Chisinau offers an unexpected treat for wine lovers: an array of tours that combine the chance to sample world-class Moldovan wines with visits to historic sites, charming villages, and underground cellars. Moldova’s capital is rightly proud of its wine heritage, and these tours give travelers a hands-on experience of its unique wine culture—plus a taste of the countryside and history behind each glass. We especially like the From Chisinau: Old Orhei complex and Cricova Wine Tasting tour because it blends the underground marvel of Cricova’s 120 km of tunnels with the ancient ruins of Old Orhei, offering a true taste of Moldova’s history and tradition. For a more luxurious, private experience, the Cricova underground Winery – with wine tasting tour ensures you get an intimate look at Moldova’s famous underground cellars in style, including a private transfer and tastings.
If you’re pressed for time but want a solid taste of Moldova’s wines and scenery, the Chisinau: Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting offers a quick yet comprehensive introduction. For those interested in exploring beyond the typical, the Mileștii Mici cellar tour boasts the world’s largest wine collection, with over 1.5 million bottles stored across 200 km of underground tunnels. Whether you prefer guided group excursions or private tastings, there’s something to satisfy every wine enthusiast in Chisinau.
1. From Chisinau: Old Orhei complex and Cricova Wine Tasting
At number 1, this full-day tour combines a guided visit to the Old Orhei archaeological complex with a tour of the Cricova Winery’s underground galleries. The winery’s tunnels stretch over 120 km, featuring rock monasteries, caves, and galleries dug into limestone. As you wander through, you’ll learn about Moldova’s winemaking traditions and enjoy sampling 4 wines and a sparkling wine. The tour includes a traditional lunch in a rural guesthouse, adding an authentic touch. Reviewers highlight the well-organized itinerary and a passionate guide, with guests praising the experience as a perfect mix of culture and wine.
This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive day trip that balances archaeological exploration with world-class wine tasting. With scenic views and cultural stops, it offers great value for those who want to see both history and vineyards in one go. Expect a long but rewarding day that shows off Moldova’s rich heritage.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a full experience with history, scenic countryside, and top wineries in a single day.
2. Chisinau: Cricova Wine tour & Old Orhei Archaeological Complex
Number 2 on our list offers a full-day exploration of Moldova’s countryside, village life, and wine. This tour combines a guided tour of Old Orhei with a visit to the Butuceni villages, known for their rock monasteries and charming rural atmosphere. You’ll then head to Cricova, famous for its underground cellars and extensive wine collection, with a guided wine tasting included. The itinerary ensures you see iconic villages, historical towns, and scenic landscapes. Guests often mention how the guide, Vasilii, made the day special with local insights and tips, making it a memorable experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on both culture and wine in a relaxed, full-day format. It’s suited for those who want to immerse themselves in Moldova’s natural beauty and rural charm while tasting exceptional wines.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a well-rounded day of sightseeing, culture, and wine tasting at a relaxed pace.
3. Cricova underground Winery – with wine tasting
For around $124, this private and luxurious tour takes you into Cricova’s famous underground cellars to explore the maturing areas and underground streets. The tour offers an intimate group experience, with private transfers, allowing you to focus on the intricate wine production process and enjoy a personalized tasting of multiple wines, with nuts, biscuits, and water included. Guests often comment on the impressive decor and the scale of the underground chambers, with some noting that the guide’s local knowledge added depth to the experience.
This tour is best suited for wine connoisseurs or those seeking a private, high-end experience. The highlight is the detailed insight into sparkling wine production and the luxury of exploring Moldova’s most famous underground cellar in style.
Bottom Line: Ideal for private groups or couples looking for a refined tasting experience in Moldova’s premier underground winery.
4. Moldova: Wine tour to Mileștii Mici cellar with Tasting
The world’s largest wine cellar, Mileștii Mici, is number 4 on our list. This 4-hour tour includes a guided visit through 200 km of underground tunnels, home to over 1.5 million bottles. The tour features a wine tasting of 3 types paired with snacks, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at this Guinness World Record holder. Visitors rave about the scale of the cellar and the quality of the wines, with some mentioning how the guide shared both the history and production process. The experience offers great value for money, especially for those interested in massive collections and historic cellars.
