Carpe Diem Wine Bar — Restaurant in Buiucani Sector

I had the great pleasure of visiting the Carpe Diem shop in Moldova, and I must especially highlight Elena, who is a truly outstanding sommelier. Her extensive knowledge of wines and her passion for the subject deeply impressed me. It was an absolute joy to have a conversation with her about wine, and her enthusiasm was evident in every exchange.

Not only did Elena provide an excellent tasting experience, but she also offered in-depth explanations of the wines she recommended. Her wine suggestions were not only exceptional in taste but perfectly tailored to my preferences. She has an incredible ability to find the right wine for the right moment – a talent that only a few sommeliers master to such a degree. Her recommendations for local Moldovan wines, which are sold in the Carpe Diem shop, showcased her profound knowledge of regional varietals and wineries.

One particularly memorable moment was when she served me sparkling wine in a glass with a larger opening, and she explained the reason behind it: sparkling wines reveal their full aroma and taste much better when served in a glass with a wider mouth. The flavors are more pronounced, the carbonation feels smoother, and the bouquet is more intense. Elena explained that many people mistakenly believe sparkling wines should always be served in narrow champagne flutes, but in reality, the narrow shape often makes the wine taste more bitter, diminishing its subtle nuances. I have experienced this myself and was fascinated by the clarity with which she could explain this phenomenon.

A small anecdote also shows how deep her knowledge runs: a previous customer had once complained that the sparkling wine was served in a white wine glass rather than a flute. But Elena knew exactly why this was the correct choice. Her technical expertise and deep understanding of wine and glass chemistry set her apart from other sommeliers. She understands the details and subtleties that make the difference between a good wine experience and a truly exceptional one.

Additionally, the Carpe Diem shop offers high-quality Riedel glasses from Germany, which Elena highly recommends. In particular, I was thoroughly impressed by the Champagne glass from the Veritas series. Elena explained that choosing the right glass is crucial to fully enjoying a wine’s flavor. Her ability to convey these details to guests makes visiting her an unforgettable experience.

Overall, Elena is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate sommelier who provides an educational and unforgettable experience for both wine connoisseurs and those looking to learn more about wine. If you're seeking expert wine advice in Moldova, the Carpe Diem shop and Elena are the perfect place to go.

Thank you, Elena, for the wonderful and enriching wine tasting – I’m already looking forward to...

I have not written a review in a very long time, but my experience at Carpe Diem was so memorable that I felt compelled to share it. Carpe Diem is a cozy, intimate wine-tasting bar in the centre of Chisinau, but still slightly away from the worst of the hustle and bustle in town. They carried a wide range of Moldovan wines, and some spirits, for tasting. The place is small and wood-panelled, giving a comforting sense of warmth. Even better, the person who served us, Pavel (I presume he is the owner but have not checked) was so incredibly kind and generous with his time, explaining to us the various wines and helping us choose a delicious, full-bodied red that pleased even our colleague who hails from a storied wine-producing region of France. We were treated to expert tips on Moldovan wine and an excursus through its development in the post-Soviet era, which has brought a notable leap in quality. I highly recommend this place. A small gem in Chisinau. And thank you, Pavel, for sharing your expertise and love for the wines with us -- not least in perfect English. I regret not taking any photos as I was enjoying the moment too much. We did not sample any...

This place is a must-see for all wine lovers. The local sommelier will offer to taste the best wines of the best Moldovan winemakers. You will also be told about the history and traditions of Moldovan wine-making and national grape varieties. The restaurant is not large, but it has a special atmosphere that is conducive to the taste of this noble drink. This place is located in the historical center of the city and is very popular among foreign tourists. Carpe Diem is also one of the local producers of wine, but what is pleasantly surprising is that they do not put their wines above the rest, but leave them to the conclusion to...