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Shopping in Moldova
Moldova is a difficult country to shop in. Nevertheless though lacking the glamour of some major European fashion capitals it has a distinct charm of its own. Best buys here include typical handicrafts, wines, offered at incredibly cheap rates, as well as an excellent array of locally produced chocolates. Further value items feature embroideries, pottery, porcelain, silverware, ceramics, crystal, glassware, fabrics, woodcarvings, metal and leather goods, rugs, glass paintings and silk.
Moldovan good quality wine can be purchased in specialised wine shops and local grocery stores sell decent collections of the most popular brands. If you're a wine expert you will immediately realize that you've come to the right place. And even if you happen to just like a sip or two on that special occasion you will definitely appreciate the wide range of flavours and full bodied textures. The best wines in Moldova are arguably the Cabernet Sauvignon, which you can buy directly from its producers, the Ialoveni, a Heres which can be found at Ialoveni stores, as well as the Cricova Champagne – Bucket Moldavii, an excellent desert wine. Prices are extremely low, so don't be surprised if asked to pay less than a couple of euros for the best wine you've ever tried. However you should bear in mind that if you are opting for quality then make your purchases from original wine stores.
In Moldova you are also welcome to visit some local wine cellars, one of the most popular being Cricova. An excellent idea for a day trip is to go to the Moldovan Wine Producing Factory, famous throughout the world for its unique underground labyrinths arguably the world’s largest. The factory is an extraordinary underground complex with immense production capacity. The whole area has recently been declared a monument of national heritageunder the protection of the state and a designated candidate as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2002 Cricova was honoured with the supreme state award, 'The Order of the Republic', as a token of acknowledgment for its contribution to the development of the Moldovan economy and for special accomplishments in the field of wine production. If visiting Crivova you might also want to buy wines at their on-site shop, just in the centre of Chisinau.
Another attraction for tourists in Moldova are the numerous little outdoor markets where you can find fruits and vegetables of local origin. Sometimes these picturesque spots are enclosed by more modern market spaces where you can still mingle with the locals although in a somewhatless authentic atmosphere. Here you can also try the local chocolates (bomboane) and candy, available in many flavours and at fabulously low prices; go on and try them they can't be missed!.