Vinuri de Comrat – a winery with history in the heart of Gagauzia

The Republic of Moldova is located in southeastern Europe and covers an area of 33,846 km² , of which 1,476 km² are occupied by vineyards . This small but extremely hospitable country is renowned worldwide for its rich winemaking traditions , which date back several centuries. Wine here is more than just a drink, but a part of the culture, history, and national identity.

In the south of the country, in the city of Comrat , the capital of the autonomous region of Gagauzia , is located the company Vinuri de Comrat - one of the leading producers of Moldovan wines, famous for their quality and unique taste.

The historical roots of winemaking in Comrat

The history of the Vinuri de Comrat winery dates back to the 19th century . In 1895, the Minister of Finance of the Russian Empire, Mr. S. Yu. Witte , issued a decree ordering the construction of 14 state-owned wine warehouses in the Bessarabian province for the production of 40-degree table wine, then known as vodka.

One of these wineries was built in Comrat and included:

production premises for wine production with cellars for storing products;
warehouse;
housing for the manager;
barracks for workers.

This infrastructure laid the foundation for industrial winemaking in the region and also allowed the development of Gagauzia's winemaking traditions , which are still preserved today.

The modern company Vinuri de Comrat

Today, Vinuri de Comrat combines a rich historical heritage with modern winemaking technologies:

Modern grape processing lines are used to produce high-quality table, dessert and fortified wines;
The vineyards are carefully tended and the harvest undergoes strict selection;
Production is controlled at all stages, from grape harvesting to bottling and storage, which ensures consistent product quality;
The company actively exports wines to European countries and beyond, demonstrating the high standards of Moldovan winemaking.

Vinuri de Comrat is not only a wine producer , but also a keeper of the region’s history , conveying to guests the traditions and culture of Gagauzia through tastings and excursions.

Tourism and tastings

The winery is open to tourists and wine connoisseurs:

Guests can visit the wine cellar and tasting rooms , where wines from the hotel’s own collection are served;
Excursions include visits to vineyards and historic cellars , and are told about the features of the local terroir and traditions;
Delicious gastronomic combinations with local dishes make the tasting even more unforgettable;
Tourism in the region contributes to the popularization of Moldovan wine and the cultural heritage of Gagauzia.

In 1897, production of 40-degree table wine began. A stable was also built to facilitate the transport of the product.

After World War II, a winery for grape processing was built next to the existing premises. This gave the enterprise a new lease of life, repurposing it, and the production and release of grape wine began.

In 1969, an agro-industrial complex was created on the site of the Comrat winery, comprising 15 state farms and eight wineries. This agro-industrial complex processed up to 80,000 tons of grapes per season.

In 1995, as a result of privatization, the Comrat winery was transformed into SA “Vinuri de Comrat”, which is located in the south of Moldova in the Gagauzia region.

Today, this modern production facility processes 5,000-6,000 tons of grapes and bottles over 3 million bottles of wine annually. Its products are supplied to over 20 countries worldwide. The company produces over 50 series of wines, both varietal and blended, which beautifully combine European grape varieties with indigenous ones, historically grown only in Moldova and Romania. It also operates its own network of branded stores.

The pride of the winemakers of Vinuri de Comrat are the wines of the Plai Moldova series, the 98 hectare series, Bessarabia Provence, Detox Cabernet-Sauvignon, the autochthonous Uzor series, aged in oak barrels and produced in compliance with all modern winemaking technologies.

These wines are annually recognized with gold and silver medals at renowned international competitions such as the DWWA, Mundus Vini, Mondial de Bruxelles, and other equally significant wine competitions, where between 7,000 and 20,000 wines from around the world participate. Over the past two years, more than 70 gold and silver medals have been won.

What makes Comrat unique is its Gagauz population, who have Turkic roots and a Turkic language, but are also Orthodox Christians. It is a world of unique traditions, a crossroads of Eastern Europe, unforgettable indigenous dishes, and Eastern hospitality.

