Posts tagged Invest Moldova Agency

Aurélien: Timeless Style and Pure Luxury at more Affordable Prices…

Fashion Outfit Post 5 Comments

My dear fashionistas and travelers, I hope you are well and ready for our last fashion adventure in Moldova. Today’s fashion story will be dedicated to an unusual Dutch brand that changed my view of fashion and the moment I realized that luxury has become available to everyone – Aurélien.

At the very beginning of today’s fashion story, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova for the kind invitation and the amazing experience to get to know the Moldovan culture and customs better. It is a great honor and pleasure to have had the opportunity to visit Chisinau and other famous tourist attractions in this wonderful small country with a big heart in Eastern Europe!

For all my dear adventurers and fashion lovers who didn’t have time to read my previous travelogues and fashion stories from Moldova on the Mr.M blog or want to remind yourself of some details, take a few minutes of your time and visit the post on the following links:

  1. The story of Chisinau (travelogue): LINK
  2. JETSET, the Swiss pioneer of luxury ski outerwear is back! (fashion story): LINK
  3. André Maurice, Italian fashion story on the streets of Chisinau (fashion story): LINK
  4. Letters from Moldova: In vino veritas! (travelogue): LINK
  5. Fratelli Rossetti: Italian fashion meets Moldovan wine (fashion story): LINK
  6. The story of Castel Mimi and Bender Fortress, two must-see pearls in Moldova (travelogue): LINK

There is no person in the world who does not like to feel a piece of clothing that is made of the highest quality materials. In addition to the correct selection of quality materials, in order to obtain a luxurious product, good processing of materials is also required during the process of making garments. Aurélien is a brand that has managed to meet all requirements and provide customers with the opportunity to enjoy quality products at significantly more affordable prices.

What should we know about the Aurélien brand? This is a brand with a strong focus on timeless classic style, based on craftsmanship, choosing the finest natural raw materials and materials, Aurélien offers a collection of exceptional luxury at an elegant, affordable price.

The Aurélien brand introduced a completely new innovative concept of “Smart Luxury” to the market, which represents a new look at luxury fashion products. Aurélien represents a timeless Mediterranean fashion style for the most discerning customers. This brand celebrates the embodiment of carefree joy in life, which we all need sometimes. Over time, Aurélien has become synonymous with casual elegance, timeless design and two of the most desirable raw materials, primarily Cashwool® and Softey® suede leather.

Through the concept of “Smart Luxury”, this brand offers unmatched value for money that customers usually pay in the luxury fashion industry. The recipe for the success of this brand is Italian craftsmanship because Aurélien collaborates exclusively with the most successful ateliers in Italy and Europe, using the finest natural raw materials and processes to develop a new type of fashion luxury with a strong focus on nature, creativity and innovation. Aurélien’s concept of luxury that embodies craftsmanship and luxury that helps to enhance the integrity of our fashion choices.

Aurélien directs the business in an unique way, modernizing marketing efforts, operating economically and keeping the chain from product design to the consumer almost entirely in its own hands, this unusual fashion brand offers a collection of pure luxury at a lower and significantly more affordable price than is normally expected in the luxury market. goods. When it comes to value for money in the high end fashion industry, Aurélien is one of a kind.

In today’s fashion story you have the opportunity to see the Aurélien leather jacket made of the highest quality suede leather, as well as the Voyager Chelsea dark brown boots that you saw in one of the previous fashion stories from Moldova.

If you want to stay updated with all the clothing, shoes and accessories Aurélien has to offer for ladies and gentlemen, visit their official online store and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Today we are meeting again with the famous Italian knitwear brand that you had the opportunity to meet in the previous fashion story. If by some chance you missed reading an interesting story about the André Maurice brand or you want to remind yourself of some interesting details, take a few minutes of your time and enjoy the beauty of Italian luxury knitwear with the following link.

An André Maurice piece of clothing is something more than just a wardrobe, because you have the opportunity to wear an exclusive and unique valuable gift of knowledge. The story of this brand is unique because with the influence of light, colors, smells, atmosphere, shapes and traditions of the territory of origin – Monferrato – combined with the constant desire to discover and face the whole world, we get a unique fashion story that has been passed down from generation to generation for 4 generations.

Art and beauty, culture and knowledge, tradition and heritage are the axioms that inspire the André Maurice team every day, striving never to indulge in useless compromises or useless shortcuts. Art and culture, in any of its forms, are often able to generate the same surprising sense of satisfaction that has always inspired the André Maurice team in the thinking, design and creation of all collections for a century. In this creative and unusual way, the art and culture of knitting can convey the spirit, love and tradition of the precious hands that participated with a lot of emotion in the creation process.

Tradition is something that is the basic starting point of the André Maurice brand. Gestures, rituals and customs that are repeated and transferred indefinitely, creating a nostalgic illusion of stopping time, which tirelessly chases modernity. Tradition has always been a source of inspiration for the André Maurice team, as an invisible glue between past and present, as well as a deep groove towards the future. By repeating everyday gestures, they remain faithful witnesses of the material and the spiritual burden that should be shown in the work and transmitted over time to generations to come.

André Maurice as a brand that cherishes true values and respects tradition and the spirit of heritage is woven into every piece of clothing, the tradition, culture, and fragrances of Montferrato. Find your Genius Loci and create some of your unforgettable moments to remember this winter season with garments from the latest André Maurice FW22/23 men’s collection and warm your dreams with the softest cashmere.

