Cricova & Milestii Mici Wineries

If you’re a wine enthusiast visiting Moldova, a tour of the country’s famed underground wine cellars is an absolute must. This experience, rated a perfect 5.0 out of 5 with 22 reviews, offers a deep dive into Moldova’s winemaking heritage by visiting two of its most renowned wineries—Cricova and Milestii Mici. Both sites are treasure troves of history, stunning underground landscapes, and, of course, excellent wines.

What we love most? The underground tunnels, which feel like wandering through a secret city; the knowledgeable guides who bring the stories behind each wine to life; and the delicious tastings paired with snacks that make the experience both educational and enjoyable. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour lasts around six hours, so it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and bring some warm clothing for the underground areas.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers, curious travelers, or those seeking an authentic Moldovan experience. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to explore two iconic wineries with expert guidance and small-group intimacy, this is a solid choice. The only potential downside? The underground tunnels can be chilly, so packing a sweater is recommended.

Good To Know

• Two acclaimed wineries: Cricova and Milestii Mici, offering different but equally fascinating underground experiences.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and friendly, guides enhance the story of Moldova’s winemaking.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify the day.
• Small group size: Ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe.
• A full day: Around six hours, perfect for a leisurely but comprehensive taste of Moldova’s wine scene.
• Great value: Includes tastings, snacks, and transportation, making it a well-rounded experience for the price.

An In-Depth Look at the Cricova & Milestii Mici Wineries Tour

The Journey Begins: Hassle-Free Pickup and Introduction

The experience kicks off with hotel pickup, which takes the hassle out of organizing transportation, especially in a city like Chisinau. The tour operates Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving flexibility to fit into your travel plans. Given the tour’s average booking window of 38 days in advance, it’s wise to reserve early if you want a spot, especially during peak travel seasons.

Cricova: The Underground City of Wine

Cricova is arguably Moldova’s most famous underground wine cellar, often called an underground city due to its labyrinthine tunnels stretching under the city. Visitors are taken into these tunnels via small electric trains—an experience in itself—adding a touch of adventure to the visit.

Once inside, you’ll explore sections dedicated to maturing wines and sparkling varieties. The tunnels, some running as deep as 60 meters underground, maintain a cool climate ideal for aging wine. The tour includes a visit to the National Oenotec, where an impressive collection of wines is stored. You’ll get to see the bottles covered in noble dust—testament to the longevity and storied history of these wines.

The tasting session is often paired with snacks, which enhance the flavors and make for a more relaxed, social experience. Reviewers like Cherokee_K mentioned that guide Mtvarisa was “really nice and caring,” making the tour both fun and informative. She also noted that this experience ignited her desire to return to Moldova, a sentiment shared by many.

Milestii Mici: The World’s Largest Wine Collection

Next, the journey takes you to Milestii Mici, home to the largest underground wine collection in the world—an official Guinness World Record holder. Situated at about 85 meters below ground, the sprawling tunnels stretch over 200 km, but you’ll experience only a fraction of this on the tour.

Here, you walk along dark, cool avenues where enormous barrels rest on the sides and bottles aged for years are stacked like treasures. The atmosphere is distinctly different from Cricova, with a more cavernous, open feeling. The bottles covered in a layer of noble dust are a visual highlight, and the guided tasting gives you insights into the wine-making process, aging, and flavor profiles.

Travelers like dfarinato praised the amazing driver Viktor for punctuality and friendliness, noting that the wineries themselves are “amazing” with “great wines”. The familiarity and expertise of guides like Victoria Birgau—who expertly explained the history and wine details—are often highlighted as a key part of the experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

• Underground Infrastructure: Both wineries are set beneath the earth, creating a unique ambiance and climate that’s ideal for wine storage. The tunnels themselves are an awe-inspiring feature and a major draw.
• Diverse Experience: Cricova offers a more labyrinthine, city-like feel, while Milestii Mici provides a cavernous adventure. Together, they showcase the breadth of Moldova’s wine heritage.
• Guided Tastings and Snacks: The inclusion of snacks alongside tastings helps enhance the wine experience and caters to different palates.
• Expert Guidance: Testimonials emphasize guides’ professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge—adding value to the tour.
• Hassle-Free Logistics: Pickup and drop-off at your hotel mean you can relax and focus on the experience, rather than logistics.

The Practicalities

At $235.25 per person, the tour offers solid value considering the transportation, guide service, two extensive underground visits, tastings, and snacks. It’s best booked about a month in advance, especially if traveling in busy seasons, since the average booking window is around 38 days.

The tour lasts approximately six hours, making it an ideal half-day activity that won’t overly disrupt your schedule. The group size is limited to six travelers, promoting intimacy and allowing guides to answer all your questions.

What to Pack

Remember to bring warm clothes, as underground tunnels tend to be cooler than the surface. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, given the extensive underground walking and exploration involved.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is suited for wine aficionados eager to learn about Moldova’s wine-making traditions, but also caters to casual wine tasters who want a relaxed, guided day exploring underground cellars. It’s perfect for those who appreciate small-group settings and desire a mix of history, culture, and tasting.

If you’re someone who values well-organized tours with knowledgeable guides and enjoys sightseeing combined with wine sampling, this will likely be a highlight of your trip. It’s not ideal for travelers on a tight schedule since it takes a good chunk of the day, but for those wanting an immersive experience, it’s worth every minute.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For lovers of wine and history, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Moldova’s wine heritage—through impressive underground tunnels, a vast collection of bottles, and guided tastings. The inclusion of snacks, hotel pickup, and small group size enhances the overall value and comfort.

If you’re traveling with a curious mindset, eager to see both the grand scale of Milestii Mici and the labyrinths of Cricova, this experience delivers on both fronts. The knowledgeable guides and positive reviews suggest you’ll be in good hands, gaining not just wine but stories and insights that bring Moldova’s winemaking past to life.

On the flip side, if you dislike cold environments or prefer shorter, less involved activities, you might find the six-hour duration a bit long. Still, for most, this tour offers a memorable, educational, and fun adventure into Moldova’s legendary underground wineries.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start and end your day without worries about transportation.

What is the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts approximately six hours, which includes visits to both wineries, tastings, and transportation.

How many people are in each group?
The tour has a maximum of six travelers, providing a small-group atmosphere for personalized attention.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothes, as the underground tunnels tend to be cool, and wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring.

Are snacks included?
Yes, snacks are included with the wine tastings, enhancing the flavors and adding a relaxed, social element.

What wines will I taste?
While specific wines aren’t listed, the tour features tasting sessions in both Cricova and Milestii Mici, including sparkling and mature wines.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are knowledgeable and take time to explain the wines, making it accessible for all levels of wine familiarity.

This tour of Cricova and Milestii Mici is a top pick for anyone wanting an authentic, well-organized, and immersive wine adventure in Moldova.