Southern Moldova is the warmest, driest part of the country, and Gagauzia sits in the middle of it. The Budjak steppe — long, treeless ridges under an enormous sky — gives ripe, sun-filled grapes, and wine is the region’s best-known product. Gagauzia lies within the Valul lui Traian wine region, one of Moldova’s protected geographical indications, known above all for its reds.
There is no single signposted “route”, but a handful of producers receive visitors and can be linked into a day or two of driving: large historic wineries in and around Comrat, estates in the villages near Ceadîr-Lunga, and small family projects in the far south around Vulcănești. Between them lie sunflower fields, sheep pastures and villages where almost every household still makes its own wine.
Winery visits here are by appointment rather than walk-in. The simplest way to taste is on a guided day trip that includes a cellar and a meal.
Top things to do: Gagauz Wine Route & Budjak Steppe
Comrat Wines (Vinuri de Comrat)
One of the oldest wineries in southern Moldova, with roots in the late 19th century, on the edge of Comrat. It produces a broad range of still wines; tours and tastings should be arranged in advance.
Tomai-Vinex
A long-established producer in the village of Tomai, between Comrat and Ceadîr-Lunga, working with vineyards on the surrounding slopes. Visits are by prior arrangement.
Kara Gani, Vulcănești
A small family winery in the southern town of Vulcănești that has become a favourite of wine travellers for its personal welcome, home cooking and tastings in the family cellar. Booking ahead is essential.
Gagauz Wine Festival
In autumn — usually early November — Comrat hosts Gagauz Şarap Yortusu, the regional wine festival, when producers large and small pour their new wines alongside music, dancing and food. Check the date each year.
Budjak steppe landscapes
North of Comrat, small protected areas near the village of Bugeac and Dezghingea preserve patches of original steppe, at their best in May and June when feather grass and wildflowers are out. Any ridge road at sunset shows why locals love this spare landscape.
How to get to Gagauz Wine Route & Budjak Steppe
- A car or a driver is essential: wineries are scattered and public transport does not connect them. From Comrat, Tomai is about 25 km east and Vulcănești about 100 km south.
- Moldova enforces a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving, so hire a driver or join a tour if you plan to taste.
Insider tips
- Contact wineries several days ahead; most do not keep regular visiting hours.
- September and October are harvest time — the most atmospheric season, but also the busiest for producers.
- Look out for local red varieties such as Fetească Neagră and Rară Neagră alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
- Home-made wine is offered generously in villages; it is polite to taste, and fine to stop at one glass.
Tours & day trips: Gagauz Wine Route & Budjak Steppe
These bookable day trips are the easiest way to see Gagauz Wine Route & Budjak Steppe and the area around it — check each itinerary for the exact stops:
Day trip from €299 All-Inclusive Gagauzia: Wine Tasting, Cooking & Lunch
A guided day from Chișinău built around the table: you visit the Manuc Bei Mansion and the main Gagauz towns, meet local people, join a cooking class and sit down to a traditional feast. The highest price on this list, but the most is included.
- Manuc Bei Mansion and the main Gagauz towns
- Cooking class with locals
- Traditional feast with wine tasting
Day trip from €145 Gagauzia: Day Tour in Gagauzia and Manuc Bei Mansion
The most-reviewed Gagauzia tour on GetYourGuide. A full day from Chișinău that pairs the restored Manuc Bei Mansion with the Gagauz region, where a guide introduces the people, their culture and their traditions.
- Full day in Gagauzia from Chișinău
- The 19th-century Manuc Bei Mansion on the way
- Gagauz people, culture and traditions explained by a guide
Private tour from €210 From Chișinău: Visit Cricova and Mileștii Mici Wineries
A private guided tour that covers both of Moldova’s enormous underground wineries, Cricova and Mileștii Mici, with different wines tasted alongside typical Moldovan appetisers.
- Both giant cellars in one day
- Private guided tour
- Tastings with Moldovan appetisers
