Transnistria and Castle MIMI Winery
Highlights
Tiraspol
Private Tour
8 Hours
EASY
Romanian, English, Russian
Description
Castel Mimi Winery is a magnificent chateau, built at the end of the 19th century by the last governor of Bessarabia, Constantin Mimi.When the Soviet Union collapsed, all the employees got one share in the winery.One employee understood that things would never work like this, so started buying up the shares and by 1998 had succeeded in acquiring the majority.He brought in an Italian architect to redesign the building, which had naturally fallen into complete disrepair, and set about restoring it as well as adding a new section.This took place between 2011 and 2016.
Like so many of the other large wineries in Moldova, everything has been rebuilt with tourist experience in mind.There are beautiful manicured gardens and a maze.You can relive the chateau’s history at the ‘Time Table’, which is all directed by a swish of the guide’s hand.Then head upstairs to the tastefully decorated restaurant, which serves contemporary takes on Moldovan cuisine paired with its wines.
At Mimi Castle we will make an excursion, which will include a visit to: Historical Cellars, Production area, Castle's Gardens & Interiors.After excursion will continue with the tasting of 5 wines and a set of delicious appetizers (Granа Padano cheese with grapes and nuts, Salmon tartar, Homemade terrine with toast, Dry salami, olives, Brie cheese cubes, Apricots, almonds, mint etc).The excursion at Castle Mimi Winery lasts about 90 minutes.
Itinerary
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Bender Fortress
First thing in the morning, we will travel on the way to Tiraspol and the first tourist objective to visit will be Bender Fortress, that is located on the right bank of the Dniester in the city of Bender.The Fortress is an architectural monument of the XVI century.Its construction started in 1538 after the town became part of the Ottoman Empire.Also we will visit the Memorial complex, the site of an abandoned military cemetery, where, according to existing data, there were buried 5127 souls.It is known that 110 Russian regiments were stationed in Bender at various times, especially during Balkan campaigns.
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City of Tiraspol
Following a short walking tour in Bender City, we will continue with a city tour of Tiraspol.You will be visiting the monument of Vladimir Lenin, Tank Monument from the Second World War, House of Soviets and many other brutalism style architecture.The city seems to be a ghost of the Soviet past, but very fascinating.We will discover the main highway here that is named 25th October Street.It crosses the center from east to west.We will go along the whole street by car.The 25th October Street leads to the Suvorov Square of the imposing size (700x400 meters) and is the heart of Pridnestrovie.It was built mainly in 1970-80s.Here one can find Tiraspol Cinema (1984), City House of Culture (1950), Children and Youth Creativity Center, and extremely expressive Monument to Suvorov (1979), an unofficial symbol of Pridnestrovie.
Visiting Tiraspol, you can say with confidence that you have been back in the USSR!
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Lunch time
Lunch in an atmospheric soviet restaurant "Back in USSR ", in the Soviet style.The interior of the restaurant immerses you in the special atmosphere of the USSR period.You can taste Soviet cuisine, and learn the amazing facts of creating dishes.Lunch is optional, at the request of the guests.
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Castle Mimi Winery
Mimi Castle was one of the largest wineries in the USSR, employing 1,500 people in its heyday and producing between 6-7 million bottles of wine a month, with most of the production going to the USSR.Mimi Castle with an area of 10 ha, with a production of 2 million bottles of wine, is among the top 15 architectural masterpieces in the world of wine.The fact that in 2018 it had 40,000 visitors from 80 countries, I think it recommends that you cross its threshold.
The tour will start from the entrance to the inner courtyard of the castle which is beautifully decorated with lawns, decorative shrubs, mazes, wine barrels used as decoration, a musical fountain that changes its colors and gushes from the floor.
Mimi Castle Winery produces 15 varieties of wine and only one sweet, Icewine.After several explanations about the technological process, you will be led to the wine tasting, where you have to taste 5 different wines.
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Departure
After the visit to Castle Mimi Winery you will be transferred to your accommodation.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Please Note
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.