We are delighted to share the joy of celebrating the 130th anniversary of the founding of Castel Mimi, the only castle in the Republic of Moldova and the only winery in our country that has been included in the list of the 15 most beautiful wineries in the world.
The foundation of this construction was laid over a century ago in 1893 by Constantin Mimi, the last governor of Bessarabia, a passionate advocate of grape cultivation and the production of quality wines. His passion led him to study viticulture in France, from where he brought new grape varieties and technologies.
The founder of the castle drew inspiration from the architecture of French Châteaux but specifically invited Italian specialists to construct it. The winery was the first building of its time to be made from reinforced concrete.
During Constantin Mimi’s time, the winery achieved impressive successes – it won a silver medal at a significant competition in Italy for a select blend, and Mimi’s wines were even exported all the way to Vladivostok.
Constantin Mimi’s castle endured significant trials over the years. In 1940, it was nationalized, and its buildings suffered severe damage during World War II. In 1998, Iurie Trofim became a shareholder of the “Agrovin Bulboaca” factory, which was in bankruptcy. Together with his family, he began the restoration of the building in 2011.
For excellence in carrying out this project in Bulboaca, the designer Arnaldo Tranti was invited all the way from Aosta, Italy. He spent a significant amount of time in Moldova, studying the local traditions and symbols, especially those found on our carpets, featuring ornaments that date back to the Neolithic era. He meticulously researched old photos illustrating the castle and restored it down to the smallest details.
The work took five years, and in September 2016, Castel Mimi was inaugurated. From this point on, it embarked on a path of excellence and recognition, driven by the appreciation of wine enthusiasts, art, and culture connoisseurs.
Castel Mimi – Excellence and Notoriety
- 2016: Inauguration and reopening of Castel Mimi.
- September 2016: Visit by Princess Mary of Denmark, who left a message in the guest book and signed a bottle of “Roșu de Bulboaca,” a famous blend produced at the Castle.
- 2017: Castel Mimi is included in the list of the 15 most beautiful wineries in the world.
- 2018: The first edition of the International Classical Music Festival VinOpera.
- 2021: British writer and traveler Chris Leadbeater, after visiting Castel, dubbed it the “Palace of Versailles of Moldova,” a title later adopted by other international publications.
- 2022: Wine Travel Awards, by public vote, named “VinOpera” the “Event of the Year 2021” in the “Enogastronomic Event” category.
- May 2023: The “Art Safari” art exhibition organized by the Constantin Mimi Foundation.
- 2023: The VinOpera International Festival, named the “Best European Wine Event” of 2022 in a prestigious competition organized by INTER VITIS, the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.
- June 1, 2023: Castel Mimi made history by hosting the European Political Community Summit, with the participation of 45 heads of state and government from Europe.
- September 2023: Castel Mimi participates in the Berliner Wine Trophy competition in Germany. The wines “Sfăditele,” “Rose de Bulboaca,” and “Rara Neagră” were awarded gold medals. Additionally, the Asian Wine Awards awarded gold to “Rara Neagră” and “Feteasca Neagră.”
Since Castel Mimi’s reopening, its wines have received a total of 300 gold and silver medals in international competitions. Currently, the castle is one of the largest wine producers in Moldova, with vineyards spanning 170 sunny hectares. Its historic cellars not only house rare wines and the oldest wine in Moldova but also more than 1,000 French barrels, likely the largest “barrel park” in the country.
We are proud to have transformed Constantin Mimi’s winery into a historic place that delicately blends modern architecture with what the boier Mimi built 130 years ago. We are delighted that Castel Mimi is now known worldwide, and our wines are appreciated at the most prestigious wine competitions, making Moldovans proud of Moldova.
Excellence continues at Castel Mimi…