Tourists and lovers of quality wines and picturesque locations in the Republic of Moldova can add another destination to their favorites, namely „Crama Mircesti” – the business, which expanded with the support of the European Union under its EU4Business initiative. Located 80 km from Chisinau and 25 km from Ungheni, the tourist complex conquered visitors with beautiful vineyards spread over an area of 15 hectares, the white mansion in Brancoveanu style, the authentic food, but also the oasis of peace.
In 2021, to promote tourism in the region, the company benefited from financial support worth EUR 30,000 within the „EU4Moldova: Focal regions” Programme, supported by the EU and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.
Crama Mircesti – rural business that brought migrants back home and created 40 jobs
Behind this wine business is Arcadie Fosnea, the one who, after studying abroad, decided to return home and invest in what he knows best – viticulture and winemaking. Thus, in 2011, thanks to the knowledge gained in Germany, the entrepreneur planted the first vines. Also that year he bought the mansion and renovated it, preserving the building's history and authenticity. In 2020, the winery opened its doors to guests.
According to the owner, the beginning was difficult, but the enthusiasm helped him realize his dream.
„To do something in the village is a heroism. We started on an open ground: no water, sewer, electricity, gas, road, nothing. I started everything out of passion because I was born among the vineyards. My grandparents always grew grapes and had a glass of wine on the table,” says Mr. Fosnea.
Mircesti village has only 400 inhabitants.
„The people of the village had nowhere to work. With the launch of the winery and the tourist guesthouse, almost 40 villagers got a job”, emphasizes Arcadie Fosnea.
Moreover, according to the entrepreneur, when the winery was opened, the locals returned from abroad to work at home.
EU4Moldova Programme – opportunity to expand the tourism business
The „EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” launched a non-refundable financial assistance program for the representatives of the private sector in Ungheni and Cahul regions divided into three editions: 2020, 2021, 2022. In addition to financial assistance, entrepreneurs also benefit from a mentoring program to stimulate entrepreneurial culture in the key regions of Ungheni and Cahul.
Thus, thanks to the „EU4Moldova: Focal Regions” Programme, the winery expanded its accommodation capacity with 8 rooms. „Crama Mircesti” has 13 hotel rooms now supplied with furniture, sanitary equipment, air conditioners – everything for the comfort of guests, who come to rest far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Arcadie Fosnea capitalizes on the tourism potential of the region and aims to contribute to the economic stimulation of the area. With financial assistance from the European Union under its EU4Business Initiative, the entrepreneur was able to purchase equipment for the wastewater treatment plant and agricultural machinery for the vineyards – the fact that means a new stage for the local business.
Promotion of wine consumption culture – the philosophy of „Crama Mircesti”
The wine plantations owned by „Crama Mircesti” are located in an area with sandy soils – perfect conditions for obtaining exceptional wines. Moreover, according to the winemaker Arcadie Fosnea, the climatic conditions of the Mircesti vineyard are similar to the area in southern Germany or northern Italy.
„Crama Mircesti” grows around 12 varieties of grapes, including local varieties, such as Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, Feteasca Regala, Feteasca Alba. At the same time, the winery tends to align itself with the world trends, being one of the few producers of orange wine in the Republic of Moldova.
„Our visitors are passionate about wine and the culture of responsible consumption. We have the diaspora, foreigners who travel and want peace. The atmosphere at the winery is extraordinary,” says the winery owner.
The company bottles approximately 50 thousand bottles of wine annually. A third of these are exported and can be found on store shelves in Canada, Japan, China and Portugal.
About the project
The “EU4Moldova: Focal regions” Programme (2019-2024) supports intelligent, inclusive and sustainable social-economic development in the regions of Cahul and Ungheni to ensure better standards of living to citizens. The total value of the grants it has made is approximately EUR 1.7 million across 75 individual grants in the Cahul and Ungheni regions of Moldova.
The programme has a total budget of €23 million, it is funded by the European Union under its EU4Business initiative, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
