. At Purcari or Ciumai the tasting ceremonies are a truly new experience for those, who have tried to penetrate the mystery of this divine drink. Each stopover at the wineries in Moldova will let us understand why the Romans used to say “In vino veritas”. In Moldova - the only country, the shape of which, when seen on a map, resembles the shape of a bunch of grapes - local tradition idolised this drink, which preserves the freshness of the morning dew, as well as the natural purity and the vigorous richness of the soil. A strong drink in Moldova is called “divine” boasts an unprecedented taste and bouquet. Moldovan “divines” produced at Chisinau, Calarasi, Bardar, Balti, Tiraspol or other wineries have long proclaimed the excellence of the wine makers of Moldova.

The wine route is probably the best way to discover the essence of Moldova.

In the first millennium BC Greek colonies situated on the Danube, Nistru and Prut rivers exported large quantities of wine to the cities of Greece. The Romans, after they conquered Dacia (1st cent. AD), transformed the region into a land of vineyards and cornfields. In the 14th century, when the feudal state of Moldova was constituted, vine cultivation really blossomed. In the 19th century Basarabia, (the name of the part of Moldova situated between the Prut and Nistru rivers) became one of the biggest wine exporters in the region. The wine production was based on the cultivation of domestic types of vines Rara neagra, Galbena, Zghiharda, Batuta neagra, Feteasca neagra, Tamiioasa, Tita caprei, Pasareasca, Cabasia, and others. In the second half of the 19th century a mass planting of foreign vines, especially French, took place. At the end of the century the vines were affected by phyloxera, a vine disease, which attacked many varieties of regional origin.

The Moldovans’ art of producing grape must and wine for consumption by themselves and others has remained an integral part of the country’s culture.

In many old texts, from the Bible to medieval chronicles or the accounts of Moldova’s rulers, great attention is paid to wine consumption. The golden rule is to be found in Proverbs: “Taste but don’t drink! Taste as much as it pleases you! You must control the wine and the wine must not control you! Always maintain your human dignity!”

The emblem of Moldovan wines is the white stork. A legend says that a huge army was besieging the fortress of Soroca. Though the siege lasted for months, the fortress could not be conquered. Why? Because several storks had their nests in the fortress, and they were bringing grapes from nearby vineyards for their chicks. The soldiers, as well as the baby storks, ate the grapes. The grapes gave the soldiers strength and they could repel every attack of the enemy with increased strength.

When the Voevod (Governor) of Moldova arrived with his army, he freed the fortress and drove off the enemy. All the soldiers who had been under siege in the fortress were alive and unharmed. Since then, out of gratitude to the white storks, local people greet them on the outskirts of their communities when spring arrives and when autumn starts they see them off. White storks are considered to bring good luck and spread the fame of Moldovan viticulture and winemakers to the far corners of the world.

Classic table wines form the basis for the vermouths: white - Feteasca alba, Aligote, Riesling de Rhein and red - Rara neagra, Merlot, Pinot noir – all of them treated with charcoal to enhance the ingredients’ aromas.

Vermouths that enjoy a good reputation include “Buchetul Moldovei” (Moldova’s bouquet), “Roua Diminetii” (Morning dew), “Romanita” (Camomile) and “Toamna” (Autumn), produced at Dubasari in the valley of the old Nistru river and successfully exported to Russia, the Baltic States, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Poland, Germany. Apart from these vermouths that are much appreciated both as aperitifs and after dinner drinks, and successfully used to make cocktails rich in aroma and flavour, Moldova also produces Balsamic wines. These are highly appreciated by experts in the field. Moldova’s Balsamic wines - “Stejar” (Oak tree), “Legenda Haiducului” (Outlaw’s legend), “Bucuria” (Happiness), “Amar-Amar” (Bitter-Bitter) and others - have a high consistency and the colours and flavours of blackberries, plums or blossom with a sharp, pungent flavour, moderately bitterish, and with a nuance of beech.

Moldova’s Sherries or Heres, translucent wines the colour of parchment with a nuance of nut and almond and a piquant, slightly salty taste, delight connoisseurs of this drink. Ialoveni prides itself on being the largest sherry producer in Eastern Europe with a capacity of one million decalitres and a unique collection of Sherry-type wines from around the world. Dozens of golden, silver and bronze medals, dozens diplomas of distinction are among the well-deserved awards made to Ialoveni for its sherries. It seems this Spanish speciality has found its second homeland in Moldova.

The great connoisseur of sherry, William Shakespeare, said: “Come, come; good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used”.

You can confirm the truth of this by crossing the threshold of Moldova’s wineries.

The “good familiar creature” is waiting to welcome you.

Perhaps this is why in Moldova wine is considered to be the drink of life. Also, taken at Eucharist with bread, it both purifies the soul and is a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice. Moldovans say, “the vine brings joy” - that’s provided you know the art of drinking the heavenly liquid the vine produces.

Since Stephen the Great’s time Moldova has produced wines, which were famous far beyond its borders. The well-known Moldovan governor and scholar Dimitri Cantemir stressed, as early as the 18th century, how important viticulture was to the country’s economy. Because of varying climatic conditions Moldova can be divided into four wine producing regions, each growing its special vines:

1. Central or Codru Region. This is where more than 50% of Moldova’s vines grow. The forests, hills and rolling countryside typical of this region protect the vineyards from winter frosts and dry summer winds. It is the best area for Feteasca, Sauvignon, Riesling, Traminer rosй and Cabernet production. There is also a famous microclimate zone in this region - the Romanesti - the former wine-making Imperial colony of Romanov dynasty. This is the place to sample the best white and sparkling wines, as well as the so-called “divines” (fortified wines) and sherries.

