Founded in 1893 in the village of Bulboaca, just 30 minutes from Chișinău International Airport, Castel Mimi stands today as one of the most emblematic wineries of the Republic of Moldova.
With a history spanning more than a century, the winery represents a rare fusion of aristocratic heritage, technological innovation, and contemporary wine tourism.
Tsarist Era
The estate bears the name of Constantin Mimi, the last governor of Tsarist Bessarabia and a visionary winemaker of the early twentieth century. Educated in France and deeply committed to viticulture, Mimi played a decisive role in modernizing Moldovan winemaking, introducing advanced techniques and elevating local wine to international standards.
Soviet Times
Like many wineries in the region, Castel Mimi faced dramatic changes during the twentieth century. In the late 1940s, the winery was nationalized and transformed into an industrial-scale factory, reaching a production capacity of up to 8 million bottles per month. While this period ensured continuity, it marked a departure from the estate’s original artisanal philosophy. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a new chapter began.
Modern Moldova Winery
Management of the winery was taken over by the Trofim family, natives of Bulboaca and third-generation winemakers, who set out to restore Castel Mimi’s historical identity while redefining its future. In 2011, one of the most ambitious restoration projects in Moldova’s history was launched.
The historic château was meticulously renovated, while the winery simultaneously underwent extensive technological modernization. Today, Castel Mimi operates with state-of-the-art equipment, covering every stage of wine production — from grape processing to bottling.
The estate cultivates 170 hectares of vineyards, primarily located near the Dniester River in the Codru region, an area known for its balanced climate and high-quality grapes. Castel Mimi specializes in premium dry wines, carefully matured in what is now the largest barrel fleet in Moldova, with over 1,000 barrels used for aging.
Beyond winemaking, Castel Mimi has become a benchmark for wine tourism. Ranked among the Top 3 most visited wineries in Moldova, it welcomes visitors from over 100 countries. Tens of thousands of guests explore the château each year, often described as one of the most beautiful wine castles in the world. The estate’s touristic complex includes a refined restaurant, five-star bungalow accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, SPA facilities, and multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces.
Daily guided tours immerse guests in local wine culture, history, and gastronomy, pairing traditional Moldovan dishes with internationally awarded wines. Throughout the year — especially during summer — Castel Mimi hosts a rich calendar of cultural events, including music festivals, gastronomic evenings, International Rosé Wine Day in mid-June, and the celebrated Wine Opera, reinforcing its status as both a wine and cultural destination.
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