4 Hours Cricova Winery Tour with Tasting

An Authentic Journey into Moldova’s Underground Wine Labyrinth

This Cricova Winery tour offers a rare glimpse into one of Moldova’s most impressive wine complexes, famous for its underground tunnels, fascinating history, and exceptional sparkling wines. For those who appreciate good wine with a side of adventure, this experience promises a blend of sightseeing, education, and tasting—all within four hours of your day.

What really draws us in is Cricova’s reputation for still producing sparkling wines using traditional methods, along with its 120 km of underground galleries. The highlight? Exploring the vast labyrinths of tunnels and marveling at the massive wine collection, including the unique 1902 Easter Jerusalem.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour is slightly shorter than the advertised four hours, with some reviewers noting it feels more like two hours of actual on-site activity, especially when factoring in transportation and guide commentary. Still, the value and authenticity make it a worthwhile outing, especially suited for wine lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers eager to see Moldova’s top wine site firsthand.

Key Points

• Deep underground galleries stretch over 120 km, holding a staggering 1.3 million bottles of wine.
• Traditional sparkling wine production is still done here, following the Champenoise method.
• Knowledgeable guides provide detailed insights, though some reviews mention a focus on sales over technical details.
• A memorable wine tasting featuring four carefully selected wines, including sparkling varieties.
• Impressive labyrinths and tunnels that create a surreal setting for wine storage and exploration.
• Entry price offers good value considering the comprehensive experience and the exclusive access to such an extensive cellar.

Exploring Cricova’s Underground Complex

Walking into Cricova’s underground galleries feels like stepping into a secret world. The complex features endless tunnels, large vats, and rows of bottles stacked in precise stands, all carved out of limestone. These tunnels, which stretch for over 120 km, are primarily for aging wine under optimal conditions—constant temperature, humidity, and darkness.

What we loved most about the setup is how the tunnels are both functional and photogenic; with their vast scale, they evoke a sense of awe. Even reviewers like Alex_W highlight this, mentioning how “you’ll never see anything quite like it again,” particularly the drive through the labyrinth of underground wine cellars, which is both beautiful and just plain fascinating.

The Art of Sparkling Wine Production

Cricova’s pride lies in its ability to produce sparkling wines using the same method pioneered by monk Dom Pierre Perignon. This process requires secondary fermentation in bottles, with the wine aging in the underground cellars. As one reviewer noted, Cricova has been doing this for the last 60 years, maintaining the tradition that makes their sparkling wines stand out.

Tour participants learn about remuage and degorgement, the key steps in traditional sparkling wine production. While some reviews indicate that the tour doesn’t go deeply into the entire winemaking process, it’s enough to appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

The Guided Tour Experience

Guides like Andrei Rusu and others are praised for their friendly demeanor and good English skills. They take you through the galleries, sharing stories about the winery’s history and notable bottles, including the oldest wine in the collection—the 1902 Easter Jerusalem. The tour involves walking through various tunnels, stopping at key points for explanations.

However, some reviewers mention that the tour duration feels limited, with the actual sightseeing being around two hours. They express a desire for more depth—more details about the barrels, winemaking technology, or the history behind certain sections. If you prefer a deep dive into wine production, this might feel a bit light, but for a general overview, it hits the mark.

The Wine Tasting – A Highlight

After the guided walk, the group is led to a tasting hall, where four different wines are presented, including sparkling. The tasting space itself is described as opulent and regal, fitting for a winery with such a storied collection. The sommelier shares stories about each wine, making the tasting more than just sipping—it’s about understanding what makes Cricova’s wines special.

Reviewers like Harold_H and RobHamish_J mention that the wines are good quality, with Rob noting that Moldova is recognized for its superb wine. The tasting provides an authentic taste of Moldova’s winemaking prowess, and the sparkling wine is often singled out as a particular treat.

Practical Details and Logistics

Starting at the Stephen the Great Monument in Chișinău, the tour includes pickup, making logistics straightforward and stress-free. The total price of $90.20 per person is reasonable considering the scope of the experience, especially since it includes transportation and guided commentary.

Most bookings are made about two weeks in advance, which indicates strong interest but also reasonable planning. The tour is private, so your group gets exclusive attention, with some reviews mentioning good group size for a more intimate experience.

Transportation is praised for its reliability and comfort, with some reviewers wishing they could ship wine home—an option that Cricova currently doesn’t seem to offer, which is worth noting for those traveling internationally.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts, history lovers, and curious travelers wanting an authentic Moldovan experience. If you appreciate underground tunnels, traditional wine-making methods, and a bit of luxury, you’ll find Cricova a compelling destination. It also caters well to those interested in cultural heritage, as the underground complex feels like a journey through Moldova’s past and present.

However, if you’re looking for an immersive, technical, and detailed exploration of winemaking, this tour might seem a little light on specifics. It’s more of a highlight reel—but a stunning one—that gives you a solid understanding of Cricova’s significance and craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour strikes a good balance between entertainment, education, and tasting. It’s a solid choice for visitors wanting to see Moldova’s most famous winery without spending an entire day. The guided tour offers insights into the winery’s fascinating underground labyrinths and wine collection, while the tasting provides a genuine taste of Moldova’s wine excellence.

While some might wish for a deeper dive into the winemaking process or longer tour duration, the overall experience is rich enough to justify the cost, especially given the unique setting and the chance to sample four wines, including sparkling varieties.

If you’re after an authentic, visually stunning, and palate-pleasing experience, this Cricova Winery tour is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the actual tour inside Cricova?
Although advertised as four hours, reviews indicate the on-site experience typically lasts around two hours, with the rest devoted to transportation and guide commentary.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, pickup from the meeting point at Stephen the Great Monument is included, making logistics smooth and easy.

What wines are tasted during the tour?
You’ll enjoy tasting four types, including a sparkling wine, with some reviews describing the wines as high quality and very enjoyable.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
While the tour includes tasting, some reviewers mention that Cricova is quite commercial, with sales presumably available afterward, although specific details aren’t provided.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions?
The reviews focus on wine tasting, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy wine. Snacks are generally dry crackers and nuts, so if you have specific dietary needs, you might want to prepare accordingly.

What makes Cricova special compared to other wineries?
Its extensive underground labyrinth, traditional sparkling wine production, and historical collection—like the 1902 Easter Jerusalem—set Cricova apart as a truly unique destination.

Can the tour be canceled or rescheduled?
Yes, the booking policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

The Cricova Winery tour offers a captivating blend of underground exploration, historical intrigue, and wine tasting that will appeal to anyone eager to experience Moldova’s renowned wine culture firsthand.