Historians have discovered evidence that grapes in this area grew naturally in the forests... even in prehistoric times, and the very map of Moldova resembles a bunch of grapes. With that as a background, you'd expect the wines to be good - and Moldova does not disappoint. The European wines like Chardonnay, Pinot, Riesling, Cabernet, and Aligote are produced along with local, high quality wines -- Rara Neagra, Feteasca and Plavai. The names of these wines come either from the grapes variety, or from the name of the places where the famous wineries are located such as Purcari, Cricova, Ciumai, Romanesti, Cojusna and Milestii Mici.