1 · The short answer

National Wine Day in Moldova is usually held on the first weekend of October, with the main event in Chișinău: a wine fair in the city centre, tastings, music and food. Wineries outside the city, such as the large underground cellars near Chișinău, open to visitors at the same time. Check the organiser's announcement and the tourism board for the exact dates.

Moldova is not in the EU, so EU roaming does not apply. A SIM from an EU country can cost far more here than at home. Ringo Light's Moldova plan gives unlimited data at full speed and installs by scan before you land.

Ringo Light's Moldova plan covers the whole of Moldova: unlimited data at full speed, 2 weeks for $22.99 or 30 days for $45.99, nothing renews. The plan is at ringoesim.com/moldova, and every brand's price for Chișinău is compared on one day in Best eSIM for Chișinău.

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Moldova
Moldova
  • 2 weeks $22.99
  • 30 days $45.99
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2 · What happens on Wine Day

The city centre fills with stalls from wineries across the country, and the main park hosts stages and tastings. Many wineries also run their own events. Tickets, where needed, are sold through the organiser; check before you go.

Wine tourism is spread across the country, so a day trip to a cellar is easy to add.

3 · Getting there and around

  • ✓Arriving. Chișinău International Airport is the main entry point. Many visitors also arrive by bus from Romania and Ukraine, or by train from Iasi with a change.
  • ✓In Chișinău. Trolleybuses and minibuses cover the city. Taxi apps are cheap and avoid language trouble.
  • ✓To the cellars. Large wineries near the city can be reached by taxi, tour or a hired driver. Never drive after tasting. Book a transfer.
  • ✓The wine route. The national tourism agency publishes a wine route map; check it before you plan the day.

4 · What your phone has to do

  • ✓Paying. Cards work in Chișinău, but small producers and market stalls often take cash in Moldovan lei. Withdraw some at an ATM.
  • ✓Maps and taxi apps. Download an offline map. Taxi and navigation apps need data.
  • ✓Transnistria. The breakaway region of Transnistria has its own mobile networks, and a Moldovan or foreign SIM often has no service or limited service there. Do not count on data if you cross.
  • ✓Emergencies. The emergency number in Moldova is 112.

5 · Roaming in Moldova

Moldova is outside the EU roaming area, so a plan from an EU country does not roam at home rates. Check your operator's tariff before you travel, or install a local eSIM.

6 · Which plan covers Moldova

Ringo Light's Moldova plan covers the country with unlimited data at full speed. It arrives by email and installs in one scan, so it works when you land in Chișinău.

7 · Frequently asked questions

When is Moldova National Wine Day?+
It is usually held on the first weekend of October. We could not confirm the next dates on the organiser's site, so check the announcement before you book.
Does EU roaming work in Moldova?+
No. Moldova is outside the EU, so a local eSIM such as Ringo Light's Moldova plan is usually cheaper than roaming.
Will my phone work in Transnistria?+
Often not. The region runs its own networks, and coverage for visitor SIMs is limited. Plan without data there.
Do I need cash?+
Cards work in Chișinău, but smaller producers and stalls may prefer cash in lei.
How do I reach the wineries?+
By taxi, tour or a hired driver. Do not drive after tasting.

8 · Sources

  • Moldova Travel, national tourism agency: moldova.travel/en, dates not confirmed by our check on 28 October 2026
  • Wine of Moldova, national wine office: wineofmoldova.com/en
  • Chișinău International Airport: airport.md/en
  • Ringo Light: prices from the catalogue our checkout charges, on the day you read this.

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