If you want to stay updated and find out what all the new models of knitted garments André Maurice brand has in its online store for dear ladies and gentlemen, follow them on the social networks Facebook and Instagram.

OUTFIT

Leather jacket: Aurélien

Sweater: André Maurice

Trousers: Loro Piana

Sunglasses: Givenchy via Edel-Optics

Boots: Aurélien

My dear fashionistas, we have come to the end of this last special fashion story from Moldova where together we discovered the beauty and brilliance of the true elegance of the prestigious Italian knitwear brand André Maurice, the beauty of Italian elegance with the famous luxury brand Loro Piana and the Dutch brand that nurtures the concept of smart luxury Aurélien , partners with whom fashion stories are a real adventure. I sincerely hope you got some inspiration for your ideal outfit! See you soon and continue our adventures on the Mr.M blog! How did you like my outfit today?

I really tried my best to prepare today’s post with lots of love and I hope you like it!

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or any message for me, you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social media channels, which you can find on the CONTACT page. I’ll see you soon!

With love from Moldova,
Mr. M

This post is sponsored by the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, as well as André Maurice, Aurelien, Edel Optics and Loro Piana brands. This post is my personal and honest review of their products.

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Letters from Moldova: Castel Mimi and Bender Fortress, Pearls of a Small Country with a Big Heart!

Adventure Travel 7 Comments

My dear travelers and lovers of unusual trips, I hope you are well and ready to continue our adventure in Moldova. Today’s post will be dedicated to interesting tourist attractions that you should definitely visit if your way leads you to the Republic of Moldova.

At the very beginning of today’s post, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova for the kind invitation and the amazing experience to get to know the Moldovan culture and customs better. It is a great honor and pleasure to have had the opportunity to visit Chisinau and other famous tourist attractions in this wonderful small country with a big heart in Eastern Europe!

For all my dear adventurers and fashion lovers who didn’t have time to read my previous travelogues and fashion stories from Moldova on the Mr.M blog or want to remind yourself of some details, take a few minutes of your time and visit the post on the following links:

  1. The story of Chisinau (travelogue): LINK
  2. JETSET, the Swiss pioneer of luxury ski outerwear is back! (fashion story): LINK
  3. André Maurice, Italian fashion story on the streets of Chisinau (fashion story): LINK
  4. Letters from Moldova: In vino veritas! (travelogue): LINK
  5. Fratelli Rossetti: Italian fashion meets Moldovan wine (fashion story): LINK

Castel Mimi is one of the best and most visited tourist attractions in Moldova. Included in the top 15 most beautiful wineries in the world, which represents an unusual combination of history and tradition on the one hand and modern architecture for tens of thousands of visitors who come every year from over 80 countries around the world. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the only castle in Moldova, learn about the unique role of the Castel Mimi winery in the history of Moldovan winemaking, learn how they maintain Moldovan traditions through their food and exceptional wines. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the many interesting terraces and picturesque gardens of the Castel Mimi complex.

It was a great honor and pleasure to meet the man behind this great project, Mr. Adrian Trofim, general director and founder of the “Constantin Mimi” foundation. During the conversation with him, I learned that the history of winemaking in Moldova began long before Constantine Mimi created Castel Mimi, almost 3000 years ago. The wine industry has come a long way since then and has undergone many evolutions. The official winemaking history of the Castel Mimi winery begins with Constantine Mimi, the last governor of Bessarabia and one of the best winemakers and politicians of the 20th century.

Mr. Trofim believes that legends are created by great people who achieve great things, driven by their passion and dreams and not afraid of hard work and dedication. One of these men is Constantine Mimi, a pioneer, passionate winemaker and significant public figure of the 20th century. He dedicated his life to wine and politics. Applying the knowledge he acquired in Western Europe, Constantine Mimi managed to build the first castle in Moldavia. This led him to produce excellent wines and raise standards by applying new technologies. Thanks to his actions, the country’s wine industry was saved a couple of times, so today Moldova can be one of the leading wine producers in the world. Impressive, right?!

The legacy of Constantine Mimi, as well as the making of wine with great love, continues. The castle, along with its secret recipes and valuable approach, passed it on to future generations of winemakers who do justice to its memory by continuing to produce high-quality wines, suitable for every occasion. So, every time you raise a glass of quality Moldovan wine, remember this extraordinary person who supported the development of Moldovan winemaking culture – Konstantin Mimi!

This winery is considered to be the first real castle in Bessarabia. Since it was built of reinforced concrete with two floors, it was considered a modern building, not only in the Bender district, but also in the entire governorate. The cellar had the capacity to store around 300,000 liters of wine in barrels. A few years ago, more precisely in 2011, the renovation of the winery began, which has become a major tourist attraction. When the castle was rebuilt, it was named “Castel Mimi” in honor of its founder. The works lasted 5 years and the winery was reopened in September 2016.

The renovation of the Castel Mimi tourist complex included: a museum, an art gallery for young artists, a conference hall, a small boutique hotel, a spa, a restaurant, folk art and culinary studios, as well as several entertainment halls. The castle itself has four large halls for 100 to 120 guests, two wine tasting rooms and six rooms in the basement. The plan is to open a hotel with a larger capacity in 2023, and work is currently underway to expand this complex, so that from next year we can expect novelties in the Castel Mimi complex that will attract a large number of tourists.