This tour suits wine enthusiasts eager to see Moldova’s largest winery and learn about its history. It’s also a good choice if you’re curious about large-scale wine storage and production.
Bottom Line: A must-visit for anyone interested in Moldova’s record-breaking wine storage and extensive collection.
5. Chisinau: Transnistria Soviet Era & Castle Mimi Winery by car
At number 5, this full-day guided tour takes you into Transnistria, a breakaway region with a Soviet-era vibe, plus a visit to Castel Mimi Winery. The tour includes wine tasting at Castel Mimi, a visit to the 13th-century Bender Fortress, and a walk through Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria. Guests love the combination of Soviet history and winemaking, with many remarking on how the castle’s architecture and Soviet relics make the trip unique. The wine tasting at Castel Mimi is a highlight, offering a chance to sample local wines in a picturesque setting.
This tour is perfect for history buffs and wine lovers looking for a full day of culture, scenery, and tasting. The group size and guided experience add to the tour’s appeal.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those interested in both Soviet history and wine, with a scenic drive and cultural stops.
6. Chisinau: Milesti Mici largest wine collection in the world
Number 6 is a shorter, 3-hour tour focused on the largest wine collection in the world—Milestii Mici. The guided tour covers the vast underground tunnels and the history of the winery, with a wine tasting of collection wines and sparkling varieties. Reviewers describe it as “very knowledgeable”, with the guide sharing insights into wine production and the winery’s history. It’s a compact but immersive experience, ideal if your time is limited but you want an authentic taste of Moldova’s wine culture.
This tour is perfect for those eager to see the scale of Moldova’s wine storage without a full-day commitment, and it offers an impressive view of the country’s largest wine collection.
Bottom Line: Great for wine fans wanting to experience Moldova’s record-breaking storage in a brief visit.
7. Chisinau: Cocktail Bar & Pub Crawl and Wine Bars
This lively 3-hour walking tour takes you through the best cocktail, beer, and wine bars in Chisinau’s historic Old Town. You’ll visit local hidden gems, tasting one local wine, one artist cocktail, and one craft beer, all in vibrant, unique venues. It’s ideal for night owls or those wanting to experience Chisinau’s nightlife, with a focus on local wine culture and craft drinks. The tour’s immersive approach makes it popular among those who want a relaxed yet engaging evening.
Perfect if you prefer socializing and tasting in a lively setting rather than traditional winery visits.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who enjoy wine, cocktails, and nightlife in an informal, fun setting.
8. From Moldova: Tour to Cricova Winery with wine tasting
Number 8 emphasizes Cricova’s grandeur, offering a 3-hour guided tour that takes you into underground tunnels filled with wine cellars and production areas. The highlight is the wine tasting session, with 40-minute sampling of various wines. Guests note the impressive scale and decor of the winery, along with the easy logistics of pickup and return. This tour is a solid choice if you want a comprehensive visit to Moldova’s most famous underground cellar at a reasonable price.
Ideal for first-timers or those short on time but eager to see Cricova’s renowned underground architecture.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a concise but thorough experience of Cricova’s wine cellars.
9. All inclusive Gagauzia: Wine-tasting, Cooking & Lunch!
This unique 8-hour tour immerses you in Gagauzia’s culture, combining wine tasting, a cooking class, and a traditional feast. You’ll visit Manuc Bei Mansion, meet locals, and learn to prepare dishes like gözleme and kiirma. The Gagauzian horses are also part of the experience, along with visits to local museums. Guests rave about the friendly guides and the authentic food and wine. It’s a great option for those who want a full culture with plenty of tasting and hands-on experiences.
If you love local food, wine, and culture, this tour offers a full-sensory experience into Moldova’s Gagauzian side.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and culture enthusiasts looking for a day of hands-on cooking, local wines, and regional history.
