Hincesti is famous for the impressive “Hunting Castle of Manuc Bey”, designed by A. Bernardazzi. Equally famous is the “Vitis-Hincesti” winery, which is well worth a visit, as are other wineries in the area: Comrat (producer of white and dessert red wines), Chirsova (sparkling wines), Cazaclia and Taraclia (excellent Cabernet and Pinot noir wines). In Besalma the History and Ethnography Museum has an excellent collection featuring the distinctive culture of the Gagauz people, who live in this region. At Albota there is country accommodation offering horse riding, folklore displays, and opportunities to try your handicraft and farming skills. The itinerary leads to Vulcanesti, and its modern “Aur-vin” (Golden Wine) winery. At Valeni there is an extensive collection of vines and a well-known nature reserve, the “Prutul de Jos” (Lower Prut). This is a natural paradise renowned for its masses of white and yellow water lilies and well worth a visit.The white water lily “Nufarul alb” takes its name from the famous spa in Cahul, where uvotherapy treatment is practised. Leova’s wine centre has a collection of fine wines to admire. On the return journey to Chisinau the labyrinthine cellars of one of Moldova’s most famous wineries, Milestii Mici, are as impressive as the fine wines produced here. No matter where you go and which winery you visit you are guaranteed a warm welcome.

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