Wine Tourism
The history of viticulture of this place counts several thousand years back. In 1359, the Moldovan Principality was formed for the viticulture to become the leading branch of the feudal state. For centuries there were developed the customs of viniviticulture, selected land plots suitable for one or another grape sort.
Already the middle of XV century saw a kind of division of grapes into three sorts: forest grapes (local sorts) cultivated for decades; grapes imported by the Greeks; also grape sorts as heritage from the Romans.
Hungary, Turkey and Transcaucasia influenced the developed of the Moldovan viticulture either.
Every zone is distinguishable due to its peculiar characteristic features. For instance, the Northern Zone is remarkable for cultivation of grape sorts used for brandy alcohols and sweet wines. The table grapes are also cultivated in this zone. The Northern Zone of Moldova is specialized in cultivation of such sorts of white grapes as “Aligote”, “Pinot”, “Feteasca “, “Traminer”.
The natural conditions in the Central Zone (Codri zone) of Moldova are favorable for cultivation of white grapes for subsequent production of light wines. Here the greater part of the Moldovan vineyards is concentrated – about 60 per cent of all area under cultivation of grapes. The zone also hosts the greatest number of wineries, among which there are world acclaimed vault-deposits “Cricova”, “Milesti Mici”, “ Branesti” and others.
Another famous enterprise “Vitis-Hincesti” is located in the micro-zone Hincesti, which has been producing divine red wines from grapes “Cabernet – Sauvignon” and “Merlot” in the course of over 100 years.
The South-Eastern Zone (or Purcari Zone) stretches along the Nistru River. This zone is also referred to as Purcari Zone and this is not in vain: the enterprise “Purcari” – the pearl of local wine-making is located in this place. The winery is famous for its red wines ‘Rosu de Purcari” and “Negru de Purcari”.
The South- Eastern Zone is suitablr for cultivation of such grapes as “Merlot”, “Cabernet-Sauvignon”, “Rara Neagra” and others that are used to produce wines of unique aroma and rich bouquet. By the close of the last but one century, Purcari wines were supplird to Royal British table. At present, Purcari operates a hotel, tasting halls, recreation facilities, therefore visitors are able both to get familiar with viti-viniculture and relax themselves.
The Southern Zone covers the Budjak steeps and the entire southern part of the republic.
The natural – climatic conditions of this zone are favorable for cultivation of grapes necessary for the production of red and dessert wines. The centers of viti-viniculture of the zone are Comrat, Taraclia, Ciumai and Trifesti.
People in Moldova have been investing their resources, knowledge, experience and soul into the cultivation of vine. The results of these efforts are obvious: it is a rare sight to see a house without a vine twisting around. Vine will be even portrayed in a monument to be installed in a Wine City constructed in the outskirts of Chisinau.
Vine is glorified in songs and verses; it is perpetuated in canvases and architecture in form of mosaic and modeling. It is impossible to imagine Moldova without vine. Even the mapped outline of Moldova resembles to a cluster of grapes!