Divine Route
- Starting point: Chisinau
- Overnight: yes / Museum of the Bottle, Old Orhei guesthouses, Chateau Vartely Winery
- Duration: 3 days
- Nr. of wineries: 4
- Total distance: approximately 360 km, up to 6 hours by car. Day 1 - about 135 km, up to 2 hours by car. Day 2- approximately 120 km, up to 2 hours by car too. Day 3 - about 100 km, up to 1,5 hours by car. Distance calculated connecting distilleries, without traveling to nearby points of interest, or locations mentioned on the route.
Do you appreciate a quality aged wine distillate? Then this divine route will be to your liking. Why divine? Because in Moldova matured wine distillates have a special name – Divine. Moreover, in addition to tasting the divine, starting on this route, you will be able to feel the breath of the former Soviet Union. The Soviet-era atmosphere is still preserved here.
Important: To visit the Kvint Distillery you need to go to Tiraspol, Transnistria – a self-proclaimed separatist region, so don’t forget to take your passport to cross the “border”.
Tourist attractions of the route
Segment: Chisinau – Kvint Winery & Distilery (Day1)
- Length:about 135 km distance
- Travel time:up to 2 hours
- Transport:by car
Back 1929 a German entrepreneur named Muller laid the foundations of what is now Bardar Winery, building a small distillery in the commune of Bardar. Today Bardar is in the top 3 divine producers in Moldova, producing wine distillates, aged 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, 10 years, 15 years, and 20 years. The company's...
Back 1929 a German entrepreneur named Muller laid the foundations of what is now Bardar Winery, building a small distillery in the commune of Bardar. Today Bardar is in the top 3 divine producers in Moldova, producing wine distillates, aged 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, 10 years, 15 years, and 20 years. The company's slogan is "only grapes, oak and patience". These are the ingredients needed to make an exclusive and authentic wine distillate. We recommend that you book a divine tasting in advance, and upon departure you can purchase your favorite distillate from the winery store.
To cross the "internal customs" to Transnistria you need a travel passport. The identity card cannot help foreign tourists to get to Transnistria. In case of a longer stay in Transnistria, you must register at the so-called "ministries" of Interior or Migration in the region.
Transnistria
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If you arrive in Moldova and want to catch a feel of the former Soviet Union, then Transnistria is a must-visit destination. It is a self-proclaimed separatist region, emerged in the result of a civil war in 1990, and controlling that part of the territory of the Republic of Moldova, located east of the Nistru...
If you arrive in Moldova and want to catch a feel of the former Soviet Union, then Transnistria is a must-visit destination. It is a self-proclaimed separatist region, emerged in the result of a civil war in 1990, and controlling that part of the territory of the Republic of Moldova, located east of the Nistru (left bank), but also six villages, as well as the municipality of Tighina, located west of the Nistru.
Kvint Winery & Distiliry
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So you like wine, and want to experience Moldova’s world-class vintages, but you also want to try something more potent. Along with wine, the Kvint factory in Tiraspol is famed for the brandy it has produced since 1897. The company ages some of its 10 million liters of brandy for 60 years. As this seasoning...
So you like wine, and want to experience Moldova’s world-class vintages, but you also want to try something more potent. Along with wine, the Kvint factory in Tiraspol is famed for the brandy it has produced since 1897. The company ages some of its 10 million liters of brandy for 60 years. As this seasoning is going on, its experts are experimenting with new formulas. Kvint produces up to 40 million bottles of alcoholic beverages a year, including more than 30 brands of brandy that are aged between three and 60 years. At Kvint you will not only see how brandy is made, but — the best part — participate in a tasting. Don’t miss the chance to see one of the world’s finest drinks being created in one of Europe’s oldest factories. Did we convince you to put Kvint on your must-see list?
If you want to feel the breath of the former Soviet Union, then take a tour of the capital of Transnistrian region - Tiraspol.
Tiraspol
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The city of Tiraspol is the capital and administrative center of the "Transnistrian Moldovan Republic" unrecognized separatist region, formed after a 1990s civil war. The city maintained most of its "back to the USSR" feel. For a delicious soviet style meal, pass by the Kumaniok restaurant.
When you enter the Karaman House Restaurant, you get the idea you are in a country home built a century ago. And the cooking matches the atmosphere. It consists of traditional Moldovan dishes that are hearty and scrumptious. If you want to learn how to make some, the staff will teach you. To gain an...
When you enter the Karaman House Restaurant, you get the idea you are in a country home built a century ago. And the cooking matches the atmosphere. It consists of traditional Moldovan dishes that are hearty and scrumptious. If you want to learn how to make some, the staff will teach you. To gain an additional feel for local country life, you can help tend gardens. To top off your visit, try a relaxing boat ride on the Dniester River.
Museum of the Bottle
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You get a hint of what this museum is about before you enter because the building is shaped like a giant bottle. Once inside, you’ll know your hunch was right. The museum contains more than 20,000 bottles of alcoholic beverages from more than 170 countries. You’d be right if you guessed that its owner, Grigorii...
You get a hint of what this museum is about before you enter because the building is shaped like a giant bottle. Once inside, you’ll know your hunch was right. The museum contains more than 20,000 bottles of alcoholic beverages from more than 170 countries. You’d be right if you guessed that its owner, Grigorii Corzun, is a character. He built the museum in the courtyard of his parents’ home. The courtyard also includes an inn and gazebo-like outdoor restaurant nooks. Corzun would be more than happy to let you taste his personal brandy, which carries the anglicized name Gregory Korzun Cognac. Some of it has aged more than six decades.
