Southern wines, Transnistria and cabin in trees

A nice invitation to travel than to start this tour by the fabulous Castel Mimi wine complex. Absolutely grandiose, an impressive French castle dominates the site. Newly restored in the rules of art, it has been a brand new tourist destination since 2015, which will certainly become an essential part of the wine route. The wines that are produced in the field come from the cutting-edge manufacturing processes and will enchant your palate, which is a true jewel. Cabernet-Sauvignon rosé and red, red Bulboaca, Merlot and Ice Wine Rkatsiteli are to be tasted among many others. Plan to stay in one of the rooms of the castle's wings, and therefore to dine on the spot. Finally, to finish the day, maybe a little tour at the hotel spa will be the icing on the cake!

Between Castel Mimi and Purcari, you will certainly be amazed! Another huge estate, this time world-renowned, that of Purcari. It was only in the middle of the 19th century that Europeans first discovered a sublime beverage with an intense taste and an almost black colour, Purcari's Negru. In 1878, when he took part in a competition in Paris, he was awarded the gold medal, which made the Purcari establishments proud, which in those days had replaced the best French wines. The site is remarkable, with grandiose infrastructures worthy of the wines produced (hotel, leisure and restaurant complex). Fishing enthusiasts can indulge in their favourite pastime and grill freshly caught fish. Others can play tennis, pool or a short hike in the area. More than a simple tasting, it is a busy and outdoor day where the pleasures of wine are combined with a real moment of relaxation. Book a room at the estate.

It would be too bad not to take advantage of the proximity of Bender (Tighina) and Tiraspol to travel to Transnistria and experience a return to the past to the past times of the USSR. But don't go alone, prefer the services of a travel agency that you will have planned in advance. The fortress of Bender was built in the Middle Ages in one of the most developed cities of the time. Under the reign of Stephen the Great, it was originally a wooden building that was originally consolidated in stone and took the form we know it today under the reign of Petru Rare. This citadel represents one of the most powerful elements of the imposing defensive system of medieval Moldova. It was part of the belt of other fortresses in the east, with those of Soroca, Hotin and Cetatea Alba. For lunch, stay in the past with Klubnika's small restaurant (or Yagotka, the little strawberry), frozen in the time of the soviets. For a ridiculously low price, taste the legendary Russian, Ukrainian specialities, cabbage salads, mititei, bors... It's very good. In the afternoon, and for a digestive walk, walk along the main avenue of Tiraspol, punctuated by all that the city has to offer in terms of culture and history - in short, it's quite fast. But you will remain stunned by this feeling of ambient immobility under the authoritarian gaze of the great Lenin. In the evening, take the road to the village of Cioburciu, at Pavel's, 1h15 drive, but it is worth it. There is a small treasure here, a bungalow in the trees above the Dniestr, for an unexpected break, settle in for the night, you will remain "suspended" in happiness. (As always, book in advance!). Pavel will be able to prepare a good Moldavian meal for you; his lovely wife speaks Italian. When you go to sleep, the runoff from the river, the wind in the trees will rock you in these cozy beds. Impeccable comfort for this atypical refuge.

In the village of Crocmaz, in the heart of magnificent landscapes, the estate of this family business produces more than 10,000 bottles per year on 49 hectares of vines. You will enjoy wine tastings organised in small groups, accompanied by local delicacies and pastries made with love by the mother. The varieties represented are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Traminer and Chardonnay, not to mention the indigenous varieties, Fêtesaca Neagra, Fêtesasca Alba, Fêtesasca Regala and Rara Neagra. The visit of this cellar can be extended during the day by country or more sporting activities, with cherry picking, volleyball games or a nice bike ride in the vineyards. In the late afternoon, take the road back to Causeni where you will find two small hotels, Litas or Milisoc, with simple but welcoming comfort, to spend the evening and night.

Before leaving for the capital, you should not miss under any circumstances the oldest church in Moldova located in the village of Causeni, the Adormirea Maicii Domnului church. Built in the 15th century, it preserves the only medieval fresco in the country. Performed by Vlach painters in late Byzantine and Roman style, the interior features religious scenes and brightly coloured iconographies: red, gold and blue. Unfortunately, you can only visit it because it is closed for restoration, but it is worth a look. 10 minutes away, continue to the village of Zaim for the beautiful local museum Alexei Mateevici. It traces the life and work of this famous poet who left an impressive literary legacy consisting of a series of translations of fiction on the history and development of Christianity in Moldova, as well as a collection of poems. Alexei Mateevici owes his fame to the last poem he left before his death about the beauty of the Romanian language, Limba noastra (Our Language). This beautiful text has been the anthem of the Republic of Moldova since 1994. You can then return to Chisinau or continue your journey if this glimpse of the South has made you want to take your journey further.