On 5-7 December 2025, the Bucovina Legate organized a new (the fifth) documentation trip to the Republic of Moldova. 12 confreres, accompanied by their families, participated.
Friday was a busy day. The first place we visited was the Orheiul Vechi Cultural and Historical Reservation. În spite of the inclement weather, we were able to admire a beautiful area on the banks of the River Raut and -the most important sight- the 11th century cave monastery, still in operation. This was followed by a visit to the recently refurbished Château Vartely winery, a lunch of dishes correctly matched with the wines from the winery’s top package, Taraboste. In the evening, we checked into the Vila Verde in Chisinau. Santa Claus, aka confrere Alexandru Sapojnic, didn’t put anything in our shoes, instead he put in our glasses, a tasting of six Moldovan wines, carefully selected and presented by sommelier Roman Rotarov. We met interesting wines from Bahu, Divus, Sălcuța Eno, Kara Gani Ciotra and Vornic Winery. A tasty dinner and a discussion over a glass of “divine” from the collection of confrere Alexandru Sapojnic followed.
Saturday was dedicated to the capital Chisinau. In the morning, we took a guided bus tour of the city. Laurentia Zaharia took us through all the districts of the capital, showing us the history of each area, as well as the main buildings and sights. This was followed by the inevitable shopping session in the shops in the central area. In the evening, we accepted the invitation to attend the Annual Ball of the Wine Knights of the Republic of Moldova, held at Mi Piace, one of the most highly rated event halls in Chisinau. An excellent menu, paired with matching wines and a varied and decent musical background.
On the last day, after a “food” stop at the WineTime shop, owned by our confrere Aurel Morar. This was followed by a visit to the Căpriana Monastery, the oldest monastery in the Republic of Moldova, with a stately church dating back to the time of Alexander the Good. Our trip to the Republic of Moldova ended with a wine tasting visit to the Tudor Wine Cellar, a unique winery developed around the owner’s household. Tudor Aghenie traditionally vinifies international varieties. Surprisingly, the wines are stored in cellars dug out – on three successive levels – with access right from the house. The tasting was accompanied by a traditional lunch of sarmale and baked pies and accompanied by a local Sadova folk band.
In Honorem Dei et in Honorem Vini!
Eques Dragoș Danubianu, Legate I Bucovina