Segment: Kvint Winery & Distilery – Chateau Vartely (day2)
- Length:about 120 km distance
- Travel time:up to 2 hours
- Transport:by car
Curchi Monastery
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The Curchi Monastery is an architectural gem that includes Moldova’s tallest church spire – 57 meters, or about 190 feet. Considered one of the country’s most beautiful monasteries, the three-century-old complex exudes an aura of peace and quiet. Several churches have been built at the Curchi Monastery over the years. The most impressive is the...
The Curchi Monastery is an architectural gem that includes Moldova’s tallest church spire – 57 meters, or about 190 feet. Considered one of the country’s most beautiful monasteries, the three-century-old complex exudes an aura of peace and quiet. Several churches have been built at the Curchi Monastery over the years. The most impressive is the main house of worship, the Baroque-style Birth of Our Lady Church, inspired by the Church of St. Andrew in Kiev. The Soviets turned the monastery into a psychiatric hospital in 1959. A major fund-raising effort that began in 2005 has returned it to its original glory.
- Distance from Chisinau: 33 km
- Visiting hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Type: Monastery for monks
Orheiul Vechi
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Orheiul Vechi is an area full of mystery, legends and breathtaking landscapes. Located only 45-50 minutes away from the capital city of Chisinau, Orheiul Vechi is a must-visit destination for those looking for history, authentic architecture, beautiful landscapes and local culinary traditions. The River Răut meanders among rocks and coquettishly decorated villages, the most attractive...
Orheiul Vechi is an area full of mystery, legends and breathtaking landscapes. Located only 45-50 minutes away from the capital city of Chisinau, Orheiul Vechi is a must-visit destination for those looking for history, authentic architecture, beautiful landscapes and local culinary traditions. The River Răut meanders among rocks and coquettishly decorated villages, the most attractive for visitors being Butuceni and Trebujeni, both marked by the astounding development of tourism in the recent years. Any weather is good for visiting, although in summer, especially in the month of June, when the Descopera Festival takes place, Orheiul Vechi is particularly charming.
Chateau Vartely
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The Orhei area’s main claim to fame is that over the centuries it has been home to several fortresses. In fact, Orhei is Hungarian for “place of the fortress.” Chateau Vartely’s owners wanted a winery name that reflected the area’s fortress heritage. So they chose Vartely, the Moldovan term for “place of the fortress.” Just...
The Orhei area’s main claim to fame is that over the centuries it has been home to several fortresses. In fact, Orhei is Hungarian for “place of the fortress.” Chateau Vartely’s owners wanted a winery name that reflected the area’s fortress heritage. So they chose Vartely, the Moldovan term for “place of the fortress.” Just 45 kilometers from Chisinau, Château Vartely boasts impressive architecture and sits on a hill with a breathtaking view.A courtyard sprinkled with wine-making relics is the perfect setting for savoring a cold glass of wine on a hot day. The winery also has an excellent restaurant. If you want to prolong your visit, then stay overnight. Chateau Vartely put some thought into the lodging. There are three types, one representing the homes found in the north, another the homes in central Moldova, and the third the homes you see in the south. If you want to experience the charms of homes in all three regions, then stay for three nights, each in a different type of design.
Segment: Chateau Vartely – The northern capital of Moldova (day3)
- Length:about 100 km distance
- Travel time:up to 1.5 hours
- Transport:by car
Barza Albă Cognac Distillery
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Located in the North of Moldova, in the heart of Balti city, the "Barza Alba" Divine Factory was founded in 1944. The name "Barza Albă" comes from a beautiful legend, according to which, in the time of Stephen the Great, a herd of noble storks carrying bunches of grapes in their beaks, which they let...
Located in the North of Moldova, in the heart of Balti city, the "Barza Alba" Divine Factory was founded in 1944. The name "Barza Albă" comes from a beautiful legend, according to which, in the time of Stephen the Great, a herd of noble storks carrying bunches of grapes in their beaks, which they let fall inside the citadel, saved the defenders of a fortress from the siege of the Tartars. The grapes and the invaluable help of these fliers increased the forces and raised the morale of the troops who heroically repelled the attacks of the invaders until the army led by Stephen the Great came to their support. ”Barza Alba” has an impressive portfolio of ennobled divinities in barrels from 3 to 50 years. Among the most recognized divinities produced by ”Barza Albă” are "Belîi Aist", "Bălți", "Speranta", "Prezident" etc. Over the years, these divines have accumulated more than 150 medals in their records, of which 80 gold, 10 "Grand Prix" but also the "Star AWARD" prize for special merits in the field of quality. "Barza Albă" is the right destination for wine tourism lovers and those who are looking for new wine experiences full of refinement. The company's sommelier is the one who will tell you with great love about the history and components of Brandy, Divin, "Swept Apple Cider Brandy" and will teach you how to distinguish the types, aromas, colors and tastes of the drinks.
We remind you that the company is located in Balti. We recommend you to make an eskape to the northern capital of Moldova.
Balti, the northern capital
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With a population of 125,000, Balti is Moldova’s second-largest city. Its homes, public buildings, churches and schools are a mix of architectural styles, including early 19th Century Romanian, Soviet and neo-Romanian. Balti’s streets are quieter than Chisinau’s bustling thoroughfares. But it isn’t boring, and it offers a few mysteries. For example, why is a tank...
With a population of 125,000, Balti is Moldova’s second-largest city. Its homes, public buildings, churches and schools are a mix of architectural styles, including early 19th Century Romanian, Soviet and neo-Romanian. Balti’s streets are quieter than Chisinau’s bustling thoroughfares.
But it isn’t boring, and it offers a few mysteries. For example, why is a tank sitting in the main square, and why does the city have two airports instead of one? To clear up those conundrums, you’ll have to come see the city yourself.