10. Chisinau: City Tour and Cojusna Winery with Tasting
Number 10 provides a 5-hour guided city tour of Chisinau, including visits to the Triumphal Arch, Stefan Cel Mare Park, and the Nativity Cathedral. The trip then continues to Chateau Cojusna, where you enjoy a wine tasting within the winery’s cellars and production halls. The guide shares local stories and history, making it a well-rounded introduction to both the city and Moldova’s wine scene.
This tour is ideal for those wanting a moderate-sized group experience that balances city sightseeing with wine tasting in a relaxed manner.
Bottom Line: Recommended for travelers who want a scenic city overview combined with a short winery visit.
11. From Iași: Mimi Castle Wine Tasting Day Trip
This long 12-hour day trip from Iași centers on visiting Mimi Castle, famous for its impressive architecture and wine. The tour includes a guided tour of the castle and winery, along with sightseeing back in Chisinau. It’s perfect if you’re combining exploration of Eastern Romania and Moldova, with a focus on Mimi’s historic charm and its wine tasting sessions.
Ideal for wine and architecture lovers looking for an immersive day across borders.
Bottom Line: Best for those combining Moldova with nearby regions, with plenty of time for sightseeing and wine.
12. Chisinau: Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting
This quick 2.5-hour walking tour covers Chisinau’s main sights, including the Triumphal Arch, Stefan Cel Mare Park, and Pushkin Park. It ends with a wine tasting of three samples, paired with traditional Placinta. It’s an affordable, efficient way to get a snapshot of Moldova’s capital.
Suitable for travelers with limited time who want a taste of local architecture, culture, and wine.
Bottom Line: Great for a short introduction to Chisinau’s highlights and wine scene.
13. From Chisinau: Old Orhei and Chateau Vartely Winery Tour
Number 13 combines Old Orhei’s archaeological sites with a winery tour at Chateau Vartely. The 7-hour trip includes guided sightseeing, lunch, and wine tasting of 6 wines. Guests love the stunning cliffside monasteries and the art of winemaking at Chateau Vartely. It’s a solid pick for those wanting history, scenic landscapes, and wine in one day, with personalized tours and delicious local dishes.
Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive cultural and wine experience with a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and wine fans seeking a well-rounded day trip.
14. National Wine Day Celebrations in Moldova
Finally, for those planning their trip around Moldova’s major wine celebration, this 5-day event features endless tastings, music, and dance. You’ll visit vineyards, enjoy local brandy, pies, and traditional foods, and experience Moldova’s festive spirit. The tour is designed for wine aficionados and cultural explorers who want to celebrate Moldova’s heritage in style. It’s perfect if you’re flexible on dates and want to indulge in a grand, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Not for the faint of heart or those on a tight schedule, but a fantastic way to experience Moldova’s wine culture at its fullest.
How to Choose the Perfect Wine Tour in Chisinau
When selecting the best wine tour for your trip, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you’re after a luxury private experience, the Cricova underground Winery offers a tailored visit, while the Mileștii Mici cellar is better for those wanting to see the world’s largest wine collection. For travelers pressed for time, the Highlights Tour provides a quick overview, whereas the Old Orhei and Chateau Vartely combo offers a mix of scenic landscapes and wine.
Plus, think about whether you prefer guided group tours, private experiences, or full immersion in local culture with cooking and festivals, like the Gagauzia experience. Booking early is recommended, especially during Moldova’s peak wine season in autumn or during National Wine Day.
To sum it up, Chisinau’s wine tours provide an excellent window into Moldova’s rich viticultural tradition and local culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring grand underground cellars, tasting in scenic countryside villages, or combining wine with history and food, there’s a tour tailored for you. For a more intimate experience, choose private tours like the Cricova wine tasting. If you’re after culture plus a good pour, the full-day excursions to Old Orhei and Chateau Vartely are hard to beat. And don’t forget — booking ahead ensures you secure the best slots for these popular experiences. Cheers to discovering Moldova’s wine secrets!