Moldova: The Ancient Wine Country You’ve Never Heard Of (Until Now)
Discovering the History of Moldovan Winemaking
Nestled between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova may be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but it boasts one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world. Archaeological evidence shows that vines were cultivated here over 5,000 years ago, making Moldova a true cradle of viticulture.
Long before France and Italy became synonymous with wine, the lands along the Dniester and Prut rivers were producing wines revered by ancient civilizations. From Geto-Dacian farmers pressing wild grapes to monastic cellars of the medieval era, Moldovan winemaking has always been at the heart of its culture and identity.
From Ancient Roots to Modern Revival
The modern story of Moldovan wine is one of tradition meeting innovation. During the Soviet era, Moldova was responsible for over two-thirds of the USSR’s bottled wine, earning a reputation for both quality and consistency. Yet, when the Soviet Union dissolved, the industry was forced to reinvent itself.
Family-run wineries and boutique producers emerged, focusing on premium quality wines that celebrated native grape varieties and terroir rather than mass production. This revival led to the rebirth of some of Europe’s most exciting and distinctive wines.
Today, Moldova proudly holds over 112,000 hectares of vineyards, and its wines are increasingly recognised across Europe and the UK for their authenticity, purity, and character.
Unique Grape Varieties of Moldova
Moldova’s native grapes are what truly set it apart. Among the country’s most distinctive varieties are:
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Fetească Neagră – a dark, elegant red known for its velvety tannins and notes of plum, blackberry, and spice.
Corten Fetească Neagră -
Rara Neagră – a lighter, aromatic red with hints of red cherry and soft herbs, often blended with international grapes for depth.
Château Purcari Rara Neagră -
Fetească Albă and Fetească Regală – indigenous white varieties that express crisp minerality and floral freshness, ideal for pairing with seafood or soft cheeses.
Vornic Floricica & Feteasca Alba -
Saperavi – though Georgian in origin, this grape thrives in Moldovan soil, producing bold, structured wines with deep colour and ageing potential.
Discover Asconi Saperavi
These varieties tell the story of Moldova’s diverse terroirs — from the sun-drenched slopes of Purcari near the Black Sea to the high-altitude vineyards of Fautor and Corten Winery in the south.
The Underground Wine Cities
One of Moldova’s most fascinating features lies beneath its surface — the underground wine cellars of Cricova and Milestii Mici.
Stretching for hundreds of kilometres, these limestone tunnels store millions of bottles in natural conditions of constant temperature and humidity. Milestii Mici even holds a Guinness World Record as the largest wine collection on Earth.
These vast subterranean labyrinths aren’t just storage — they’re a testament to Moldova’s enduring devotion to its craft.
Discover Cricova sparkling wine
Why Moldovan Wine Deserves a Place in Your Glass
In recent years, Moldovan wines have gained international acclaim at competitions such as Decanter World Wine Awards and Mundus Vini. Yet they remain remarkably affordable and under-appreciated in the UK.
For those seeking wines that combine heritage, sustainability, and artisanal quality, Moldova offers an exciting alternative to more familiar regions. Each bottle tells a story of resilience, tradition, and passion — and with every sip, you taste a piece of European history rediscovered.
Explore Authentic Moldovan Wines at Inknotts
At Inknotts, we’re proud to import and showcase some of Moldova’s finest wineries, including Corten, Purcari, Divus, and Fautor. Whether you prefer elegant sparkling wines, crisp whites, or rich reds, our selection brings Moldova’s winemaking legacy directly to your glass.
👉 Explore our full collection of Moldovan wines and discover why Moldova is Europe’s best-kept wine secret.