Famous for its deep ruby color in its dry red wines which are quite similar to the ones of Bordeaux, the history of Chateau Purcari Winery goes as back as the 12th century when Moldova had been gaining quite the fame for its delectable wines.
After having seen the similarities in the soil of Purcari to the Bordeaux area, the French colonists began to grow exceptional qualities of grapes perfect for vintage wine bottles in the vineyards during the 18th century. The winery had gained quite a reputation because of the intense and complex flavors its wines had to offer, particularly the reds. Throughout the 18th century, the Purcari wines were relished by both Nicholas I & II, who were the Emperors of Russia during that time, as well as Queen Victoria of Great Britain. The wines also received gold medals two eras later at the Agricultural Bessarabian Fair.
It is was quite rare for a wine to be put in similar categories as that of Burgundy and Bordeaux wines, but the winery of Purcari had great potential and had successfully found its place in the top line. It had also found a great market in countries like Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, and France, receiving international recognition.
In the 1900s, the winemakers of Moldova reinstated the legacy of the Purcari wines, and today, the Chateau Purcari Winery stands on about 250 hectares of estate land solely expanded for winemaking. The Chateau Purcari Winery now has a global market in about 25 different countries which include China, UK, the US, Poland, Baltic countries, Czech Republic, Norway, Canada, etc. The winery has also won numerous awards, one in 2012, because of its Icewine which is raved about by people from all over the world.
Chateau Purcari Winery is spread out in between the Black Sea and the Dniester River settled in the countryside midst fertile hillsides. Wine enthusiasts looking for an overall all in one package of good food, wine, and scenic beauty should most definitely book a ticket to see one of the finest wineries in the world.
The lakes in the neighborhood have to offer various recreational activities including boating, fishing, and many other comforting quests in the countryside. You’ll also find great food including European and traditional Moldovan cuisine at the Chateau Purcari Winery. This is precisely why we feel that it can be an experience of a lifetime for any wine fanatic out there.
Closest Airports to Chateau Purcari
There, in the southeast of Moldova, comfort meets old traditions, and the landscapes are just breathtaking. The winery is situated near the Nistru River and the Black Sea. That location creates a really special ecosystem. In Purcari, you can easily taste splendid wine, just near the vineyards. I am sure that once you visit this château, your impressions of the winemaking, and wine in general, will never be the same.
Driving direction to Chateau Purcari
Getting to Chateau Purcari is quite easy via Iasi (Romania), Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) or Odessa (Ukraine) airports with short transfer times from all three airports. Transfer options include car hire, private transfer, public bus and train services directly to Purcari domain.
For more information you can check: https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Chișinău/Purcari.
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Drive from Chisinau Airport (KIV). Distance 103 km. 1 hour 35 mins drive.
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Drive from Iasi Airport (IAS). Distance 258 km. 4 hour 11 mins drive.
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Drive from Odessa Airport (ODS). Distance 79.8 km. 1 hour 24 mins drive
Chateau Purcari is located 100 km from Chisinau. Here you will find the legendary Purcari cellars, remaining unchanged since 1827. The touristic complex includes the Purcari estate,tennis courts, a playground for children and two small lakes. The estate offers 10 deluxe rooms and 3 houses two restaurant halls with a capacity of 60 and 90 persons and an open-air terrace for 250 persons equipped with microclimate system.
Barrique
Room size: 25 m² (269 ft²)
Air conditioning, Bathroom with shower, Bathrobe, Slipper, Hairdryer, Cable / satellite, Minibar, Balcony / Terrace, Safe, Fridge, Video, Service awakening / Alarm clock, Checkroom, Office
Price: 103 Eur / night
Standard Room
Room size: 30 m² (323 ft²)
Air conditioning, Bathroom with shower, Bathrobe, Slipper, Hairdryer, Cable / satellite, Extra Long Beds (\x3e 2 meters), Minibar, Safe, Phone, Flatiron, Water kettle / Coffee maker, Fridge, Video, Service awakening / Alarm clock, Checkroom, Office
Price: 113 Eur / night
Deluxe Room
Room size: 40 m² (430 ft²)
Air conditioning, Bathroom with shower, Bathrobe, Slipper, Hairdryer, Cable / satellite, Extra Long Beds (\x3e 2 meters), Minibar, Safe, Phone, Flatiron, Water kettle / Coffee maker, Fridge, Video, Service awakening / Alarm clock, Checkroom, Office
Price: 129 Eur / night
VIP Room
Room size: 40 m² (430 ft²)
Air conditioning, Bathroom with shower, Bathrobe, Slipper, Hairdryer, Cable / satellite, Extra Long Beds (\x3e 2 meters), Minibar, Safe, Phone, Flatiron, Water kettle / Coffee maker, Fridge, Video, Service awakening / Alarm clock, Checkroom, Office
Price: 144 Eur / night
Sky House
Room size: 35 m² (377 ft²)
Air conditioning, Bathroom with shower, Bathrobe, Slipper, Hairdryer, Cable / satellite, Extra Long Beds (\x3e 2 meters), Minibar, Balcony / Terrace, Safe, Phone, Flatiron, Fridge, Video, Service awakening / Alarm clock, Checkroom, Office
Price: 185 Eur / night
Wine Tasting Tour
Taste the best wines in the cellars where they’re made, admire vast vineyards, and learn about traditional winemaking processes on a wonderful day trip to the Purcari wine region.
