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Purcari Winery is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine producers in Moldova, with a history that dates back to the 19th century. The winery is located in the Purcari village, in the southeastern part of the country, in a region that has been renowned for winemaking for centuries. Purcari Winery is famous for its high-quality wines, which are made from traditional grape varieties and aged in oak barrels. The winery’s flagship wine is the Negru de Purcari, a red wine made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Rara Neagra grapes.

This wine is considered one of the best wines in Moldova, with a rich aroma of blackberries, spices, and vanilla, and a long, elegant finish. The Negru de Purcari has won numerous awards and accolades, including a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards. It’s a gem of a wine that not only succeed in showing the potential of the region in term of quality but also express Moldovan authenticity and style. In addition to the Negru de Purcari, Purcari Winery produces many other high-quality wines, including high-quality, traditional methods, elegant, and precise sparkling wines. All of the winery’s wines are made from grapes grown in the Purcari vineyards, covering over 250 hectares. Purcari Winery is also renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in winemaking.

The winery uses modern techniques to ensure the highest quality of its wines, while also preserving the traditional methods of winemaking that have been used in Moldova for centuries.

Castell Mimi has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. The winery was originally founded in 1893 by Constantin Mimi, a prominent politician and winemaker in the region. Mimi was passionate about wine and wanted to create a winery that would produce high-quality wines that could compete with the best in Europe. The winery thrived under Mimi’s leadership, and his wines quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional quality. Castell Mimi’s wines were served at royal courts and were awarded numerous prizes at international wine competitions.

However, the winery’s success was short-lived. In 1940, Moldova was annexed by the Soviet Union, and Castell Mimi was nationalized. The winery was renamed “Kolhoz 1 Mai” and was run by the state for several decades. During this time, the winery’s production methods and quality suffered, and its wines lost their reputation. In 1991, Moldova gained its independence from the Soviet Union, and Castell Mimi was returned to the Mimi family. However, the winery was in a state of disrepair, and much of its infrastructure had been destroyed.

. Constantin Mimi’s great-grandson, Constantin Vinohodovschi, took on the daunting task of restoring the winery to its former glory. Vinohodovschi invested heavily in the winery, rebuilding its facilities, replanting its vineyards, and implementing modern winemaking techniques. He also commissioned the construction of a stunning new winery building, inspired by the traditional architecture of the region.

Today, Castell Mimi is one of the most successful wineries in Moldova, known for its exceptional wines and beautiful surroundings. The winery has won numerous awards and has gained a reputation as a leading producer of high-quality wines in Eastern Europe. Castell Mimi remains a family-owned business, with Vinohodovschi’s daughter, Anastasia, and General Manager Adrian Trofim now leading the winery into the future. Castell Mimi’s diverse range of wines caters to different tastes and occasions. The winery’s wines can be grouped into several distinct ranges, each with a unique character and flavor profile. One of their premium range is called the Governor. The Governor is a premium range of wines that are made in limited quantities and are only released in exceptional vintages. These wines are complex, and layered, and offer a higher level of refinement and sophistication. On another note, the Animaliens wines are young wines with fresh and persistent characters. Wines that express the lively and abundant nature of the Moldovan land. Each label depicts the image of an animal from local Moldovan folklore and legends. The colorful symbols represent wine bouquets, and patterns from traditional Moldovan carpets and pay homage to historical places, beliefs, and events. A simple way to discover local varietals such as Saperavi or Fateasca Alba.

The touristic offer of Castell Mimi is the most tailored in the whole country. Castell Mimi offers a range of touristic activities for visitors to experience the winery and the beauty of the Moldovan countryside. From winery tours, to visit the vineyards and beautiful barrel room to wine tastings and Moldovan elevated culinary offers, there are lots to do. Castell Mimi has also a beautiful event space that can be rented for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions as well as several guest rooms and suites that are available for overnight stays. The rooms are beautifully appointed and offer views of the winery with luxury comfort. The establishment was included in the list of the top 15 most beautiful wineries in the world, for its historical and architectural properties.

