Small Wineries of Moldova - an Impulse for the Development of Wine Tourism
Moldovan wine is the product that best reflects the history and traditions of this country. In recent years, wines made in Moldova has become popular in the whole world, and the local wine sector has achieved significant success. Positive changes led to the emergence of several new wineries, including small producers, which certainly deserve our attention.
Crama Mircesti
The winery is located in the village Mircesti, Ungheni district, in the famous wine region of Codru. Despite the fact that it is relatively new, it has become a symbol of small wineries in Moldova due to its modern approach in the production of wine. This region and the village of Mircesti has a good terroir for the production of unique wines. Therefore, Arcadie Fosnea, the owner of the winery, laid its foundations and began to repair the neighboring estate, retaining its specific symbols and elements.
Recently, the winery from Mircesti was equipped with a meteorological data collection station and its employees are using drones to implement modern vine cutting and disease testing strategies. Here are organized tastings and presentations in the framework of the project “Cei mai buni struguri (The Best Grapes)”, established as a result of the partnership between the Moldova Competitiveness Project and the National Office of Vine and Wine.
Crama Tudor
A family business located in the village Sadova, which in two years evolved from growing grapes to producing wine. On 20 hectares of land, the owner of the winery, Tudor Aghenie, grows table grapes and wine grapes of varieties Feteasca Regală, Chardonay, Pinot Noir and Merlot. This fall the winery will launch the first 1000 bottles on the market.
The winery has become part of the mentoring program of the Association of Small Wine Producers, with the support of Moldova Competitiveness Project and has received support for the development of its own wine brand, as well as experience in the production of quality wines. Recently, the winery began to develop its tourism infrastructure, offering visitors traditional dishes in a specially designed facility near the vineyards.
Crama Tronciu
Nicolae Tronciu from the village of Pereni runs a small enterprise, specialized in the the production of high-quality wines, which are distinguished by their unique character. The wines are produced in limited volume, primarily for the family and for those who appreciate high-quality products, created due to the ambition of this humble and honest man. Nicolae Tronciu is actively involved in the whole process, from growing grapes to producing wine, and this dedication and character is felt in each and every bottle.
ATU Winery
The first "urban winery" in Moldova was founded by Victor and Vlada Vutcarau, a couple that seeks to continue the work of their parents who were engaged in the production of rootstocks, one of the most important components in wine-making. Since its opening, the winery has set a goal to introduce something new at all stages of production: an original name; a new type of wine, atypical for Moldova, which could satisfy the taste of the young urban "bohemia", as it does in Germany and Austria; as well as a great location in Chisinau. The winery has a modern and functional equipment that allows it to satisfy the most diverse requirements of the customers.
Gogu Winery
Having inherited a 5 hectare vineyard from his parents, Ilie Gogu started to produce wines in 2011. Having joined the Association of Small Wine Producers, Ilie gained a lot of experience in the production of wine, as well as the opportunity to present his products at national and international wine-making contests. Thus, in 2016, the innovative “Blanc de Merlot 2015” won the gold medal at the Berliner Wine competition, convincing the German importer to increase orders for German and Austrian restaurants. Today he proudly sells his vintage wines throughout Moldova and also exports them to Germany. Thanks to the new stainless steel tanks that the winery recently acquired, Ilie Gogu plans to produce high-quality, vintage wines of 2016 harvest.
KARA GANI
A small winery from Vulcanesti, in Gagauzia, owned by the Cerven family. The owners opened a small factory and a tasting room where they receive tourists and serve traditional Gagauz dishes. Kara Gani also used mentoring services as part of the program of the Association of Small Wine Producers, which was implemented by the Competitiveness Project in Moldova for 2 seasons. On National Wine Day 2017, the winery was awarded a diploma for the development of eco-tourism, and in February 2018 the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon&Merlot was awarded a silver medal at the Black Sea Wine and Spirits Contest.
These wineries were visited as part of the “Redescoperă Drumul Vinului” wine tour, which was initiated by the National Tourism Association of Moldova (ANTRIM) with the support of the Moldova Competitiveness Project, funded by USAID, the Government of Sweden and the National Office of Vine and Wine.