Tour of the tourist complex “Vinaria Purcari”, includes:
The industrial part – the visit of the industrial cellar: the wine storage and bottling section.
The historical part – visiting the historical cellar where the wine maturation takes place in the barrels, the wine maturation in bottles; tour of the tourist complex: wine cellar, tasting room, hotel, specialized shop.
Trip duration: 40 min.
Tasting time: varies depending on the package chosen. The excursions can be individual or group and are organized every day from 09:00.
Wine tasting – takes place in one of the two tasting rooms of the “Purcari Winery” tourist complex and includes premium quality wines.
Souvenirs / Gifts contains:
- 3 st. * 0.375 L: Chardonnay; Purcari Rosé; Cabernet Sauvignon;
- Brochure about Chateau Purcari.
Price – 9.50 Eur
At Chateau Purcari, a specialized store is opened, where you can buy wine, souvenirs and products at the producer price. Payment can be made in cash or by bank card (VISA and MasterCard).
Package № 1
3 WinesPinot Grigio
Rosé de Purcari
Merlot
* Cuvée Alb Brut
Package № 2
6 WinesSauvignon Blanc
Alb de Purcari
Rosé de Purcari
Rară Neagră
Malbec
Negru de Purcari
* Cuvée Rosé Brut
Package № 3
9 WinesChardonnay
Vinohora Alb
Traminer
Vinohora Rosé
Pinot Noir
Vinohora Roșu
Freedom Blend
Roșu de Purcari
Ice Wine
* Cuvée Alb Extra Brut
Package № 4
Vintage WinesAlb de Purcari
Roșu de Purcari
Negru de Purcari
*Grande Cuvée
Launch / Diner menu recommendations
Pairing food with a complimentary wine makes it taste even more delicious. But is there more to it than matching white wines with fish and red wines with steak? Of course!
Here are a few basic tips for matching meal courses with the perfect wine:
- Pair intense wines with heavy dishes, such as beef and lamb Pair lighter wines with light dishes, such as salad or chicken
- Desserts pair well with sweet wines or dessert wines
- Consider whether flavours are bitter, acidic, sweet, salty or spicy
- Focus on sauces and cooking methods, not just the main ingredient
You can either “complement” or “contrast” when pairing food and wine. For example, choose an earthy red wine to complement a rich mushroom dish, or contrast an acidic white wine with a creamy fish sauce. Neither the food nor the wine should overwhelm each other.
You can find the full Château Purcari Menu here: https://purcari.wine/en/page/menu-chateau-purcari/
Photo Session at the Chateau
Price: 132 Euros
Photo session: 2 hours.
Number of persons: up to12 persons.
Services included: Winery access and in the historical cellar and 2 bottles of sparkling wine Feteasca Alba as a gift.
Price: 185 Euros
Photo session: 2 hours.
Number of persons: up to 12 persons.
Services included: Winery access, in the historical cellar and hotel (restaurant / wine cellar / rooms – depending on availability) and 2 bottles of sparkling wine Feteasca Alba as a gift.
Book your tour
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Travel to Moldova Republic: A First-timers Guide
As one of Europe’s least visited countries, Moldova retains a measure of roads-less-travelled charm. But that’s changing quickly as budget flights from Western Europe take off.
Moldovian Currency – A Brief Cost Guide
The only currency used is the Moldovian leu (MDL).
Budget: Less than €50
- Dorm bed: €5–10
- Double room in a budget hotel: €20–30
- Placinta (stuffed pastries): €2.50
- Admission to museums: €0.50–1
Midrange: €50–120
- Double room in a hotel: €50–70
- Lunch and dinner in local restaurants: €20
- Local winery tour €20–50
- Top End: More than €120
Top End: More than €120
- Double room in a hotel: €80–140
- Lunch and dinner in upscale restaurants: €40–80
- Boutique winery tour: €100–200
Tipping in Moldova
Restaurants A small tip of 5% to 10% is appropriate; service charges are usually not included in the bill. Taxis Taxi drivers will gladly accept tips but they are not expected.
Do i need a VISA ?
Regardless of your country of origin you need proper and valid passports. More information can be found here:
https://www.mfa.gov.md/en/content/types-visas-requirements.
For US Citizens:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Moldova.html.
* Pricing and availability are subject to change. All itineraries/tours/guides are based on airlines, travel agencies, hotel, tour policies, schedules and operational conditions at the time of booking.