Castel Mimi

Castel Mimi was founded in 1893 by Constantin Mimi, the last governor of Bessarabia, who studied viticulture in Montpellier, France before establishing the estate. The chateau was completed in 1901, and within a decade Mimi's wines were being exported across the Russian Empire and earning international recognition, including a silver medal at the 1911 Turin Exhibition. The estate was nationalized in 1940 and converted into a Soviet wine factory, losing its identity for decades. A comprehensive restoration between 2011 and 2016 returned the property to its original character, and Castel Mimi reopened in September 2016 as a modern wine resort.

• Founded 1893 by Constantin Mimi, who trained in viticulture at Montpellier, France
• Silver medal at the 1911 Turin Exhibition for wines exported across the Russian Empire
• Nationalized in 1940 and operated as a Soviet wine factory until restoration
• Fully restored and reopened as a wine resort in September 2016

Castel Mimi manages 170 hectares of vineyards primarily in the Codru PGI, situated near the Dniester River in the Anenii Noi District. The soils are limestone-rich loess and grey forest soils, and the temperate continental climate delivers a July average of 22°C with annual rainfall of 500 to 600mm. The estate grows an exceptionally broad range of varieties, encompassing both international and indigenous Moldovan grapes. International varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Muscat, and Glera. Indigenous varieties include Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, Viorica, Rkatsiteli, Aligote, and Saperavi.

• Limestone-rich loess and grey forest soils in the Codru PGI near the Dniester River
• Temperate continental climate with a July average of 22°C and 500-600mm annual rainfall
• Grows indigenous Moldovan varieties including Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, and Viorica
• Also cultivates international varieties from Cabernet Sauvignon to Glera

Castel Mimi produces over 80 different wine labels organized into four series: Classic, Reserve, Dessert, and Animaliens. The winery has a storage capacity of 200,000 hectoliters in stainless steel tanks with automatic temperature control, and houses over 1,000 French oak barrels, the largest such collection in Moldova. The estate's wines have accumulated significant international accolades. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve won gold at Mundus Vini 2016 and double gold at Sakura 2017, and was named the best red wine of Moldova by Raimonds Tomsons, the 2017 Best Sommelier of Europe.

• Over 80 wine labels across Classic, Reserve, Dessert, and Animaliens series
• 200,000-hectoliter storage capacity in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
• Moldova's largest French oak barrel collection, with over 1,000 barrels
• 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve: gold at Mundus Vini 2016, double gold at Sakura 2017

Castel Mimi operates as a certified zero-emission facility running entirely on renewable energy, with 70% of that energy generated by on-site solar panels. As a top tourism destination, the estate receives approximately 50,000 visitors annually from over 100 countries. The property functions as a 5-star wine resort featuring seven bungalows, the fine dining restaurant The White Owl, a wine spa, an Olympic pool, and event halls. Castel Mimi is included in the Wine Road of Moldova and certified by the Council of Europe as part of ITER VITIS. The estate also hosted the second summit of the European Political Community on June 1, 2023.

• Zero-emission facility powered by 100% renewable energy, 70% from solar panels
• Approximately 50,000 visitors annually from over 100 countries
• 5-star resort with hotel bungalows, fine dining, wine spa, and Olympic pool
• Certified as part of ITER VITIS by the Council of Europe; hosted EU Political Community summit in 2023