History

Moldova is an ancient winemaking country rich in unique traditions and discoveries. I’m sure when you think about wine, the first thing that comes into mind might not be Moldova, but the truth is, this country could literally be described as a sea of wine. The scale of Moldovan winemaking is so great that it is considered the biggest industry in the whole country and it has it has the highest number of vines per capita worldwide as well as some of the world’s largest cellars. No wonder, when you speak to a Moldovan about wine, they will show you the most genuine pride you’ll ever see.

The next step in history involves a prohibition era. On May 16, 1985, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR issued a Decree on measures to eradicate drunkenness and alcoholism and the production of homemade spirits, quickly followed by a by massive destruction of vineyards. Now, it’s easier to understand why a country that has a bigger proportion of its land covered with vineyards than any other country. is not better known for its wines. It was only in 1991, after gaining its independence, that the Moldovan wine Industry was able to rebuild itself. Even then Russia remained the biggest export market and wines were made to favor the Russian palate, with sweeter wines mostly. Until another event hit the market. In March 2006, the Russian Federation imposed an embargo on the import of wines from the Republic of Moldova, valid for almost two years, which led to the loss of access of Moldovan winemakers to the Russian wine market, representing 80% of Moldovan alcoholic beverages.

The producers were forced to either look for other export markets or go Bankrupt, which many did. Devious work and investments were put into updating winemaking materials and learning more about the international market. While they may appear late to the game, Moldovan producers are incredibly dynamic and show know-how and passion. Their roots run deep and winemaking is still one of the priorities for the country. Probably even more now than ever. Today Moldovan counts 50 different export markets and a total of 338 wineries. The Republic of Moldova has an area of 112 thousand ha of vineyards, planted with over 50 technical grape varieties. Now, the country wine industry is working hard to sell its wares around the world, with a new generation of winemakers focusing on quality, not quantity. As well as the classic international grape varieties, Moldova is rightly proud of its indigenous varieties such as red grapes Feteasca Neagra and Rara Neagra, and the white variety Viorica.

While on land you can see vines as far as the eye can see, perfectly straight-aligned, state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, gigantic steel tanks, and bottling lines that could make any small winemakers jealous, dare to step underground, and it’s another world. The biggest estates in Moldova are the two state-owned Cricova and Milestii Mici. They both have impressive underground wine cellars. These are actually ancient stone quarries that were turned into “wine factories during the Soviet period, in the 1960s. These hundreds of kilometers of tunnels have won the title of the biggest wine collection in the world.

Visitors and tourists come in masses to visit these collections. You actually have to take a train to do the tour because it would be too long on foot and maybe a bit too creepy in the dark. While these are the bigger versions, all wineries have some sort of remnants of another time. At Asconi Winery, they have old bottles stored at the estate and no way of knowing exactly what they contain. Rare and unique relic of a different past such as handled-shaped bottles of 1994 mystery wines. Other special finds are hidden in the spectacular secret cellar of Castel Mimi, one of the most beautiful and modern estates.

in Moldova. When you go down underground, the secret cellar hides the oldest wine collection in the country, you can also fount centuries-old precious Rose Oil flasks that have been perfectly preserved. The beautiful stoned wine cellar was once covered in tiles, from the soviet era, communist decisions didn’t always make sense and they needed the time to use these tiles so they did layers of it for nothing in the cellars. It took a lot of time and labor to find out these tiles were ruining the whole environment and aeration of the cellars and had to be taken all out. Often a harmony of incredible finds and rarities as well as the soviet residue of the past, underground Moldova is vast and rich in discoveries and exciting finds.

Martin’s Lane Winery may be a newcomer to the winery scene in Kelowna but it’s already making waves. With their intimate production (only 2000 cases/year) focused exclusively on Riesling and Pinot Noir single-varietals, they’re pushing back boundaries in the Okanagan Valley in terms of showing quality potential and site-specific character. The six-level, state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winery is quite breathtaking with attention to detail and modern design that is quite exquisite and artistic. The first vintage was launched in 2014, but it already has so much personality and depth.

