Moldova might not be the first country that springs to mind when thinking of wine destinations, but it’s actually a hidden gem for wine lovers. Its long tradition of winemaking, vast underground cellars, and charming wineries make it a fascinating place to explore for anyone interested in authentic wine experiences. We especially like the Chișinău & Castel Mimi Wine Tour – With Wooden Monastery for its combination of history, city sights, and a visit to one of Moldova’s most elegant wineries. Plus, the tour includes a stop at Hirișeni’s oldest wooden church—a unique touch.
While Moldova’s wines are gaining recognition, its diverse tours make it easy for different travelers to find something suited to their interests. Whether you want a quick city intro combined with a visit to a beautiful castle, or a longer day exploring underground cellars and the world’s largest winery, there’s an option for you. Below, we break down the top three wine tours, helping you choose the best fit for your trip.
1. Chișinău & Castel Mimi Wine Tour – With Wooden Monastery
At number one on our list is the Chișinău & Castel Mimi Wine Tour. This 4-hour tour offers a balanced mix of city sightseeing, history, and wine tasting. You’ll start with a guided tour of Chișinău, including a stop at Hirișeni to see the oldest wooden church in the country. Then, you’ll head to Castel Mimi, a beautiful and elegant winery set in a historic castle.
What makes this tour stand out is its ability to combine Moldova’s urban vibe with a visit to a refined winery. The tour includes a wine tasting at Castel Mimi, as well as a walk through the castle’s gardens and historic spaces. The guide’s commentary on Moldova’s history, along with the visit to the monument of Stefan cel Mare, adds depth to the experience. The tour also takes in some Soviet-era art, giving a sense of the country’s recent past.
Guests typically praise the personalized touch of this private tour, saying the guide was friendly and answered all their questions. The inclusion of the wooden church offers a rare glimpse into Moldova’s rural and religious heritage. With a mix of cultural highlights and wine, this tour offers good value for a half-day trip.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a well-rounded taste of Chișinău, combined with a visit to one of Moldova’s most beautiful wineries and a cultural stop.
2. from Moldova: Manuc Bei mansion – Milesti Mici wine cellar
Ranking second is a full-day journey to the largest wine cellar in the world—Milestii Mici—and the historic Manuc Bei Mansion in Hîncești. This 6.5-hour tour is perfect for those eager to explore Moldova’s impressive underground wine storage and its historic estates.
This experience highlights Milestii Mici’s underground cellars, which stretch over 200 kilometers and hold over 1.5 million bottles—truly a sight to see. The guided tour of the cellar includes a walk through labyrinths of wine storage, where you can learn about Moldova’s modern wine production and aging techniques. Visitors rave about the guided tour and the opportunity to taste wines directly from the cellar, experiencing the cool, dark environment that helps age the wine.
Plus, the visit to the Manuc Bei Mansion provides insight into Moldova’s past, with its 19th-century architecture and stories of the merchant family who once owned it. This tour is especially good for wine enthusiasts interested in the scale of production and historical estates. The wine tasting at Milestii Mici is a highlight, offering a chance to sample several local varieties.
Value for Money: It’s an all-encompassing experience, combining Moldova’s largest wine storage, historical architecture, and a substantial tasting. It suits those who want a comprehensive day immersed in Moldova’s wine heritage.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and serious wine fans eager to see the scale of Moldova’s wine industry and explore underground cellars in depth.
3. Chisinau: Milestii Mici Winery Tour with 3 Tastings
Finally, for a shorter, more casually paced experience, this Milestii Mici Winery Tour takes about four hours and focuses on tasting. For $148 per person, it offers a chance to see the world’s largest wine collection and enjoy three different wines paired with appetizers.
You’ll start with a guided tour of the Milestii Mici cellar, which takes around 110 minutes. The highlight here is the chance to explore over 1.5 million bottles stored in tunnels carved beneath Moldova’s landscape. During the tasting, you’ll sample three wines, including a vintage dessert wine, along with a variety of appetizers such as bruschetta and prosciutto crudo.
This tour is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to sample Moldova’s best wines, especially those interested in the vastness of the collection. It’s less intensive than the full-day tour but still offers a deep dive into Moldova’s winemaking traditions and access to one of the country’s most famous wineries.
Bottom Line: Best for visitors who want a concise, tasting-focused experience with a view into Moldova’s extensive wine collection.
How to Choose Your Perfect Moldovan Wine Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a blend of city sights and a visit to a luxurious castle, the Chișinău & Castel Mimi trip is a good choice. For those eager to see the world’s largest underground winery and learn about Moldova’s wine scale and history, the Manuc Bei & Milestii Mici full-day tour is unbeatable. If your time is limited but you still want to taste a broad selection of wines, the Milestii Mici tasting tour offers a focused experience.
Consider also the travel style—private tours tend to be more personalized, while group tours can be more economical. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall, when Moldova’s vineyards are most active.
Final Thoughts
Moldova offers a surprising variety of wine tours that cater to different interests and schedules. Whether you’re looking for a quick city and castle adventure, a deep dive into underground cellars, or an afternoon sampling the country’s finest wines, you’ll find a tour that fits. For a mix of history, culture, and wine, the Chișinău & Castel Mimi tour stands out, but dedicated wine lovers should consider the scale of Milestii Mici’s cellar for its impressive size and collection.
Don’t forget to book early—these tours fill up, especially during harvest season. Whichever experience you choose, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for Moldova’s rich wine tradition and the stories behind each bottle. Happy tasting!