Fine dining restaurant “The White Owl” and bars in the Castel Mimi complex are the perfect locations for hedonists who want to enjoy excellent Moldovan gourmet cuisine in a relaxing and luxurious environment. All dishes are prepared from the highest quality, fresh ingredients from the garden located in the complex itself, and the whole concept is designed to preserve the environment. You can feel a special pleasure in every bite, which can only be enhanced in the company of top Moldovan wines from the rich Castel Mimi collection.

“The White Owl” is the first fine dining restaurant in Moldova where visitors can enjoy excellent dishes inspired by traditional Moldavian gastronomy with special influences from the cuisine of Provence. You can enjoy the best food and wine that Moldova has to offer at the incredible location of Castel Mimi Winery. The exceptional A La Carte menu will delight you with a rich selection of delicacies, all of which are prepared by the chef according to the best recipes.

The tour of the wine cellars of the Castel Mimi winery was special because I had the opportunity to get acquainted with the way of wine production and to learn something new about this precious and refined alcoholic beverage. Did you know that the wood from which wine barrels are made can affect the taste of wine? Do you know that the same wine can have a different taste if it is kept in barrels made of different types of wood? Mr. Trofim took the time to demonstrate and show me some interesting things from the world of winemaking and how his team takes care of the wines in the barrels every day. Of course, I also had the opportunity to look at some of the special wines that are kept as treasures.

If you want to stay updated and find out news from Castel Mimi Winery or you want to book a tour of the tourist complex, have the option to choose between several types of tours, you can visit their official website or you can follow them on the social networks Facebook and Instagram.

After finishing the Castel Mimi winery tour I headed to the Transnistrian Moldavian Republic, sound familiar? Transnistria is an unrecognized independent state that separated (separated) from the Republic of Moldova. This independent state was created on September 2, 1990. due to its unusual shape, geographical position along the Dniester River and due to the border length of 816 km and the area of slightly more than 4,000 km2, this country has the shape of an elongated island.

Why did I decide to go to Transnistria? The reason is very interesting – Tighina Fortress (Bender). Tighina Fortress (renamed Bender by the Turks) is a 15th-century fortress on the right bank of the Dniester River in Bender, Moldova. This fortress was originally built of earth and wood during the reign of Prince Stephen the Great. Back in 1538, this fortress was conquered by the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who ordered it to be rebuilt in stone and expanded.

According to historians, the first mention of Tighina, as a settlement and customs warehouse, can be found in the trade privilege given on October 6, 1408 by the Moldavian prince Alexander the Good to merchants from Lviv. Later, during the 15th and 16th centuries, the name Tighina is often recorded in medieval documents. In the Moldavian documents that mention the locality, in Tighina, along with the imperial customs and the crossing, a guard is also mentioned.

As for the fortress of Tighina, according to the information that circulated in the previous centuries, they accredited the idea that it was built by the Genoese in the 12th century, as well as the fortresses of Hotin and Cetatea Alba. The military historian Aleksandar Zaščuk saw an accentuated western character in the architecture of the inner citadel. The first and only definitive mention of the existence of the Moldavian fortification itself, a fortress which is assumed to have been made of wood and earth, is found in the Moldavian-Polish Chronicle from the mid-16th century. It states, referring to the Ottoman conquests of 1538, that the Turkish Sultan Suleiman “took possession of the Moldavian fortress of Tighina.”

Archaeological research, which was limited in scope and character, carried out by researcher Jon Hinz in 1969, enabled the discovery of residential complexes and a defensive moat dating from the 15th-16th centuries. century. Archaeological investigations have led to the identification of a fortification, probably of wood and earth, which preceded the later stone construction. The surface of the circular or egg-shaped fortress courtyard was covered with a layer of ash. Ceramic and metal objects have traces of fire.

The fortress, which was restored by Petru Rares and conquered by the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1538, became the residence of the Turkish paradise. Its old name was replaced by a new one, Bender, which means “river port, berth”. During this period, Suleiman I ordered the fortress to be rebuilt in stone and enlarged according to the project of the architect Sinan, and the reconstruction work was completed only in 1541. Using local resources and the labor of local peasants, the Ottomans turned the fortress into a well-fortified fighting facility. At that time, the stone fortress was quadrangular in shape, surrounded on three sides by a very deep moat.

Until the end of the 16th century, Moldavian detachments repeatedly attacked the Bender fortress, but without success. In the summer of 1574, John the Brave besieged it with his army. Then, in 1595 and 1600, Mihail the Brave made two attempts, but neither of the two rulers was successful. Around the same time, Bender was attacked by the Zaporozhian Cossacks. In the years 1705-1707. Prince Antioch Kantemir continued the work on strengthening this fortification of special military importance for the Turks. In this last variant, the fortress consisted of an ensemble of 10 bastions and 11 towers surrounded by the same traditional defensive moat.

The bitter fate of the fortress ruled by the Turks made the chronicler Myron Kostin write that “Tighina fortress has darkened”. As a result of three Russian-Turkish wars, the fortress fell under the rule of the Russian Empire, and the imperial generals considered it very suitable for military barracks. From 1812, that is, from the second half of the 19th century, the Bender fortress gradually began to lose its former strategic importance.

