Top 18 Moldovan Alcoholic Beverages

Bardar Distillery, established in 1929 by German entrepreneur Muller, is a prominent producer of divins (Moldovan brandy) in Moldova. Located in the Codru region, just 15 km from Chișinău, it benefits from the area's favorable conditions for cultivating white grape varieties. Over the decades, Bardar has evolved from a small distillery into a significant player in the national spirits industry. The company produces a range of divins aged from 3 to over 25 years, utilizing high-quality oak barrels to impart sophisticated flavors. Their production process emphasizes the use of grapes, oak, and patience, ensuring the creation of authentic and exclusive wine distillates. Bardar's commitment to quality has earned it a place among the top three divin producers in Moldova. The distillery's specialists, with over 25 years of experience, skillfully select and blend distillates to achieve harmonious flavors. As part of the Purcari Wineries Group, Bardar continues to uphold its rich heritage while embracing modern production techniques. Their products have garnered numerous medals at national and international competitions, reflecting their dedication to excellence. Bardar Distillery remains a symbol of tradition and quality in the Moldovan spirits industry. Expand

Château Purcari is one of the oldest and most historically significant wineries in Eastern Europe, officially established in 1827 by imperial decree as the first specialized winery in the Bessarabia region. Located in southeastern Moldova, near the Black Sea and the Dniester River, the estate benefits from a unique microclimate where warm air currents and morning mists support gradual ripening and balanced grape development. From the 19th century onward, Purcari gained international recognition, winning awards at major exhibitions and often being compared to Bordeaux-style wines. Its wines were served at European royal courts, including the British royal family, reinforcing its historical prestige. Today, the winery combines traditional winemaking practices with modern technology, maintaining strict control over its estate vineyards and production processes. The portfolio includes both classic labels, such as Negru de Purcari and Roșu de Purcari, and contemporary expressions that reflect a refined, modern style. The wines are generally characterized by a balance of ripe fruit, structure, and elegance, with a clear influence of French winemaking tradition. Château Purcari is widely regarded as one of the most awarded producers in Central and Eastern Europe. It continues to play a key role in shaping the international reputation of Moldovan wine.Expand

Asconi Winery is a family-owned winery established in 1994 in the village of Puhoi, located in the Ialoveni region of Moldova, near Chișinău. From its beginnings, the winery has focused on combining modern production techniques with local winemaking traditions rooted in the region’s long viticultural history. Its vineyards span several hundred hectares and include both international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as indigenous Moldovan grapes like Feteasca and Rara Neagră. Asconi produces a wide portfolio of wines, including still red, white, and rosé wines, along with sparkling and dessert styles, reaching an annual output of several million bottles. The winery is particularly noted for its ice wines, which showcase high sugar concentration balanced by fresh acidity and aromatic intensity. The overall style emphasizes fruit-forward expression, balance, and accessibility, reflecting the terroir of central Moldova. Production relies on modern equipment, including stainless steel tanks and advanced bottling lines, ensuring consistency and quality control. In addition to winemaking, Asconi has developed a strong enotourism concept, offering visitors tastings paired with traditional Moldovan cuisine in a setting designed to reflect rural heritage. This integration of production, hospitality, and cultural identity positions the winery as both a significant producer and a destination that highlights Moldova’s evolving wine scene.Expand