Sometimes its challenging as a wine lover to continously find new countries, regions and wineries to freshen up your wine tasting experience. This is more true the more wine you enjoy. In fact, it's easy to get in a "rut" of tasting mostly things that are familiar to you. That's whiy I was so intrigued when an importer offered me a chance to taste some wines from Moldova.

Moldova is one of the oldest wine regions in the world with historical mentions dating back to Homer’s Iliad. Resembling the form of a cluster of grapes sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, The Republic of Moldova lies in the Black Sea basin offering winemakers an ideal climate for vinification. Now with the support of US Secretary of State, John Kerry, Wine of Moldova, a government body looking to raise international awareness and sales, is launching their first campaign to promote Moldovan Wines in the US.

·         Moldova has the greatest density of vineyards in the world 

·         Over 276,000 acres of grape vines grow on 7% of Moldova’s arable land.

·         Moldova cultivates indigenous varietals like Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, Traminer, and Saperavi

·         Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and others are grown as well

·         Almost 25% of the country’s workforce is employed by the wine industry

·         Moldova’s wine industry accounts for 3.2% of the gross domestic product and 7.5% of its total exports

Here's a look at two excellent wines I tasted:

2013 Vinaria Din Vale Feteasca

Soft and creamy with flavors of lemons and nuts with mild acidity.

2012 Mimi Cabernet Sauvignon

Earthy will dark fruits and moderate spice. Refelects the new generation of Moldovan winemakers commitment to planting and producing non-indigenous varietals.

While it may be challenging to find Moldovan wines in our Valley right now, keep an eye out for them and snag a bottle or two when you're in the mood to try something new. I think you'll be impressed by the quaity you get at $10-$15 a bottle.