The company's pride lies, first and foremost, in its people who truly love their work, their land, their homeland, and the wines they make. Therefore, every wine that begins its life as a bunch of grapes at Vinuri de Comrat is surrounded by care and imbued with the love, patience, hard work, and enthusiasm of its oenologists.

The company owns over 300 hectares of vineyards in a holding with 5 farms located in the Valul lui Traian wine-growing zone.

Currently, of the 14 state-owned wine warehouses built in the Bessarabian province, only the 19th-century Comrat wine warehouse, now JSC Comrat Wines, has survived on the territory of Moldova. It is undoubtedly of interest today as one of the oldest architectural and industrial historical monuments of the 19th century.

Another important goal is to preserve the historical and architectural monument in its original form. Currently, active restoration work is underway to restore the 19th-century industrial buildings to their original appearance.

The undoubted pride of Vinuri de Comrat is its tourist winery, where visitors remark on the genuine homelike comfort of hosting guests. And when, on top of all this, the wine and food are made in the same place, on the same soil, by the same hands, it creates an unforgettable marriage of taste, emotion, and memories!

Restaurant

The Bassarabian Province restaurant is located in Comrat.
The idea for the restaurant came during the restoration of the historic Vinuri de Comrat winery, founded in 1987 during the Bessarabian Governorate period.
A fireplace room for 12 people is available in the 1897 wine cellar, meticulously restored and furnished in the style of the Bessarabian Governorate. The cellar can also accommodate up to 80 people for larger events.

The terrace, overlooking 19th-century buildings, fountains, and vineyards, welcomes you to cozy gazebos immersed in greenery, flowers, and birdsong.
Meat dishes are prepared on a tandoor, grill, and wood-fired josper, giving them a unique flavor.

We truly love our work, and every dish is a work of art imbued with the soul of the South.
A special place on the restaurant's menu is occupied by the amazing southern wines, which perfectly complement our dishes.
The restaurant's concept extends beyond the food. After a delicious meal, you can take a fascinating tour of the factory, visit the "Museum of Forgotten Things," go on a bike ride, participate in contests and win prizes. For those who enjoy active recreation, there are also darts, table tennis, and billiards.

Sightseeing tours

Daily tours

We will be glad to see you every day in our restaurant and tourist complex.
You can have a delicious meal in our restaurant Bessarabian Provice.
You can also discover the amazing world of a 19th-century winery. For this purpose, we have prepared for you "Daily Tours" on weekdays (Monday-Friday), which are held for groups of 5 people.
The program of the event:
- A tour of the factory, cellars, the "Forgotten Things" museum, and the winery.
- Tasting of the best wines
- Entertainment program (darts, badminton, cycling, table tennis, Russian billiards)
- Competitions, prizes and gifts
- Photo session in national costumes
Cost - 250-300 lei

Weekend Tour

Every Saturday and Sunday, following our long-standing tradition, we are delighted to open our doors to all who wish to experience our hospitality, experience fresh and vibrant spring emotions, and enjoy an unforgettable vacation! We will reveal to you the magic and soul of southern hospitality, the finest wines, exceptionally delicious food, a wealth of entertainment, and a stunningly beautiful winery! And, of course, all safety regulations will be observed for each guest!

The program of the event:
- A tour of the factory, cellars, the Forgotten Things Museum, and the winery.
- Tasting the best wines
. - Lunch at a restaurant (not included in the ticket price), featuring dishes of national Moldovan and Gagauz cuisine (lamb shurpa, young lamb kaurma, lamb liver in prapur, bulgur, oven-baked leg of lamb with vegetables, pork, veal, and chicken dishes,
Gagauz pies called gozleme, and much more.
- Entertainment program (darts, badminton, cycling, table tennis, Russian billiards).
- Competitions, prizes, and gifts
. - Photo session in national costumes.
Cost: 300-400 lei.