2025 Host: Chisinau, Moldova
Moldova, Eastern Europe’s Hidden Wine Gem
The Sparkling Wines Session of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles will take place in Chisinau, Moldova, from 05 to 07 September 2025.
A city with strong wine heritage, Chisinau was named International City of Vine and Wine in 1990, a symbolic recognition of its central role in the world of winemaking. This year, it also hosts the 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine, reinforcing its global role in viticulture.
From 05 to 07 September
An ancient winemaking tradition at the heart of Eastern Europe
Nestled between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is a discreet yet vibrant land rich in history and flavor. Known since antiquity for its wines, this wine-producing region has forged its own identity thanks to ideal climate conditions, fertile soils, and ancestral know-how passed down through generations. Today, the country boasts over 100,000 hectares of vineyards and hundreds of wineries, combining modern techniques with deep-rooted traditions.
Wine is more than an industry—it is part of the national DNA. Once a favored exporter to Tsarist Russia, Moldova reinvented itself after independence by focusing on quality, innovation, and authenticity. Native grape varieties such as Fetească Albă, Fetească Neagră, Viorica, and Rară Neagră are once again taking center stage alongside international classics. The diversity of Moldovan terroirs, from the rolling hills in the north to the banks of the Nistru River in the south, makes it possible to produce character-rich wines that are attracting increasing global attention.
Chișinău, a vibrant capital and gateway to Moldova’s vineyards
A Moldovan wine journey often begins in Chișinău, the capital. The city offers a gentle introduction to local culture. Between wide Soviet-era boulevards, Orthodox churches, and modern cafés, visitors can explore the National History Museum, the Nativity Cathedral, or Ștefan cel Mare Park.
Chișinău is the perfect starting point for discovering traditional flavors. Numerous wine bars and tasting venues offer local wines, often paired with traditional Moldovan dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. For those looking to bring a bottle home, the city also features specialized shops showcasing selections from Moldova’s historic vineyards.
Whether you are a lover of refined vintages or curious to explore artisanal wines, Chișinău offers a rich and diverse wine scene.
Monumental cellars and legendary estates
One of Moldova’s most striking attractions is its spectacular underground wine cellars. Near Chișinău, some of these limestone-carved labyrinths stretch for dozens or even hundreds of kilometers, housing millions of bottles. These vast spaces sometimes include cultural features such as screening rooms or underground churches. Further south, other wine cellars hold world records for the size of their collections.
Le Sauvignon Blanc et le Steiermark
These cellars are far more than museums—they are pillars of Moldovan viticulture. Some continue to use traditional methods for sparkling wine, while others focus on age-worthy reds with remarkable potential. In winter, one such cellar even hosts an original footrace through its galleries lit only by headlamps.
But Moldova is not only about its iconic cellars. Across various regions, historic and family-run estates offer unforgettable wine experiences. Some are known for their heritage vintages, others for their commitment to sustainability and authenticity. Visitors can also discover unique blends combining local and regional grape varieties.
Nature, heritage, and wine tourism
In the north, the Codru region is a haven for nature and wine lovers alike. Some estates offer gourmet lunches overlooking lush hills often nicknamed "Moldova’s Little Tuscany." Local grape varieties like Rară Neagră are cultivated and vinified with great care.
Not far away, the archaeological site of Orheiul Vechi—a classified cultural site—blends spirituality and history. This prehistoric troglodyte complex offers breathtaking landscapes that can be explored on foot or by bicycle. In June, it hosts a one-of-a-kind open-air opera event in Eastern Europe.
The Ștefan Vodă region shines with its exceptional vineyards. Visitors will find estates known for homemade cuisine or for emblematic vintages combining Moldovan, Georgian, and Ukrainian grape varieties. Here, wine tourism means authenticity: boat rides on the Nistru, rustic dinners, and nights among the vines.
A festive and vibrant wine calendar
Moldova’s wine sector is active all year long with a rich calendar of events. In October, National Wine Day in Chișinău brings together producers and wine lovers for concerts, tastings, and cellar tours. In September, a dedicated festival celebrates independent small producers. In December, a curated exhibition presents some of Moldova’s finest wines.
In the south, the Cahul Biosphere Reserve, surrounding Lake Beleu, is home to diverse wildlife, including pelicans and herons. Nearby, family-run estates offer tastings and tours that highlight local traditions and terroir.
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