My dear travelers, we have come to the end of this third and also the last special travelogue in the autumn season about Moldova where we had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of wine and the history of this small unusual country with a big heart. Today’s travelogue would not be possible without the selfless help of the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova in cooperation with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of Moldovan culture and tradition. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Moldova.

I would like to especially thank the staff of BERD’S Chisinau MGallery Hotel for their warm welcome and having me in their wonderful hotel. The stay in their hotel was exceptional, where I felt the warmth of my own home!

Time always flies when a person is having a good time! A person is rich in soul if he has managed to explore the world and I am glad that I always manage to find partners of my projects who help me to discover new and unusual destinations in a completely different way during this global health crisis of COVID-19.

I am honored to have the opportunity to cooperate with companies that are the very top of the tourism industry and I would like to thank them for this incredible adventure and for allowing me to experience the beauty of this unusual country in Eastern Europe in a completely different way.

How did you like my story about Moldovan wine, culture and history? Have you had the chance to visit the magical Republic of Moldova so far?

If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!

With Love from Moldova,

Mr. M

This post is sponsored by the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Moldova as well as other local partners. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.

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Fratelli Rossetti: When Italian Fashion Meets Moldovan Wine…

Fashion Outfit Post 9 Comments

My dear fashionistas, today I present to you a new unusual fashion story that was created during my exciting adventure on the wine roads of Moldova. The pictures that you will have the opportunity to see in today’s post were created in one of the most famous Moldovan wineries – Castel Mimi Winery.

At the very beginning of today’s fashion adventure, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova for the kind invitation and the incredible experience to get to know the Moldovan culture and customs better. It is a great honor and pleasure that I had the opportunity to take pictures for my first fashion stories on the streets of Chisinau and other famous locations in this wonderful small country with a big heart in Eastern Europe!

Castel Mimi is one of the best and most visited tourist attractions in Moldova. Included in the top 15 most beautiful wineries in the world, which represents an unusual combination of history and tradition on the one hand and modern architecture for tens of thousands of visitors who come every year from over 80 countries around the world. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the only castle in Moldova, learn about the unique role of the Castel Mimi winery in the history of Moldovan winemaking, learn how they maintain Moldovan traditions through their food and exceptional wines. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the many interesting terraces and picturesque gardens of the Castel Mimi complex. This is just the beginning of the presentation of this extraordinary complex and in the next post I will explain in more detail everything about this tourist attraction that you should not miss if your trip leads you to the Republic of Moldova!

Today we are meeting again with the famous Italian knitwear brand that you had the opportunity to meet in the previous fashion story. If by some chance you missed reading an interesting story about the André Maurice brand or you want to remind yourself of some interesting details, take a few minutes of your time and enjoy the beauty of Italian luxury knitwear with the following link.

An André Maurice piece of clothing is something more than just a wardrobe, because you have the opportunity to wear an exclusive and unique valuable gift of knowledge. The story of this brand is unique because with the influence of light, colors, smells, atmosphere, shapes and traditions of the territory of origin – Monferrato – combined with the constant desire to discover and face the whole world, we get a unique fashion story that has been passed down from generation to generation for 4 generations.

Art and beauty, culture and knowledge, tradition and heritage are the axioms that inspire the André Maurice team every day, striving never to indulge in useless compromises or useless shortcuts. Art and culture, in any of its forms, are often able to generate the same surprising sense of satisfaction that has always inspired the André Maurice team in the thinking, design and creation of all collections for a century. In this creative and unusual way, the art and culture of knitting can convey the spirit, love and tradition of the precious hands that participated with a lot of emotion in the creation process.

Tradition is something that is the basic starting point of the André Maurice brand. Gestures, rituals and customs that are repeated and transferred indefinitely, creating a nostalgic illusion of stopping time, which tirelessly chases modernity. Tradition has always been a source of inspiration for the André Maurice team, as an invisible glue between past and present, as well as a deep groove towards the future. By repeating everyday gestures, they remain faithful witnesses of the material and the spiritual burden that should be shown in the work and transmitted over time to generations to come.

André Maurice as a brand that cherishes true values and respects tradition and the spirit of heritage is woven into every piece of clothing, the tradition, culture, and fragrances of Montferrato. Find your Genius Loci and create some of your unforgettable moments to remember this winter season with garments from the latest André Maurice FW22/23 men’s collection and warm your dreams with the softest cashmere.

If you want to stay updated and find out what all the new models of knitted garments André Maurice brand has in its online store for dear ladies and gentlemen, follow them on the social networks Facebook and Instagram.

Finally, we have reached the stars of our today’s fashion story! I believe that by now you have thoroughly familiarized yourself with the offer of the famous Italian brand of footwear and leather goods Fratelli Rossetti, and today I present to you the “crown” of their latest FW 2022/23 men’s collection, the Brera model, which is made with special embroidery. These shoes are unisex and for men they are available in navy, while for women the same model can be found in navy, black and burgundy (officially on the website they are listed as skin color, but for me personally they are some color between burgundy and brown, since material such as velvet is with some quite shiny effect, you can never be sure of the right shade).

Let’s determine what we learned and remember how the Brera model got its name? Brera is the “art district” of Milan, where in the 60s sculptors, painters and writers tried to leave their mark, with new languages ​​and new forms. Its liberal and open atmosphere inspired the creation of the “Brera”, the fringed moccasin, a style revolution just beginning to rediscover its love of life. Like an artistic composition, Brera combines different materials and colors. This special mix of materials and shapes makes the moccasin one of the most successful chapters in Fratelli Rossetti’s history.

