Some people unfortunately do not have a lot of time when coming to Moldova, visiting for only 1-2 days. With such a short time span, booking at wineries can be difficult if not done upfront. So what is another option to discover the local wine without stressing yourself? Of course exploring the local wine bars! Not only are they set up specifically for wine tasting, but also offer you a wide range of wines and gifts up for sale. A majority of them have a sommelier on the spot, but also organised wine tasting events on weekend days. So here’s a list of the wine bars where you can go to tickle your wine taste buds!
Invino Enoteca
Invino is the first collection of high quality wines in Moldova chosen by a professional sommelier. They have in their collection over 200 wines, with more than 20 being available for wine tasting by glass. Altogether they store over 10.000 bottles of wine from small boutique and lesser known wineries. They have available an english speaking sommelier.
Address: Bănulescu Bodoni 41, Chișinău
Open: 11:00 – 21:00
Vinoteca Wine.md
This isn’t just a wine bar, but a full encyclopedia of wine culture offering organised wine tastings, excursions at wineries, history, notes and expert assessment. The shop has a wide variety of wines with advice on hand for those that get lost in choices.
Address: Pușkin 15, Chișinău
Open: 09:00 – 21:00
DEN Food & Wine House
The uniqueness of this select wine house is that they concentrate on the small wine producers of Moldova, having over 25 brands in their collection with over 250 various wine labels. To complement the wines they have even reinterpreted the national cuisine in a way to harmonise the tastes together. Currently Den Food & Wine House is the restaurant with the widest variety of wines available for serving the guests, but also open for wine tastings or sale at their wine bar.
Address: Mitropolit Gavriil Bănulescu-Bodoni 17A, Chișinău
Open: Daily from 08:00 – 23:00
Embargo
A cozy wine bar and shop with a variety of wines to taste which change daily according to availability. The specialisation is in unique and affordable wines. On various occasions they organise wine games and specific wine tastings. Besides the traditional platters of cheese and meat for wine tastings, they also offer oyster.
Address: Alexandr Pușkin 56, Chișinău
Open: Mon – Thu 08:00- 21:00, Fri 08:00-22:00, Sat- Sun 10:00- 22:00
Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem is the first opened wine collection in Chisinau which nowadays has a selection of over 160 local and international wines. You can taste between 10 to 15 local wines by glass in their bar, but also order online in Moldova the ones you prefer.
Address: Columna 136, 3A, Chișinău
Open: 11:00 – 23:00
Barbar
Unlike other wine bars, this one is suitable for nightlife due to it’s opening hours but also the events they organise. Besides a vast choice of wines, they have dj nights on weekends and a summer terrace which is very handy during warmer season.
Address: Mihai Eminescu 56, Chișinău
Open: Mon – Thu 11:00- 23:00, Fri 11:00- 05:00, Sat 14:00- 05:00, Sun 14:00- 23:00
La Nobiltà del Gusto
A collection of the highest quality wines and hard drinks won at auctions from all other the world. You will find the best wines from Moldova alongside the famous ones of Spain, France, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Italy. A sommelier will guide you in your choice, while the rest of the shop will inspire you to dip in the delicacies on display.
Address: Sfatul Țării 59, Chișinău
Open: 10:00 – 20:00
Wine Gogh
Branding themselves as a wine restaurant, they provide not only beautiful atmosphere, different kinds of wine but also high quality food which will not disappoint. Every sunday they have an offer of -20% on selected wines and foods.
Address: Pușkin 35, Chișinău
Open: 10:00 – 23:00
Purcari Wine Bar
Although being mainly a branded wine bar of the local winery Purcari, the selection of wine does not disappoint and limit. Their events host wine tastings with the best wine of Moldova, but also a selection of wines from abroad. The relaxing atmosphere and the gourmet menu guarantees an enjoyable time.
Address: Calea Iesilor 8, Zity Mall (3rd floor)
Open: Mon – Sun 10:00 – 22:00
C51
Not only a wine bar, but also a co-working space and restaurant. Working with specific wine brands, vegetarian menu and a variety of events in a very english friendly atmosphere.
Address: Columna 51, Chișinău
Open: Tue – Fri 18:00 – 23:00, Sat – Sun 00:00 – 23:00
AVA 1727
One of the most exclusivist restaurant and wine bar in Chișinău aimed to create a bohemian experience. Not just a place to taste signature dishes by their chef, but also to relax or have fun on a night out as they organise music nights on weekends.
Address: Vlaicu Pârcălab 43, Chișinău
Open: Mon – Thu 09:00 – 00:00, Fri – Sat 09:00 – 03:00, Sun 11:00 – 00:00
Taste of Blu Wine House
A celebration of generations of winemakers in a comfortable atmosphere with a wide range of wine choices and events. Sommelier available on the spot, also english friendly.
Address: 77 Mitropolit Varlaam, Chișinău
Open: 10:00 – 22:00
Road To Moldova 