Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour INCLUDING Wine tasting

Exploring Moldova’s Underground Wine Cellars: A Guide to the Milestii Mici Winery Tour

If you’re heading to Moldova and love wine—who doesn’t?—the Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour is an experience that should be on your list. For just over $125 per person, you get a roughly four-hour deep dive into one of the world’s largest wine cellars, located just 20 kilometers south of Chișinău. The tour combines education, tasting, and a bit of adventure, all with the ease of round-trip transportation from the city.

What we love most about this experience are the stunning underground tunnels—over 200 km of underground streets—and the chance to sample Moldova’s indigenous varietals without having to worry about driving afterward. Plus, the inclusion of local snacks makes the tasting feel authentic and satisfying.

One thing to consider is that the tour lasts about two hours at the cellar itself, which some might find a bit brief, especially if you’re hoping for more wine or historical details. However, the convenience and quality of the experience make it a solid choice for those interested in wine, history, or unique underground sights.

If you enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable hosts, delicious local food, and memorable scenery, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a hassle-free, enriching experience with a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Vast underground tunnels: Over 200 km of underground wine galleries at a depth of about 85 meters.
• Expert guides: Guides like Natalia are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness.
• Tastings with local foods: Includes three wine samples paired with Moldovan snacks like bruschetta and zacusca.
• Hassle-free transport: Round-trip private vehicle from central Chișinău hotels simplifies logistics.
• Authentic experience: Walk through the cool, dust-covered wine galleries and see historic bottles dating back to 1968.
• Limited lunch options: Lunch isn’t included, so plan to eat beforehand or after the tour.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect

Starting in Chișinău

The tour kicks off with a prompt pickup from your hotel in Chișinău, often with a friendly driver who knows the city well. Many reviews highlight how smooth and reliable this part is, with drivers sharing interesting tidbits about Moldova along the way. Expect about a 40-minute drive to the winery, giving you a chance to get some background chatter, maybe even learn about Moldova’s wine traditions.

Visiting Milestii Mici: The Largest Underground Cellar Network

Once at the winery, you’ll hop onto electric trains that whisk you into the depths of these incredible tunnels. The underground labyrinth stretches over 200 km, but your guide will focus on the most interesting sections, including the wine galleries where bottles are stored on dust-covered shelves, awaiting their turn for tasting.

It’s not every day you walk through such a vast space at a depth of about 85 meters—a fact officially recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records. With over 2 million bottles, some dating back to 1968, the winery offers a tangible sense of Moldovan wine history. Visitors often comment on the impressive scale and the cool, quiet atmosphere, making it a surreal experience to stroll beneath the earth’s surface.

What You’ll See and Learn

Your guide will explain the indigenous grape varieties that make Moldovan wine unique. We loved the way guides like Natalia share their passion and insight—she was described as both kind and highly knowledgeable, answering questions with patience and humor. You’ll get a glimpse of the barrels and big wine tanks, all while walking through avenues lined with aging bottles.

Tasting Experience & Local Snacks

The tasting is a highlight. You’ll sample three different wines, paired with traditional Moldovan appetizers like bruschetta topped with aubergine cream, zacusca, and cream cheese with prosciutto. Multiple reviews mention how the guide makes the experience both educational and relaxed—some say it’s more than just a tasting, but a culture.

While some travelers hoped for a longer tasting or more detailed explanation, most agree the quality of the wines and the pairings make it worthwhile. Travelers also appreciate that since someone else is driving, there’s no need to worry about over-indulgence.

Returning to Chișinău

After about two hours exploring the tunnels and tasting, you’ll head back to Chișinău, often with a quick stop at a local church or scenic spot, as highlighted by reviewers. The return drive is quick and comfortable, wrapping up the experience neatly.

Authenticity and Value: Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour special is its combination of accessibility and authenticity. You get to see the world’s largest underground wine cellar, which is a spectacle in itself. The guided narrative adds depth, transforming what could be a simple cellar visit into a meaningful journey into Moldovan wine culture.

The price point offers good value—considering the transportation, guided tour, tastings, and snacks, it’s an all-in-one package. The ability to indulge freely in wine tastings without the need to drive is another plus, especially for those who want to relax and truly savor the experience.

However, a couple of reviews mention that the tour duration feels a bit short—some wished for more time exploring the tunnels or tasting more wines. Also, lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry after the tour.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

If you’re a wine lover eager to see one of the largest underground wine collections in the world, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s also great for history buffs fascinated by how wine storage is an art form, especially at such scale. Travelers who prefer guided experiences with knowledgeable hosts will find this particularly rewarding. It’s ideal for those who want to explore Moldova’s wine heritage without the hassle of arranging transportation.

This experience also suits travelers who appreciate local flavors paired with scenic underground sights. If you’re traveling solo or in a small group, the personal attention from guides like Natalia enhances the experience. Finally, if you prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for tasting and learning, this tour checks all those boxes.

Final Thoughts: Why This Tour is Worth Considering

The Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour is a well-rounded, immersive experience that combines Moldova’s famous underground cellars with expert guiding, authentic food pairings, and hassle-free transportation. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to see the world’s largest underground wine cellar, sample local wines, and learn about Moldovan viticulture—all without the stress of logistics or driving.

Most reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides and stunning underground views, with many calling it a highlight of their Moldova trip. The inclusion of local snacks and the opportunity to indulge in wine tastings at your leisure makes it feel genuine and indulgent.

While some might wish for a longer visit or more wine, the overall experience offers excellent value and memorable sights. It’s best suited for wine enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone curious about Moldova’s unique wine tradition. If you want a smooth, engaging, and delicious day out, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQs About the Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides round-trip pickup and drop-off from central Chișinău hotels, making logistics effortless.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately four hours, with about two hours spent at the winery exploring the tunnels and tasting.

Are the wine tastings included?
Yes, you’ll sample three wines paired with Moldovan appetizers, all included in the price.

Can I bring wine back home?
You might find it heavy to carry the bottles you purchase, especially if you’re flying. Most travelers leave their bottles at the hotel, as noted in reviews.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t part of the package, so plan to eat before or after the tour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and some cool underground temperatures is recommended.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, including solos, couples, and small groups. Service animals are permitted.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 33 days ahead, so it’s wise to reserve early if you have a fixed schedule.

In summary, this guided underground wine cellar tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Moldova’s wine heritage, combined with stunning scenery, friendly guides, and delicious local flavors. It’s an experience that leaves you with more than just photos—your palate and curiosity will thank you.