During the creation of the new collection for the autumn-winter season, the design team of Fratelli Rossetti decided to go a step further and bring the Brera loafers model to perfection and complete it with unusual colorful hand embroidery. The main material of the outer part of the shoe is soft velvet and a special hand embroidery is done over it, while the inner part of the shoe, like every other Fratelli Rossetti shoe, is made of the highest quality leather. Since this work was so unusual, I honestly didn’t even look at the basic color of the shoes in the catalog and I was convinced that the velvet was black, even during the shooting photos in Moldova I was convinced that the shoes were black with colorful embroidery, but I just one moment, when the sunlight was stronger, he realized that it was actually dark blue velvet and that the shoes were navy…

Fratelli Rossetti has a long tradition of “big little innovations”. In this company, tradition and quality have always gone hand in hand with insatiable curiosity and commitment to innovation. From the introduction of tassels and the invention of shoes designed to be worn without socks, to stylistic innovations and the launch of the “masculine” style, to the application of colors in unique chromatic shades. It was Renzo Rossetti who emphasized the importance of embracing new materials, styles and shapes: as early as the 60s, he was already experimenting with different color combinations on leather. Today, the company continues its research and development activities thanks to the knowledge of its craftsmen and the creative spirit of the styling department.

If you want to stay updated and find out which models of shoes and leather goods the Fratelli Rossetti brand has in its offer, visit their official online store and follow them on the social networks Facebook and Instagram.

OUTFIT

Coat: André Maurice

Sweater: Loro Piana

Trousers: Loro Piana

Shoes: Fratelli Rossetti

My unusual autumn adventure and unforgettable experience on the wine roads of Moldova was completed by my friends from the Loro Piana brand who made this experience in Moldova better for me with their products.

You have seen the Loro Piana brand on the Mr.M blog so far, and I think there are no more words left to describe the quality and beauty of the creations of this famous fashion house that belongs to the LVMH group.

The yellow sweater is made from 100% baby cashmere, while the trousers are made from the finest wool and cashmere blend, which are the best friends you can have when it gets cold and you need something nice and comfortable to keep you at least a little warm.

My dear fashionistas, we have come to the end of this special fashion story where together we discovered the beauty and brilliance of the true elegance of the prestigious Italian knitwear brand André Maurice, the beauty of Italian elegance with the famous luxury brand Loro Piana and the famous Italian footwear and leather goods brand Fratello Rossetti, partners with whom fashion stories are a real adventure. I sincerely hope you got some inspiration for your ideal outfit! See you soon and continue our fashion adventures from Moldova on the Mr.M blog! How did you like my outfit today?

I really tried my best to prepare today’s post with lots of love and I hope you like it!

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or any message for me, you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social media channels, which you can find on the CONTACT page. I’ll see you soon!

With love from Moldova,
Mr. M

This post is sponsored by the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, as well as André Maurice, Fratelli Rossetti and Loro Piana brands. This post is my personal and honest review of their products.

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Letters from Moldova: In Vino Veritas!

Adventure Travel 4 Comments

My dear travelers and lovers of unusual trips, today we continue our adventure in Moldova. In the previous post, you had the opportunity to get acquainted with the beauties of the capital of the Republic of Moldova – Chisinau. If by some chance you didn’t have time to read the post or you want to remind yourself with some interesting information, take the opportunity and read the post at the following link.

What have we learned so far about Moldova? We know that it is a country of good wines and exceptional food, and that is why many say that Moldova is the new great destination for wine and food tourism in Eastern Europe. Today we will prove it and I will take you along with me along the wine roads of Moldova where we will get to know some of the famous wineries in this unusual country of Eastern Europe.

At the very beginning of this post, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Invest Moldova Invest Agency and the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Moldova for the kind invitation and the incredible experience to get to know the Moldovan culture and customs better.

Sparkling wine has a special place in Moldovan cuisine. The country produces large quantities of classic white and rosé sparkling wines, as well as red sparkling wines that were originally introduced in Moldova. The most famous sparkling wines are those produced in the Cricova winery. Famous brands of Moldovan sparkling wines are Negru de Purcari, Moldova, Chisinau, Cricova, Muscat spumant, National, Nisporeni, etc. They are made from a wide range of European grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Menu, Sauvignon, Aligot, Traminac Rosé, Muscat Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. The local variety Feteasca Alba, which is also used in sparkling wines, has been cultivated in Moldavia since the time of ancient Dacia.

During my visit to Moldova, I visited the 3 most famous wineries: Cricova, Castel Mimi and Chateau Vartely, today we will visit the wine cellars together and learn more about Chateau Vartely and Cricova wineries, while we will spend a small break in an interesting rural environment with beautiful landscapes – Butuceni.

Chateau Vartely winery officially appeared on the market in 1996 and established itself as a leader on the national wine scene. A few years later, in 2004, the company Chateau Vartely was founded, which has already gained numerous international awards, and in 2008, a tourist complex was opened, equipped with all the latest world standards for the needs of visitors to the Chateau Vartely winery.

