Imagine winding your way out of Chisinau, Moldova’s capital, to two of the world’s most impressive wine cellars—Cricova and Milestii Mici—on a private guided tour that lasts about six hours. For around the price of a nice dinner, you’ll get the chance to walk through underground tunnels stretching over 120 km and 200 km respectively, taste a spectrum of wines, and learn how Moldova’s centuries-old winemaking tradition still shapes its culture today.
What we really like about this experience is how personalized and relaxed it feels, with a private guide leading you through some of the most fascinating underground architecture in the world. Plus, the combination of two very different wineries offers a well-rounded glimpse into Moldova’s wine heritage: one more historic and boutique, the other vast and modern.
A small caveat? If you aren’t comfortable with underground environments or have mobility issues, the tours involve walking about 80 meters underground via golf cart—something to keep in mind if you’re cautious about enclosed spaces.
In short, this tour is perfect for wine lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting a taste of Moldova’s unique winemaking scene without the crowds.
Key Points
- Two of the largest wine cellars in the world: Cricova and Milestii Mici, both known for their extensive tunnels and impressive collections.
- Expert-guided experience: Learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle from knowledgeable guides.
- Authentic tastings: Sample a total of 7 wines, including sparkling, dry white, dry red, and vintage dessert wines, paired with local snacks.
- Underground exploration: Traverse over 200 km of tunnels with golf carts, experiencing the cool, constant underground temperature.
- Flexible, private tour: Hotel pickup, comfortable transport, and a customizable experience suited to wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking authenticity.
- Great value: For around six hours, you get guided visits, tastings, and a souvenir bottle, making it a rich and memorable experience.
Exploring Moldova’s Wine Secrets: A Detailed Review
The Perfect Introduction: Starting from Chisinau
This tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Chisinau, making it incredibly convenient for travelers staying in the city. The transfer to the wineries is comfortable and smooth, setting a relaxed tone for the day ahead. The total duration of around six hours strikes a good balance—long enough to savor every detail but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring.
Cricova Winery: The Underground City of Moldova
Our first stop is the Cricova Winery, located just 14 km north of Chisinau. Founded in 1952, Cricova is famous for its labyrinth of underground galleries that stretch over 120 km. As you descend into this underground city, you’re immediately transported away from the modern world into a maze of wine chambers, tunnels, and tasting rooms.
What makes Cricova special is not just its size but its historical significance. It’s where Moldova’s top wines are stored and matured, including some that have received international acclaim. The guided tour takes you through the Wine Maturation Section, where the aging process unfolds, and the Classic Sparkling Wine Production Section—an impressive showcase of Moldova’s sparkling wine craftsmanship.
The highlight here is the tasting session, featuring four different wines—including one sparkling wine—paired with typical Moldovan snacks like biscuits, nuts, and water. One reviewer, Ioana, called it “highly recommend,” emphasizing how enjoyable and informative the experience was.
Milestii Mici Winery: The Largest Wine Cellar in the World
Next, we head about 20 km south to Milestii Mici, a true marvel of wine storage. With over 200 km of tunnels and more than 2 million bottles, it holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine cellar. The underground temperature stays perfectly cool year-round, which helps preserve the wine’s quality and character.
Your guide will lead you through the National Collection and Tasting Complex, where you’ll learn about the history and modern operation of this massive cellar. The tour includes a guided walk, along with a tasting of three different wines—a dry white, a dry red, and a vintage dessert wine—paired with a selection of local snacks such as prosciutto, salami, and prunes. Ronaldo’s review highlights the attentive guide and the high-quality tastings, noting that the experience felt both authentic and engaging.
What sets Milestii Mici apart is the sheer scale and atmosphere. Walking through these tunnels, often with only a golf cart for transport, offers a sense of awe and discovery. It’s like stepping into an underground wine metropolis.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat You Should Know Before You Go
- Underground walking accounts for roughly 80 meters of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.
- Golf carts are used to traverse the tunnels, which keeps the pace manageable and the experience less strenuous.
- The temperature remains steady between 12-14°C**, so layering clothing is advisable, especially if you tend to get cold.
- The tour is private, meaning you’ll have a guide dedicated to your group, adding a personalized touch.
- The whole experience is in English, Romanian, or Russian, so communication is flexible depending on your language preference.
Value and Authenticity
Considering the price includes transport, entry tickets, guided tours, tastings, and a souvenir bottle of wine, it’s a good deal. The tasting of seven wines in total—including sparkling, dry white, dry red, and dessert wines—plus local snacks, offers a comprehensive look at Moldova’s wine culture.
The reviews reinforce that this is a well-organized, engaging experience. Ronaldo calls the guide “super attentive,” and Ioana simply recommends it “highly,” which speaks to the quality of the guides and the overall experience.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour suits wine enthusiasts, of course, but also travelers who want to understand Moldova’s cultural heritage in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal for those who appreciate history and craftsmanship, as the underground tunnels and aging cellars tell stories of centuries-old traditions. If you’re traveling with someone interested in food and drink or just want a memorable day outside the city, this tour ticks all those boxes.
Final Thoughts
This private tour to Cricova and Milestii Mici offers a compelling blend of history, culture, and flavor. You’ll get the chance to walk through some of the largest underground wine cellars in the world, taste a variety of high-quality wines, and learn about Moldova’s proud winemaking heritage—all with the comfort of private transport and personalized guides.
It’s especially suitable for travelers who value authentic experiences and want a deep dive into Moldova’s wine culture without the hassle of navigating on their own. The combination of size, history, and tasting makes this a very value-rich experience.
While it involves some underground walking and limited flexibility in itinerary, the overall experience is balanced and thoughtfully curated—perfect for those who want to see Moldova from a different perspective.
To sum it up, if you’re curious about wine, history, or Moldova’s unique cultural identity, this tour will give you a memorable taste—literally and figuratively—of what the country has to offer.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 4 years old are not suitable for this experience, mainly because of the underground environment and walking involved.
How long is the tour?
The entire tour lasts approximately six hours, including travel, guided visits, and tastings.
What’s included in the price?
You get comfortable transportation, entry tickets to both wineries, guided tours, wine tastings (including sparkling wine), local snacks, and a souvenir bottle of wine.
Are there any physical limitations to consider?
Yes, the tour involves walking about 80 meters underground and riding golf carts in tunnels, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or severe claustrophobia.
Can I book this tour for a specific time?
Availability varies, so check the schedule for current starting times. Tours are private, so times can often be adjusted to your convenience.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Romanian, and Russian, providing flexibility depending on your language preference.
Is the tour accessible year-round?
Yes, you can visit both wineries any time of year and enjoy the consistent underground temperature.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential, and bring some warm layers since the underground environment remains cool.
Will I get to taste the wines myself?
Absolutely. You’ll sample four wines at Cricova and three at Milestii Mici, all served with local snacks, making for a delightful tasting experience.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind when planning your trip.
This detailed review aims to help you decide if Moldova’s wine cellars are a must-see on your itinerary. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply curious about Moldova’s proud tradition, this tour offers a genuine, enjoyable glimpse into the country’s vinicultural soul.
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