Romantic Chișinău: Wine Estates and Sunsets

Travel advisory, as of October 2026: The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria and has no warning for the rest of Moldova (GOV.UK ). The US State Department lists Moldova at Level 2 and Transnistria at Level 3 (travel.state.gov ). Russian drones have crossed Moldovan airspace during the war in Ukraine, and Chișinău airport has had brief closures. Check flight status and both governments’ advice before you book.

A Weekend for Two

Chișinău suits couples who like wine, good dinners and slow evenings. The strongest romantic plan is one night at a wine estate, followed by a tasting and a city sunset. Prices are in lei (MDL), and cards are common in the capital.

Castel Mimi

Castel Mimi in Bulboaca is about 35 km east of Chișinău and open every day. The property calls itself a zero-emission five-star wine resort.

  • Wine Spa: a three-hour package with an indoor pool, a jacuzzi and three saunas costs 2,500 MDL, Monday to Friday only.
  • Authentic tour: two hours with four wines, at 1,100 MDL on weekdays and 1,200 MDL on weekends.
  • White Owl restaurant: fine dining, open 10:00 to 22:00 daily.
  • Cooking class: guests can learn to make sarmale on the official tours page.

Tours, the spa and the restaurant are covered at castelmimi.md .

A Tasting at Mileștii Mici

Mileștii Mici, about 20 km south, sets the pace for a slow tasting. The “Hai, Noroc!” tour lasts 1 h 30 and costs 800 MDL for three wines. “Univers” lasts 2 hours and costs 1,200 MDL for five wines. Weekends, holidays and 17:00 starts add 100 MDL per person. The galleries are cool, so bring a wrap. Details are on milestii-mici.md .

Cricova for Two

At Cricova, about 15 km north, the Business tour (1 h 30, 700 MDL) and the Expert tour (2 h, 950 MDL) include tasting. Book ahead through cricova.md .

Sunset on the Cascade Staircase

Walk up or down the 218 steps of the Cascade Staircase beside Valea Morilor Park near sunset. The climb is free, and the lake below is a good place for a stroll. Boat rentals run in season.

Dinner and an Evening Out

  • Fuior, at Pușkin 30, serves modern Moldovan cooking.
  • Vatra Neamului, on Pușkin street, serves traditional dishes.
  • Carpe Diem Wine Shop and Bar, at Columna 136, pours flights of Moldovan and imported wines, daily from about 11:00 to 23:00.
  • National Opera and Ballet Theatre “Maria Bieșu”: tickets are sold at tnob.md . Look at the season before you plan the trip.

Practical Tips

  • Reserve restaurant tables and winery tours ahead, especially on weekends.
  • A taxi to and from the estates means both of you can taste. Moldova has strict drink-driving rules.
  • Evening streets can be poorly lit, so take a taxi back to your hotel.

Compare central hotels on Booking.com .

Read more: Chișinău multi-day trips and day trips .