Exploring Moldova’s famous wine regions can be a highlight for any traveler seeking authentic, memorable experiences. While I haven’t personally done this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what awaits. This private day trip offers a seamless combination of guided exploration, tastings, and cultural insight into Moldova’s esteemed winemaking heritage.
What stands out are the vast underground tunnels, the diverse tasting sessions, and the chance to see the largest wine cellars in the world. We love that the tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and a professional guide, making it practical and stress-free. A potential drawback is the long underground walks, which might be tiring for some, especially with children or mobility issues. Still, if you’re a wine lover or curious about Moldova’s traditions, this tour fits perfectly into your itinerary.
This experience is best suited for those who appreciate fine wine, enjoy guided cultural tours, or want a luxurious yet authentic experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing. It’s also ideal for travelers seeking a well-organized day trip with plenty of tasting and learning.
Key Points
- Two World-Class Cellars: Cricova and Milestii Mici are among the largest wine tunnels globally, offering a unique underground journey.
- Diverse Tastings: Sample multiple wines, including sparkling options and dessert wines, paired with local snacks.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides explain the winemaking process and share insights into Moldova’s wine heritage.
- All-Inclusive Experience: Transportation, entry tickets, tastings, and snacks are included, making it a hassle-free day.
- Authentic Cultural Experience: Discover Moldova’s deep-rooted wine culture with visits to iconic cellars and historical sections.
- Flexible & Private: Private group tours with hotel pickup and drop-off allow for a personalized experience.
Discovering the Wonders of Moldova’s Wine Scene
This tour offers a comprehensive look into Moldova’s legendary wine industry, where history and tradition blend seamlessly beneath the surface. The journey begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Chisinau, setting the tone for a relaxed, informative day.
Cricova Winery: An Underground City of Wine
Located just 14 km north of Chisinau, Cricova Winery is a must-see for any wine enthusiast. Founded in 1952, Cricova is renowned worldwide, partly because of its 120 km underground galleries. These tunnels, which stretch for miles, have earned it the nickname of Moldova’s “underground city”—a labyrinth of cool, damp corridors lined with wine bottles.
As you tour the cellar sections, you’ll be led through areas like the Wine Maturation Section, where wines age quietly in barrels, and the Classic Sparkling Wine Production Section. The guides are experts who share stories about the winemaking process, the history of the winery, and Moldova’s proud wine traditions.
What makes this visit particularly special is the opportunity to taste four different wines, including a sparkling variety, paired with typical local snacks like nuts and biscuits. One reviewer, Ioana, mentioned she would “highly recommend” this experience, noting the tour’s informativeness and the excellent quality of the tastings.
Milestii Mici: The Largest Wine Cellar in the World
After exploring Cricova, the journey continues to Milestii Mici, about 20 km south of Chisinau. Known for its sprawling tunnels totaling over 200 km, this cellar holds more than 2 million bottles—a record-breaking collection. The underground temperature remains steady between 12-14°C, perfect for aging wine and maintaining quality.
Here, the highlight is the guided tour that walks you through this subterranean maze, giving a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s largest wine collections. The tasting session includes three wines—a dry white, dry red, and a vintage dessert wine—paired with a selection of prosciutto, salami, carpaccio, breadsticks, nuts, and prunes.
A guest, Ronaldo, praised the “super attentive guide,” emphasizing the warm, friendly service that made the experience memorable. Plus, guests are given a gift bottle of wine (“Univers”), adding a nice touch to the overall value.
The Experience: What You Can Expect
Seamless Logistics and Comfort
Transportation from Chisinau is included, and the schedule is structured to maximize your time at each location. The private group setup means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel, with clear instructions to wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Underground Tours: Unique and Accessible
Both wineries involve exploring underground tunnels—a feature that sets this experience apart from typical winery visits. Cricova’s galleries span 120 km, while Milestii Mici boasts over 200 km of tunnels. You’ll traverse about 80 meters underground, mostly with the aid of golf carts to make the experience more comfortable and efficient.
The tours are designed to be informative and relaxed, with guides explaining the winemaking process from grape to bottle, as well as sharing stories about Moldova’s wine history. The guides speak English, Romanian, and Russian, catering to a diverse range of visitors.
Tasting Sessions and Food Pairings
The tastings are carefully curated to showcase Moldova’s diverse wine portfolio. Cricova provides a set of four wines, including sparkling wine, served with snacks like nuts and biscuits—perfect for appreciating the subtle differences.
Milestii Mici’s tasting includes three wines paired with local delicacies such as prosciutto, salami, and dried prunes. Reviewers have appreciated the quality of both the wines and the snacks, emphasizing how these pairings enhance the tasting experience.
Duration and Flexibility
The entire tour lasts around 6 hours, with the timing flexible depending on availability. It’s paced well enough to avoid feeling rushed but still allows ample time at each site. The tours are fully private, which means your group can enjoy the experience at your own pace and ask questions freely.
Cost and Value
While specific prices aren’t provided here, the inclusive nature—covering transportation, guides, entry tickets, tastings, and snacks—adds substantial value. Guests have noted the experience is well worth the cost, especially considering the exclusive access and personalized service.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to explore Moldova’s famous cellars. It’s also a great choice for cultural travelers interested in the country’s heritage, as the tour provides insights into local traditions and history. The private setting makes it suitable for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a premium experience without the crowds.
However, it’s worth noting that the underground walking involves some mobility considerations—the tunnels are traversed with golf carts, but travelers with mobility impairments or children under four might find parts of the tour challenging.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized glimpse into Moldova’s top wineries, combining history, culture, and exceptional tastings. The private guide service enhances intimacy and learning, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a curated, stress-free experience.
You’ll appreciate the vast underground galleries, the chance to taste a variety of wines, and the stories shared by knowledgeable guides. The inclusion of snacks and a gift bottle of wine adds to the overall value, making this a memorable day for any wine lover.
If you’re curious about Moldova’s winemaking prowess or want a relaxing, educational outing from Chisinau, this tour strikes a perfect balance between fun, flavor, and authenticity.
FAQ
Do I need to bring anything specific?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking underground and exploring tunnels.
How long does each winery visit last?
The Cricova visit is approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes, while Milestii Mici’s tour lasts about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Not really—children under 4 years old are not recommended, mainly due to the underground walks and the nature of the tour.
Is the transportation private?
Yes, the tour includes private transportation from and back to your hotel in Chisinau.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Romanian, and Russian, so you should be able to find assistance in your preferred language.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.