Few wineries in Eastern Europe embody history, transformation, and hospitality as completely as Castel Mimi. Established in 1893 in Bulboaca, Moldova, the winery lies just a short drive from the capital, yet feels worlds away — a destination shaped by legacy, landscape, and vision.
Named after Constantin Mimi, the last governor of Tsarist Bessarabia, Castel Mimi reflects the ambition of a man who believed Moldovan wine could rival Europe’s finest. A progressive figure of the early twentieth century, Mimi invested heavily in modernization, laying the foundations for a winery that would influence generations to come.
Soviet Time
The turbulent decades that followed reshaped the estate dramatically. In the second half of the 1940s, Castel Mimi was nationalized and converted into a large-scale wine factory, producing up to 8 million bottles per month. While quantity dominated this era, the winery’s infrastructure and strategic importance were preserved.
A turning point arrived after the dissolution of the USSR, when the Trofim family assumed management of the estate. Deeply rooted in Bulboaca and experienced as third-generation winemakers, the family initiated a long-term vision focused on quality, authenticity, and international relevance.
Modern Era
That vision materialized in 2011 with the launch of Moldova’s most ambitious winery restoration project. The historic château was carefully restored to its former grandeur, while parallel investments introduced cutting-edge winemaking technology, enabling precise control across all production stages.
Today, Castel Mimi manages 170 hectares of vineyards, mainly in the Codru region near the Dniester River, an area prized for its terroir and climatic balance. The winery focuses exclusively on high-quality dry wines, aged and refined using more than 1,000 barrels, the largest barrel collection in the country.
Castel Mimi’s reputation extends far beyond wine production. Recognized as one of the Top 3 most visited wineries in Moldova, it attracts wine lovers from over 100 countries, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually. Its château-style architecture and landscaped grounds have earned it recognition as one of the most beautiful wine destinations worldwide.
The winery functions as a complete oenotourism hub, featuring a gourmet restaurant, five-star accommodation bungalows, an outdoor swimming pool, SPA facilities, and versatile event spaces. Visitors can join daily guided tours that explore Moldovan winemaking traditions while enjoying food and wine pairings featuring labels awarded at major international competitions.
Cultural life is an essential part of Castel Mimi’s identity. Throughout the year, and especially in summer, the estate hosts concerts, gastronomic events, and themed festivals, including the International Rosé Wine Day and the prestigious Wine Opera, where music, architecture, and wine converge.
Through its wines, its architecture, and its hospitality, Castel Mimi has evolved from a historic estate into a symbol of modern Moldovan winemaking — rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and open to the world.
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