Why Castel Mimi
Castel Mimi sits in the village of Bulboaca, about 38 kilometers from Chișinău . Built in 1893 by Constantin Mimi, the last governor of Bessarabia, it is now ranked among the 15 most beautiful winery architectural masterpieces in the world . Unlike Cricova and Mileștii Mici, which are known for underground tunnels, Castel Mimi stands out for its historic architecture, gardens, and food-pairing and wine tasting experiences.
Transport Options at a Glance
| Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~1.5 hours | 35 lei | Budget travelers |
| Taxi / Rideshare | ~45 min | 300–400 lei (return) | Convenience, 2–4 people |
| Self-Drive | ~44 min | Fuel only | Freedom, own schedule |
| Organized Tour | Varies | Package price | Stress-free first visit |
Option 1: Bus
From Gara Centrală (Central Bus Station, str. Mitropolit Varlaam 58), take any bus or minibus heading toward Bulboaca, Șerpeni, Telița, Telița Nouă, Speia, Puhăceni, or Gura Bîcului . Ticket price: 35 lei one way . The ride takes roughly 1 hour 26 minutes .
⚠️ Important: Tell the driver you want to get off near Castel Mimi in Bulboaca. The stop is the village, not the winery entrance, so you may need to walk the final stretch .
Option 2: Taxi & Rideshare
A taxi from Chișinău to Castel Mimi takes about 43–46 minutes for the roughly 40-kilometer drive . One traveler reported being charged 825 lei for the outbound trip, but the winery staff arranged a return taxi for only 325 lei . Always confirm the price before getting in, or ask your hotel or the winery to arrange transport.
Rideshare apps: Bolt and Yandex Go both operate in Moldova . Bolt launched ride-hailing in Moldova in 2025 and is widely used . However, availability outside Chișinău can be limited. If you take a rideshare out, arrange your return in advance by asking the winery staff to call a local taxi .
Option 3: Self-Drive
Driving is straightforward: take the R2 national road from Chișinău toward Bulboaca . The address is Strada Dacia 1, Bulboaca, raionul Anenii Noi . Distance is about 40 kilometers, taking 43–46 minutes depending on traffic . This gives you the most flexibility to combine Castel Mimi with other stops.
Option 4: Organized Tour
Many winery tours in Moldova include hotel pickup, winery tour, and wine tasting. A typical Castel Mimi tour lasts about 4 hours 15 minutes and includes hotel pickup in Chișinău . Some operators combine Castel Mimi with a Transnistria day trip, visiting Bender Fortress and Tiraspol before finishing with wine tasting at the castle—a full-day experience of about 7 hours .
Practical Information
Address: Strada Dacia 1, Bulboaca, raionul Anenii Noi
Contact: Phone 0620 01 893
Opening Hours: Generally Monday–Friday 9:00–18:00, Saturday–Sunday 9:00–16:00. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays—plan around these days.
Distance from Airport: Castel Mimi is about 25 kilometers from Chișinău International Airport, roughly 32 minutes by taxi .
Good to Combine With: If you have a car or private driver, Castel Mimi pairs well with Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei), which lies in a similar direction from the capital.
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