Planning wine journeys in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

• Wine regions are shaped by climate, soils, grape varieties and history.
• Many wineries welcome visitors by appointment and combine tastings with a tour or a meal.
• A tasting belongs in the day’s plans only if there is a safe way to get back.
• Winegrowing can be part of the landscape and the regional economy.
• Wine regions differ in their grape varieties, production methods and visitor offerings.
• Alcoholic drinks and driving must be kept strictly separate.

Winegrowing depends on climate, terrain, water, soil, grape varieties and working methods. This is why wines can vary greatly even within a single country. The Balkans offer a wide range of landscapes, while the Caucasus is associated with very ancient wine traditions. For specific visitor options, the winery’s latest information is the best guide.

In Georgia’s traditional qvevri winemaking, wine ferments in large clay vessels buried in the ground. The method has been passed down collectively through generations and shapes the country’s wine culture.

Before setting out, the most important things to check are the time, duration, language and meeting point. Some wineries welcome visitors by appointment only; others combine wine with a meal or a tour. In Bulgaria and Romania, arrangements can vary considerably between regions, wineries and seasons. A quick call or a recent message is more reliable than an old recommendation.

A small selection of wines with clear explanations often makes it easier to notice differences in grape variety, winemaking and vintage than a packed schedule. Those with little experience can ask about origin, food pairings and storage. Ratings and specialist terms matter less than an explanation that makes sense and the chance to describe your own impressions.

Wine trips and driving do not mix. Anyone driving themselves needs a no-alcohol option; organised transfers, public transport, a taxi or accommodation within easy reach are better choices. This means both countries cannot be planned as ordinary wine-tour stops. The Poland legs of the journey also require realistic distances between wine destinations. Distances between places are easy to underestimate on maps, especially on minor roads and in hilly terrain.

Allow plenty of time on the route for breaks and unexpected delays. A visit to a market or a meal featuring regional cuisine can be a fitting addition to a wine tasting. Water and a generous time allowance are just as important to prepare as checking whether bottles can be transported safely.

Winegrowing shapes villages, hillsides and working routines in many places. In the Baltic states and other northern regions, shorter growing seasons and local cultivation methods contrast with the long-established vineyard landscapes of the Caucasus and the Balkans.

When visiting wine-growing areas, stay on marked paths, respect working areas and ask before taking photos. The same applies to private properties and small family-run wineries. Along with culture and history and leisure and activities, a visit can be incorporated into a fuller day of travel. A wine journey then becomes a combination of enjoyment, landscape and an understandable account of local history.

In Georgia’s Kakheti region, the Alazani Valley, local grape varieties and qvevri winemaking shape the wine landscape. The route through Kakheti includes places such as Vazisubani Estate, Tsinandali and wineries near Telavi. In Moldova, Cricova is close to Chișinău. When looking for accommodation for a multi-day wine trip, the region and place of stay matter.

Do I need to book a wine tasting in advance?

It depends on the winery. It is especially advisable to make a current enquiry at small wineries, when travelling in a group, or when visiting outside the peak season.

Can I drive to a tasting?

You can drive there, but not back after drinking alcohol. A transfer, taxi, public transport or nearby accommodation are better options.

What can I see on a tour of Cricova?

Guided visits to the underground cellars near Chișinău include a wine tasting.