The winery is located only 50 kilometers from Chisinau. The total area of ​​the Chateau Vartely vineyard is 550 hectares, and it is located in the Codru and Bugeac zone. It is believed that the vintage grown in this area is bottled in more than 4.5 million bottles annually.

Where does the name Chateau Vartely winery come from? The name Vartely itself comes from the name of the city of Orhei, which in Hungarian means “place for a fortress”. The Chateau Vartely brand was developed and launched in 2004. The slogan of this winery is “Wine with love for you”, because every noble wine that is produced in the Chateau Vartely winery has a part of the heart and dedication of the people who work here.

As a person who loves wine, I can only say that this trip was an extremely new experience for me, especially because I saw an unusual blend of modern and traditional at Chateau Vartely winery. My observation was confirmed by eminent winemakers who also consider Chateau Vartely to be an unusual winery that combines the latest innovations in grape growing and processing technology with a passion for producing top quality wines.

The excellence and outstanding quality of Chateau Vartelly wines has been recognized through numerous medals and recognitions awarded at the most prestigious international competitions such as: Mondial de Bruxelles, Mundus Vini, Vinalies Internationales, Decanter, International Wine & Spirits Competition, Sakura, Citta del Vino, International Wine Challenge and others.

After this exciting tour of the Chateau Vartely winery, which was a combination of a classic tourist tour with the use of modern technology and a picturesque presentation of the unusual story of this winery, the team from the Invest Moldova Agency decided that it would be best to take a break in one of the most beautiful rural areas in Moldova – Butuceni .

One of the most popular places in Moldova is the tourist area called Old Orhei, which is located on the Raut River. It is a national heritage of the Republic of Moldova, located approximately 60 km from the capital Chisinau, this zone includes three villages: Butuceni, Morovaja and Trebujeni. Orhei Vechi is an archaeological and historical complex consisting of the newly opened Arheological Museum, an ancient rock church, a new church and several private old-fashioned hotels – inns in a very rural traditional style, located in the villages of Butuceni and Trebujeni. Old Orhei is a beautiful quiet and wonderful place with beautiful landscapes and rich history that brings tourists to discover the ancient roots of Moldova.

Butuceni is a very small and lovely village that is located next to the rocks and belongs to the Old Orhei complex. Of the three villages, Butuceni is the closest to Old Orhei. That is why today it is the most visited tourist destination. This quiet and interesting village attracts tourists because it preserves the true Moldavian tradition with its striking colorful houses, narrow streets and amazing nature. There is no household in Butuceni that does not engage in agriculture and animal husbandry because tourism is only a part of their income.

I had a great experience with the Butuceni Eco Resort Restaurant and Museum, where I learned a lot of interesting information about this picturesque place and had the opportunity to peek into the authentic Moldovan tradition, culture and history with an amazing gourmet trip with wonderful meals and the famous warm Moldovan hospitality. The exterior appearance of all the houses in Batuceni looks very charming because they remind you of your grandparents’ house in the countryside.

If you come to this part of Moldova, don’t forget to stop at Butuceni Eco Resort where you can really relax after a long hiking tour. I’m sure you will be delighted by the taste of traditional Moldovan zama soup, mamaliga with meat and a glass of good wine. Once you try the local Moldovan cuisine, be sure that you will fall in love at the first bite. In this place you are provided with a wireless WiFi internet network, so you will be able to share the experience with your family and friends through the many applications that make our life modern.

In Old Orhei, you feel as if you have left the modern city life and stepped into a rural idyll, a real nirvana isolated from the influence of the outside modern world. Staying in the middle of monumental stone constructions, cave monasteries and all other archaeological reserves, you will have the opportunity to peer into history to the ancient roots of Moldovan culture and national identity. Visit Orheiul Vechi and discover its significance and incredible history.

Finally, I left you one of the most famous tourist attractions for lovers of refined alcoholic beverages – wine. The wine cellars of Cricova Winery are the second largest wine cellar in Moldova, after Milestii Mici (the largest in the world). This amazing winery boasts 120 kilometers of labyrinthine roads located at levels from 30 to 100 meters underground. Tunnels have existed under Cricova since the 15th century, when limestone was quarried for the construction of Chisinau. In the 1950s, they were turned into a wine cellar.

Half of the tunnel is used for wine storage. The roads in the Cricova winery are named after the wines they store. This “wine city” has its own special warehouses, wine tasting rooms and other facilities underground. It descends as much as 100 meters below ground level and contains over a million bottles of rare wine. The oldest wine dates back to 1902 (see the picture below). The temperature stays at around 12 °C all year round, which is the perfect temperature for wine, but I was always bundled up with my winter jacket, which I didn’t part with during my entire trip through Moldova.

The largest importer of wine from Cricova is Kazakhstan. It used to be Russia, but that changed in 2014 when Russia imposed an embargo on Moldovan wine in retaliation for Moldova taking steps towards joining the European Union.

Cricova winery produces sparkling wines according to the classic French method, which was supposedly invented several centuries ago by the monk Dom Pierre Pérignon – “Methode Champenoise”. Cricova makes a unique sparkling red wine, kodrinskoie-sparkling, made from Cabernet Sauvignon and marketed as having a “rich velvety texture and flavors of blackcurrant and cherry.”

