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THE BALKANS 2008

MOLDOVA. WINE FESTIVAL IN CHIȘINĂU, ORCHEIUL VECHI AND WINE CELLARS MILEȘTII MICI (Oct 2008)    photos

It's the poorest country in Europe these days and we expected bad roads for example. They materialized as soon as we crossed the border. It was our fault that we didn't stick to main roads. We ended up driving 40km in over 4 hours. In the capital, Chișinău, the Wine Festival was taking place. Every year the second weekend of October in Chișinău is full of celebrations and wine-drinking. Thousands of people fill the city center and the atmosphere is great, with live music and lots of decorations.

Moldovans are very proud of a place called Orcheiul Vechi, where many things that characterize their country come together. There is a river, village architecture and monasteries. The only world-class attraction in Moldova is Milestii Mici. This is where the biggest wine collection in the world is, confirmed as a Guinness record. About 1.5 million bottles are stored in wine cellars about 40 - 50 meters below the ground. The tunnels are over 200km long, but only 55km are used for storage. The only way to see it is with a guide, and normally by car. The cheapest option is 1.5 hour tour which includes tasting of 3 different wines (about 20 euro). The more expensive ones include food as well. Reservations have to made a few days in advance by telephone. We didn't have much time but we were lucky because a group canceled and we could visit the same day.