Chisinau, Moldova, One of Europe’s Friendliest and Least Touristy Capital Cities

Wine ages in giant barrels inside the subterranean cellars at Cricova Winery

My guide for the day, Valery Brady, began my tour of Chisinau, Moldova, at the Pushkin Museum. Alexander Pushkin, considered to be Russia’s greatest poet and the founder of modern literature, angered Emperor Alexander I with his poem, “Ode to Liberty,” which was critical of the regime. As a result, in May of 1820 he … Read more

PHOTO: Subterranean Wine Tasting Room at Cricova Winery in Chisinau, Moldova

When you think of Moldova, you must think of Moldovan wine, my tour guide claimed. I understood when he drove me through mile after mile of subterranean cellars, with tasting rooms like this one

“When you think of Moldova, you must think of Moldovan wine,” my tour guide said. I’d come to this Eastern European country with no research and little knowledge; it was just one of four countries in Europe I’d not yet visited and I was curious. Whenever I mentioned the name of the country to anyone, … Read more