VinOpera 2026 brings opera and wine together at Moldova’s Castel Mimi
The ninth edition of VinOpera, the international classical music festival hosted by Castel Mimi in Bulboaca, Moldova, took place on 4 September 2026, bringing together opera, wine and gastronomy in a setting that reflects the country’s growing cultural tourism offer.
VinOpera has earned recognition from the international wine tourism community as both a Wine Travel Awards nominee and a winner of the public vote. This distinction highlights the festival’s appeal beyond the classical music scene, placing it among the cultural and enogastronomic experiences attracting attention from wine tourism audiences worldwide.
The 2026 programme included a special celebration of the 15th anniversary of the international career of Moldovan soprano Valentina Nafornița. Ukrainian baritone Iurii Samoilov was also among the performers, adding an international dimension to the event.
Alongside the musical programme, guests were invited to explore Moldovan wines and gastronomic offerings, reinforcing VinOpera’s distinctive format at the intersection of classical music and wine culture.
Held at Castel Mimi, one of Moldova’s prominent wine tourism destinations, the festival forms part of a broader approach to presenting wine through cultural experiences. Rather than focusing exclusively on tastings and vineyard visits, the event places wine within a wider context of music, gastronomy and regional identity.
VinOpera has also gained international recognition in wine tourism circles. In 2025, it was named among the five most beautiful enogastronomic events in the world in connection with the Wine Travel Awards.
The festival illustrates how wine destinations can extend their appeal beyond the traditional cellar experience, using cultural programming to introduce visitors to the heritage and contemporary identity of Moldova.
Stay connected with Wine Travel Awards:
Source and photo: jurnal.md, point.md