The “Grand Cellars of Cricova” house a varied collection of wines, The National Oenotec. The unique exhibits (“Jerusalem of Easter” vintage 1902, the liqueur “Jan Becher” vintage 1902) together with other 158 brands from Burgundy, Moselle, Tokay, the Rhine, are in the collection of the establishment as well as of Moldova in general, comprising nowadays a total of about 1.3 million bottles.

However, the pride of the Oenotec are, first of all, the wines bearing the name “Cricova”, which brought the winery a collection of national and international tasting awards. As of 2008, the collection consists of over 70 silver, gold, and Grand Prix awards.

However, the pride of the Oenotec are, first of all, the wines bearing the name “Cricova”, which brought the winery a collection of national and international tasting awards. As of 2008, the collection consists of over 70 silver, gold, and Grand Prix awards.

My dear travelers, we have come to the end of this second special travelogue in the autumn season about Moldova where we had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the wine of this small unusual country with a big heart. Today’s travelogue would not be possible without the selfless help of the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Moldova in cooperation with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of Moldovan culture and tradition. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Moldova.

I would like to especially thank the staff of BERD’S Chisinau MGallery Hotel for their warm welcome and hosting me in their hotel. The stay in their hotel was exceptional, where I felt the warmth of my own home!

Time always flies when a person is having a good time! A person is rich in soul if he has managed to explore the world and I am glad that I always manage to find partners of my projects who help me to discover new and unusual destinations in a completely different way during this global health crisis of COVID-19.

I am honored to have the opportunity to cooperate with companies that are the very top of the tourism industry and I would like to thank them for this incredible adventure and for allowing me to experience the beauty of this unusual country in Eastern Europe in a completely different way.

How did you like my story about Moldovan wine, culture and heritage? Have you had the chance to visit the magical Republic of Moldova so far?

If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT ME page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!

With Love from Moldova,

Mr.M

This post is sponsored by the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Moldova as well as other local partners. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.

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André Maurice: An Italian Fashion Story inspired by Dreams and Genius Loci…

Fashion Outfit Post 8 Comments

My dear fashionistas, I hope you are doing great! I believe that you are ready for a new fashion adventure and a new dose of elegant fashion that you are used to seeing on the Mr.M blog. The first outfit post of this season was in the spirit of everyday sporty elegance, but today I’m taking you on the well-known paths of elegance and refinement and I’m introducing you to a new Italian brand which I am sure will take your breath away with their iconic designs.

At the very beginning of today’s fashion adventure, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Moldova for the kind invitation and the incredible experience to get to know the Moldovan culture and customs better. It is a great honor and pleasure that I had the opportunity to take pictures for my first fashion stories this season on the streets of Chisinau and other famous localities in this wonderful small country with a big heart in Eastern Europe!

We all know that Italy is the cradle of fashion and style, there is no person who does not like the touch of quality cashmere during the cold autumn and winter period, that’s why today I present to you an Italian brand that celebrated its century of existence last year, which you must admit is a big thing for a fashion brand .

What makes a fashion brand? Is it the eternal search for inspiration, which everyone desperately needs in the fashion industry to stay at the top? Is it the art of creating and creating a new fashion culture? Is it respecting and maintaining tradition and heritage? The answers to all these and many other questions were found by an Italian brand that you will have the opportunity to meet today on the Mr.M blog – André Maurice.

This is not a story about a brand, this is a story about the pride and gratitude that underpins this brand and its given success. Everything that is good has its beginning, these are the roots that we are proud of and that inspire us to move on. The first fashion pages of the André Maurice story are written by Mrs. Giulia Allario in Scagliotti, who started the artisan production of knitwear in her house in Roncaglia, on the hills of Monferrato, exactly a century ago.

It’s not an ordinary year, it’s a historical point, because in 1921 the great Italian crisis begins due to the post-war situation, where unemployment increased several times compared to previous years and the consumer market was very unstable due to the liquidity crisis among the population. Mrs. Allario was a courageous woman with vision and good intuition as she undertook good entrepreneurial activities to launch her dream.

In the pictures that you will have the opportunity to see in today’s post on the sweater, you will see 2 words that are very important for this brand and that marked the existence of this unusual Italian knitwear brand – Genius Loci.

What does this term mean and why are these two words important to this brand? Roots that are well anchored in the territory where we were born and now live, a huge inspiration arises that is perfectly identified with the concept of Genius Loci, which in translation means “spirit of the place”. Like the flow of a great river, which always and inexorably reaches the sea in a slow and often imperceptible course, Genius Loci penetrates the soul of man with changing nuances throughout his existence, shaping his thoughts, behaviors and aspirations.

It is precisely because of all this that many people who have bought an André Maurice piece of clothing realize that they have received more than a piece of ordinary fashion item, but have the opportunity to wear an exclusive and unrepeatable valuable gift of knowledge. The story of this brand is unique because with the influence of light, colors, smells, atmosphere, shapes and traditions of the territory of origin – Monferrato – combined with the constant desire to discover and face the whole world, we get a unique fashion story that has been passed down from generation to generation for 4 generations.

Art and beauty, culture and knowledge; these are the axioms that inspire the André Maurice team every day, striving never to indulge in useless compromises or useless shortcuts. Art and culture, in any of its forms, are often able to generate the same surprising sense of satisfaction that has always inspired the André Maurice team in thinking, designing and creating all collections for a century. In this creative and unusual way, the art and culture of knitting can convey the spirit, love and tradition of the precious hands that participated with a lot of emotion in the process of creation.