Winemaker Shane Munn is an artist in winemaking who shows precision and passion in every detail of his work. With a world-class gravity-flow facility in his hands and sustainability in his sight, he’s able to craft wines that display complexity, texture, and elegance as well as depicting the rugged and freestyle of the Okanagan. With his determination and skills, Martin’s Lane will surely bring Okanagan’s international recognition to another level.  This is an exciting project for the Van Mandl Group, with a dynamic approach and a creative, forward-thinking vision.

SIMES VINEYARD RIESLING 2017

This wine comes from the North-facing, Granite-based Simes Vineyard located in East Kelowna. This is quite the cool, northern location, and it shows in the character of the wine. This Riesling made of clone 49 is vibrant and bone-dry with a very bright chiseled energy. It’s lemon-focused with very integrated minerality and an acidity that leads & lingers for days.

DEHART VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2017

From the Dehart Vineyard in East Kelowna not far from the Simes Vineyard but planted to just two Pinot clones, 777 and 667, this site is west-facing, high elevation, and warmer in comparison to Simes. Precise expression with stern & tart fruit character and subtle oak spices. The palate is chewy and plush with softly-grained tannins but an overall gentle mouthfeel.

SIMES VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2017

The cool Simes site is actually Pinot Noir dominant using clones. Fresh and appealing, this wine has finely detailed aromas of cherry fruit, underbrush, and cedar, along with plum, savory herbs, and baking spice. The palate is medium-bodied, rich, and firm in an effortless way.

NARAMATA RANCH VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2017

When talking with Shane Munn, he mentioned “Pinot likes to grow in beautiful places.” Naramata Bench’s graceful landscape and parcelled land surely apply to this. This is a textured,
bold, and pure expression with velvet-like mouthfeel. Sowing earthy tones very mature fruit, and clove, this wine shows its true strength in its memorably soft and laced palate.

CedarCreek is committed to providing guests with an intimate and educational experience in an exceptional setting. With their new aspect house building dedicated to private, exclusive tasting areas for club members, they provide a very intimate and committed tasting experience. Impressive wines in an impressive setting. They were one of the first 8 pioneering wineries of BC with their first wines produced in 1987, after having purchased the property in 1986. After 27 years in the Fitzpatrick family, the von Mandl Family, owners of Mission Hill Winery took the reins. CedarCreek’s 50-acre estate features organic, single-vineyard wines from 30-year-old vines.

In fact, their Pinot Noirs are made from some of the oldest vines in British Columbia! Located on the shores of Lake Okanagan, you can enjoy award-winning Okanagan wine with beautiful lake views. They also benefit from another site down in Osoyoos of 53 acres.

ASPECT BLOCK 3 RIESLING 2020

Block 3 is an aged planting dating back to 1991. This wine was kept on the skins for 12 hours and aged half in stainless, and half in German oak. Ripe and deeply aromatic riesling this wine is definitely characterized by its intensity. Bright lime dominates with floral and candied citrus to follow. The palate has a bit of grip and a perfectly balanced sugar-to-acidity ratio.

ASPECT BLOCK 3 RIESLING 2019

Block 5 is at the top of the Kelowna-based Home Block Vineyard. This Chardonnay is built on a ripe foundation with bright and clean acids as well as a creamy texture. Notes of apricot, starfruit, and mango, with a persistent flint hint and moderate oak presence. The palate is light and pure with moderate volume and fresh acidity.

ASPECT BLOCK 2 PINOT NOIR 2018

The fruit is clone 115, fermented in concrete tanks, aged 14 months in French oak (18% new). This is a seductive wine, beginning with floral and strawberry aromas. On the palate, there’s a silky touch with fruit-forward flavors and a savory finish. A classic Pinot Noir layered with elegance.

ASPECT BLOCK 4 PINOT NOIR 2018

This wine is a tribute to the unique blend of clones planted on clay, silt, and stone. Fermented with wild yeasts and aged in French oak for a year to allow the different expressions of Pinot Noir from three different clones (115, 667, and 777) to marry into this intricate wine. The style is very savory with forest floor, dark, rich black fruits, game and mushroom flavor. The palate brings texture and soft spices. Overall a bold and voluminous Pinot Noir.