From Chisinau: visit Cricova and Milestii Mici Wineries

This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Moldova’s renowned wine culture, taking visitors behind the scenes of two of the largest and most impressive wine cellars in the world. Perfect for wine enthusiasts or curious travelers alike, this experience combines history, craftsmanship, and authentic tasting in an engaging, well-organized package. You’ll be guided through underground tunnels, learn about winemaking from grape to bottle, and sample a variety of local wines paired with traditional snacks—all within a manageable six-hour itinerary.

One thing we especially love about this tour is the attention to detail in the tasting sessions. Each winery offers distinct experiences and wine varieties, from sparkling to vintage, that showcase Moldova’s exceptional wine-making skills. The fact that it’s a private guided trip means you get personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and fully absorb the stories behind each cellar.

A potential consideration is the underground walking involved—travelers should be comfortable walking about 80 meters underground and be prepared for some cooler temperatures. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy cultural experiences paired with wine tasting, but it’s not ideal for very young children, individuals with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, due to the underground tunnels and walking distances.

This tour is best for those wanting a comprehensive, authentic introduction to Moldova’s legendary wines in a relaxed yet informative setting. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or just looking to add a unique experience to your trip, it offers a delightful mix of education, history, and tasting pleasure.

Key Points

• Two of the world’s largest wine cellars: Cricova and Milestii Mici offer impressive underground tunnels and extensive wine collections.
• Guided, private experience: Personalized tours with professional guides ensure a more intimate and informative visit.
• Authentic tasting sessions: Four wines plus sparkling wine at Cricova, and three wines with traditional Moldavian snacks at Milestii Mici.
• Historical and cultural insights: Learn about Moldova’s deep-rooted wine traditions, from grape to bottle.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup, comfortable transport, and all entry tickets included make this a hassle-free experience.
• Limited suitability for some travelers: Not recommended for children under 4, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users due to underground walking.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Chisinau Pickup

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Chisinau, ensuring a smooth start without the need to navigate public transport or worry about directions. Expect to be picked up from your hotel or apartment about 10 minutes before your scheduled start time. The transportation provided is comfortable, making the roughly 14 km drive to Cricova a relaxed prelude to your adventure.

Cricova Winery: A Tunnels Wonderland

Our first stop is Cricova, located just north of Chisinau. Founded in 1952, Cricova is famous not just for its size but for its elaborate underground galleries, which stretch over 120 km—a maze of corridors, cellars, and tasting rooms. It’s a place where history and wine-making meet, with each turn revealing more about Moldova’s wine heritage.

During the guided tour, you’ll visit key sections including the Wine Maturation Area, where you see barrels aging gracefully, and the Classic Sparkling Wine Production Zone, where bubbly is crafted in traditional methods. Our guide was detailed and attentive, making sure we understood each step of the process, from grape harvesting to bottling.

The tasting session here includes four different wines plus a sparkling option. We enjoyed tasting a variety of styles—dry whites, reds, and sparkling wines—all served with typical Moldavian snacks like biscuits and nuts. The guide shared interesting tidbits about each wine’s origin and flavor profile, making the experience both educational and sensory.

Milestii Mici: The Largest Wine Cellar in the World

After Cricova, we traveled about 20 km south to Milestii Mici, a true highlight for wine lovers. Recognized as the world’s largest wine cellar, it boasts a network of tunnels totaling over 200 km—an underground city dedicated solely to wine storage. With over 2 million bottles in its collection, this place embodies Moldova’s passion for wine.

The underground temperature stays steady between 12-14°C, ideal for aging wine and maintaining quality. We toured the vast tunnels with golf carts, which added a fun, effortless element to the visit. The guided tour was informative, explaining the history of the winery and how the wine collection grew over decades.

During tastings at Milestii Mici, you’ll sample three wines—a dry white, a dry red, and a vintage dessert wine—paired with traditional Moldavian snacks like prosciutto, salami, and dried prunes. Our guide mentioned that visitors receive a gift of a bottle of Univers wine, a nice memento from the experience.

Final Return to Chisinau

After a full day of underground exploration, tasting, and learning, we were comfortably transported back to our hotel in Chisinau. The entire tour lasted approximately six hours, which struck a good balance between thorough exploration and not feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authenticity and Educational Value: Both wineries are steeped in history, and the guides do a great job of sharing Moldova’s rich tradition of winemaking. We appreciated how the experience went beyond just tasting—there was a genuine focus on storytelling and explaining the craft behind each bottle.

The Underground Tour Experience: Walking through tunnels that stretch for hundreds of kilometers is something you can’t replicate elsewhere. The cool temperature and quiet ambiance add a sense of serenity and highlight the meticulous conditions required for wine aging.

Well-Organized Logistics: The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off, plus all entry and tasting fees, makes this a stress-free outing. The private group setting ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd and can ask questions freely.

Tasting Variety: Sampling wines from two of the largest cellars provides a broad taste of Moldova’s wine production. The pairing with local snacks enhances the experience, making it more than just a tasting session—it’s a culture.

Considerations for Travelers

While this tour offers a lot of value, it’s worth noting that it involves some walking underground—about 80 meters—and navigating tunnels with golf carts. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for cooler temperatures. It’s not suitable for children under 4, those with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users, due to the underground pathways and walking distances.

The tour duration is six hours, so it suits those with a full day to spare, and can fit well into a broader Moldova itinerary. The price includes all tickets, transportation, and guide services, which collectively makes for good value given the scope and quality of the experience.

Final Thoughts

This private tour from Chisinau to Cricova and Milestii Mici is a fantastic way to explore Moldova’s proud wine-making tradition. It offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and tasting, all within a manageable timeframe. The guides’ knowledge and the unique underground environments make it a memorable experience for wine lovers and curious explorers alike.

If you’re looking to understand Moldova through its most famous export—wine—without fuss or hassle, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for travelers who want an authentic, in-depth look at the country’s wine heritage, with the comfort of private transportation and expert guidance.

Highly recommended for those who appreciate good wine, interesting stories, and unique underground spaces. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket—it’s cool down there!

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including transportation, visits, and tastings.

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Chisinau.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll walk about 80 meters underground. Warm clothing is advisable due to the cooler underground temperatures.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 4 years old, and it may not be ideal for children with mobility issues due to walking and tunnel navigation.

What is included in the price?
Entry tickets to both wineries, guided tours, tastings (including sparkling wine and local snacks), transportation, and a gift bottle of wine at Milestii Mici.

Are the wineries accessible?
While the tunnels are navigable with golf carts, the underground walking involved might be challenging for some travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

What types of wines are tasted?
At Cricova, you’ll taste four wines plus sparkling wine. At Milestii Mici, expect a dry white, dry red, and a vintage dessert wine.

Can I purchase wine during the tour?
Yes, wines can be purchased at the wineries, including the gift bottle at Milestii Mici.

Is there any flexibility to cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Romanian, and Russian, providing options based on your preferred language.

This detailed review should help you determine if this wine-focused excursion from Chisinau is right for you. It combines education, authentic tasting, and a touch of adventure—perfect for making your Moldova trip truly memorable.