Tradition is something that is the basic starting point of the André Maurice brand. Gestures, rituals and customs that are repeated and transferred indefinitely, creating a nostalgic illusion of stopping time, which tirelessly chases modernity. Tradition has always been a source of inspiration for the André Maurice team, as an invisible glue between past and present, as well as a deep groove towards the future. By repeating everyday gestures, they remain faithful witnesses of the material and the spiritual burden that should be shown in the work and transmitted over time to generations to come.

An accessory that becomes recognizable may be a small, intimate and personal element, but it is extremely important to complete the perfect overall image of the brand – a detail. Inspiration arising from detail cannot be built and finds its full legitimacy only in a state of mind that succeeds in raising it to the point success. A detail, so small and tiny, can stimulate the senses, impose a new, inevitable and a fascinating new way of changing the perspective of seeing things. Details can change the whole picture, and that’s why André Maurice works tirelessly every day to bring the perfection of his creation to the perfection of his creations for his consumers. By buying André Maurice clothing, you’re not just buying a product, you’re becoming a member of a large fashion family with a long tradition.

The André Maurice brand carefully selects unique raw materials that carry with them a long tradition and have worldwide recognition for their quality, finesse and the prestige that accompanies it. The inspiration for cashmere begins far away, in the magical highlands of far Mongolia, where natural evolution has led cashmere goats to protect themselves from the harshness of the climate by creating two layers of fur – a superficial one, with thicker and stiffer hair, and one layer closer to the body, composed of short, thin and a very warm center, which is called a “quilt”.

In the spring, during moulting, the shepherds comb the Hircus goats, extracting the most precious hair and this is just the beginning of obtaining a precious André Maurice garment that, with proper care and maintenance, you can wear for years.

André Maurice as a brand that cherishes true values and respects tradition and the spirit of heritage is woven into every piece of clothing, the tradition, culture, and fragrances of Monferrato. Find your Genius Loci and create some of your unforgettable moments to remember this winter season with garments from the latest André Maurice FW22 collection and warm your dreams with the softest cashmere.

In today’s post, you have the opportunity to see the André Maurice camel color coat, which is made of the finest 100% cashmere, and the “Genius Loci” sweater in lovely shades of beige and camel colours.

If you want to stay updated and find out what all the news about latest collections of luxury Italian knitwear brand André Maurice has in its offer this season for dear ladies and gentlemen, follow them on the social networks Facebook and Instagram. Also you can visit their Online Shop and check out their amazing fashion items!

There is no person in the world who can hide a joy when feels the smell of new Italian leather. Today we reunite again with the Italian family-owned glove workshop Restelli Guanti, a place where art, tradition and the beauty of handicrafts meet every day, which is the true definition of Italian style and way of life. Making gloves is not only a job but also a true art. After 100 years, passion, emotions, tradition and knowledge have been passed on to the third generation! Rafaela Restelli has fully embraced the challenges of a new fashion era where the market and way of selling has changed with a deep respect and belief in tradition and love for masterpieces that last!

In today’s post, you had the opportunity to see Restelli gloves made of special peccary leather. These luxurious leather gloves are made of the highest quality leather. The lining of these gloves is made of cashmere. It got a little cold during my visit to Moldova, so I decided to protect my hands better and walk around in my unusual cognac-colored gloves, which were extremely warm and a real fashion accessory for this unexpected chill in Chisinau.

Restelli gloves are not valued by money but by tradition and history full of love and patience that have no price.

OUTFIT

Coat: André Maurice

Sweater: André Maurice

Trousers: Loro Piana

Gloves: Restelli

Boots: Aurélien

Everyone who follows the Mr.M blog knows that I am a big fan of quality and interesting shoes, regardless of whether they are sneakers or elegant shoes, I always try to pay maximum attention to fashion details such as footwear. Today, for the first time, we are meeting with a Dutch fashion brand, Aurélien, which also offers exceptional footwear. Since winter is coming and I love wearing boots, I decided on Voyager Chelsea boots in dark brown color.

With a strong focus on timeless style, craftsmanship and the finest natural raw materials, the Aurélien brand offers a collection of pure luxury at more affordable prices. Aurélien represents timeless Mediterranean style in footwear, clothing and accessories for the most discerning customers. In a short time, Aurélien has become synonymous with casual elegance, timeless design and the most desirable raw materials. We will learn a little more about this unusual brand in the following posts where we will see some other interesting pieces that caught my attention.

My dear fashionistas, we have come to the end of this special fashion story where together we discovered the beauty and brilliance of the true elegance of the prestigious Italian knitwear brand André Maurice, the beauty of Italian elegance with the famous luxury brand Loro Piana, the Italian leather goods brand Restelli Guanti and the Dutch brand that nurtures concept of smart luxury Aurélien, partners with whom fashion stories are a real adventure. I sincerely hope you got some inspiration for your ideal outfit! See you soon and continue our fashion adventures from Moldova on the Mr.M blog! How did you like my outfit today?

I really tried my best to prepare today’s post with lots of love and I hope you like it!

If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT ME page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!

With Love from Moldova,

Mr.M

This post is sponsored by the Invest Moldova Agency and the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Moldova as well as André Maurice, Aurélien, Restelli Guanti and Loro Piana brands. This post is my personal and honest review of their products.

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