2. South East or Purcari Region This is a narrow strip of land stretching along the western bank of the Nistru river and home to the famous Purcari winery. Red grape production is prevalent here, particularly Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Rara neagra. The Purcari estate was famous for developing German vines and winemaking techniques, and produces high quality wines comparable to Russillions - Landnedoc.

3. Southern Region. This region is famous for its French vine varieties, which have adapted beautifully to the climatic conditions of the area: Pinot gris, Muscat blanc, Traminer rosй, Gamay freaux, Cabernet, etc. The high quality red wines grown here cause the region to be compared to the Bordeaux region of France.

4. Northern Region. Much of the grape harvest from here is destined for brandy production and includes fine white varieties, such as Aligote, Pinot, Feteasca, Traminer, Sauvignon, Riesling and Chardonnay. Moldova’s climatic conditions, combined with the landscape of gentle hills and valleys, produce very favourable growing conditions in the so-called “cups” on the sunny slopes.

The circular “cups”, vine supported by wooden stakes, frequently shaped like huge satellite dishes catch the heat of the sun during the day and retain the warmth of the earth overnight. At the same time, the “cups” effectively shield the vines from both hot and cold winds, helping them fulfill their mission of bringing joy to our lives.

And this is not simply a whim. Look at a map of the world and you will notice the outline of Moldova is shaped like a bunch of grapes.

Viticulture and wine-making are an excellent introduction to our country. From ancient times Moldova’s unique wines have made it well known in the world and the same is still true.

Today Moldova’s wine production is still largely exported to Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other former Soviet republics, but also to Germany, the Netherlands, China, South Korea and other countries.

Around 15% of the Republic’s annual budget is made up of income generated by viticulture. Vineyards occupy a total area of 107 thousand ha: 105 thousand ha of fruit-bearing vines and 2 thousand ha of young vines. The Republic of Moldova features in the list of the top ten wine and grape producing countries in the world.

Crisp and aromatic table wines: Perla de Csaba, Muscat chihlimbariu, Chasselas d’aure, Muscat de Perla, Coarna neagra, Muscat de Hamburg, Cardinal and Moldova are produced on over 15 thousand ha, entirely satisfying internal and external market demand.

There is refrigerated storage capacity for about 5 thousand tons of table grapes. With its total harvest of 350-500 thousand tons of grapes, Moldova produces 12-15 million dekalitres of the most prestigious domestic and European wines.

Only 15 % of the entire production is consumed within the republic, while 85% is exported to other countries. The value of annual wine exports is US$ 130-150 million.

Thanks to various financing agreements and to international financial organizations, especially EBRD, there are now ultra modern bottling plants in Chisinau and elsewhere, which fully meet today’s high standards.

The Republic of Moldova has adapted to market requirements. Not long ago alcoholic wines constituted 72% of the total production. Nowadays the figure is 95% comprising table wines for current consumption, matured vintages and medicinal wines.

It’s quality that offers authority to drinks.

Moldova provides quality.

In autumn the courtyards of village houses are transformed into miniature wineries. The freshly picked grapes are placed in the wine press and squeezed. The “ravac”, that’s the first must of unfermented wine to be squeezed out of the grapes, is poured into the waiting casks. All villagers have a cellar in or near their house in which a cask or two are kept for guests, for holidays, or simply for when everyone is in a good mood.

For many of the traditional celebrations, such as the tasting of sweet must, everybody is welcome to join in. The villager invites his guests into his courtyard and proudly serves them the harvest from his vineyard.

Moldova has instituted a National Wine Holiday, which is held on the second Sunday in October. This formalizes an old tradition that, as soon as the new wine had settled, the winegrower invites friends and neighbours to taste the new wine. Everyone joins the winegrowers in the “hora” dances at wine holiday time.

This is when you will also fully appreciate the meaning of the traditional toast “Noroc”, which has many meanings, including, hello, good luck, happiness, health, may your wishes come true, etc.

Tourists and visitors can choose to visit any of 15 collections of vintage wines and “divines”. Among the most famous and valuable are: Cricova, Milestii Mici, Cojusna, Stauceni (The National Winegrowing and Wine-making College), Chisinau (The National Institute of Wine and Vineyards, “VISMOS”, “Aroma”), Ialoveni, Balti, Peresecina, Hincesti, Taraclia, Comrat, Borceag, Ciumai and Tiraspol.

The quantities stored in these cellars vary from 10-50 thousand to 1 million bottles of selected vintage wines and “divines”.

In Cricova’s old wine collection, for example, you will be able to discover a Jewish kosher wine, dating from 1902. Also at Cricova visitors will see a part of Ghering’s collection, dating from before the Second World War, and also many wines from the 50’s. Collectors are able to buy many other rare wines as souvenirs.

At Cricova and Milestii Mici visitors walk down real streets in an underground town, situated at a depth of between 30 and 150 meters. The total length of the cavern streets is 100 km (Cricova) and 50 km (Milestii Mici). These underground streets have names just like towns at ground level, appropriately taken from wines – Cabernet, Aligote, Feteasca and so on.

Przykładowe ceny: chleb 3–4 MDL, masło 9–10 MDL, litr wody mineralnej – ok. 4 MDL, obiad w średniej klasy restauracji – 60 MDL, mleko 6–10 MDL, ser żółty 60–400 MDL, wędliny 40–500 MDL, znacznie droższy niż w Polsce jest łosoś, zarówno wędzony, jak i surowy, tańszy sandacz, szczupak i karp. Bilet do teatru kosztuje 20–50 MDL, nocleg w hotelu średniej klasy – od 400 do 600 MDL, w hotelu czterogwiazdkowym od 80 do 150 USD.