Traveling through Moldova isn’t complete without exploring its renowned wine culture, and this private tour offers a perfect way to do just that. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about Moldova’s most famous exports, this experience promises memorable underground adventures, tastings, and insider insights.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to wander through underground galleries stretching over 120 km of Cricova’s tunnels—a true maze of wine storage and production. Second, the opportunity to sample a selection of four wines and a sparkling wine in Cricova, paired with local snacks that highlight Moldovan flavors. Lastly, visiting Milestii Mici to witness the largest wine cellar in the world with over 2 million bottles, where you’ll taste three different wines alongside a curated platter of traditional appetizers.
One possible consideration? The tour lasts around six hours, so it’s best suited for those with a reasonable level of energy and interest in wine. If you prefer more leisurely, less packed excursions, this might feel slightly brisk, especially if you want to savor each moment.
This tour is ideal for travelers who love discovering authentic local traditions, enjoy wine tasting, and value guided experiences that combine education with enjoyment. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Moldova’s vinicultural heritage.
Good To Know
- Underground Marvels: Walk through the extensive tunnels of Cricova and Milestii Mici, each offering a unique underground world of wine.
- Expert Guidance: Learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle with knowledgeable guides.
- Taste the Best: Sample a variety of wines, including sparkling options, paired with local snacks and appetizers.
- Comprehensive Experience: Visit the wine collection, production sections, and tasting complexes of both wineries.
- Comfortable Transportation: Enjoy hotel pickup, drop-off, and private transport for a hassle-free day.
- Authentic Insights: Gain a deeper appreciation of Moldova’s wine heritage from professionals in the field.
A Deep Dive into the Wineries
This tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Moldova’s vinicultural prowess. Starting with Cricova, you’ll venture 14 km north of Chisinau into a world of underground corridors that have been in operation since 1952. Cricova’s 120 km of underground galleries aren’t just functional—they’re a spectacle. The tunnels are used for aging wine, and walking through them feels like entering a secret city dedicated to viticulture.
Your private guide will lead you through the Wine Maturation Section, where barrels and bottles rest in controlled conditions. The Classic Sparkling Wine Production Section provides insights into Moldova’s sparkling wine craftsmanship, a tradition that’s been perfected over decades. The visit culminates in a tasting session—four wines plus a sparkling wine—complemented by local snacks like nuts and biscuits, which enhance the flavors and give you a true taste of Moldovan hospitality.
Next, the tour moves to Milestii Mici, located about 20 km south of Chisinau, in the Ialoveni district. This winery isn’t just notable for its size but for its staggering 200 km of underground tunnels—the longest wine cellar in the world. The collection of over 2 million bottles makes it a true vault of wine history.
Here, you’ll walk through the National Collection and Tasting Complex, where bottles are meticulously stored and displayed. The underground temperature stays a steady 12-14°C, ideal for aging wine naturally. During your visit, you’ll get to sample three wines—a dry white, a dry red, and a vintage dessert wine—paired with an assortment of Prosciutto crudo, salami, carpaccio, breadsticks, nuts, and prunes.
Reviewers have highlighted the value of this experience—Ioana calls it “highly recommend,” praising the tour’s depth and the insight provided. Ronaldo appreciated the “super attentive guide,” which makes all the difference when navigating such extensive underground worlds.
What to Expect from the Tour
The experience begins with hotel pickup in Chisinau, where a comfortable vehicle transports you directly to the wineries. The entire day is structured to maximize your time and learning, with stops at both Cricova and Milestii Mici, each offering approximately 2.3 hours and 1 hour 50 minutes respectively.
Within Cricova, you’ll get a private guided tour of the cellars, with visits to the Wine Maturation and Sparkling Wine sections. As you walk or glide around in golf carts—used to traverse the underground streets—you’ll learn about the winemaking process, from grape harvest to bottling, in a setting that feels almost like a subterranean museum.
At Milestii Mici, the focus shifts to the vastness of their cellars and the bottle collection. The guided tour here emphasizes the scale and history of their wine storage, giving you visual and tactile insights into Moldova’s wine craftsmanship.
Taste testing is woven throughout the experience, and the pairing of wines with local snacks provides a genuine taste of Moldova. The inclusion of a bottle of Univers wine as a gift adds a special touch, giving you a souvenir to remember the trip.
The experience wraps up with a return to Chisinau, feeling full of new knowledge, beautiful sights, and, of course, a glass or two of excellent wine.
Practical Details & Tips
Transportation and Comfort: The tour includes private transport and hotel pickup/drop-off, making logistics simple and stress-free. The journey between wineries is comfortable, and the underground walks are accessible with golf carts, but be prepared for about 80 meters of walking underground.
Duration and Timing: The entire experience lasts roughly 6 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability. It’s wise to arrive in comfortable shoes and dress warmly, as underground temperatures hover between 12-14°C.
Pricing & Value: For the price, you’re getting a comprehensive tour—guided walk, tastings, transportation, and souvenirs—all in a setting that’s both educational and sensory. The cost reflects the private, personalized nature of the experience, which typically offers better value than larger group tours.
Who Will Enjoy This? Wine lovers, history buffs, or anyone curious about Moldova’s culture will find this tour compelling. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate guided experiences that combine education, tasting, and authentic local flavor.
FAQs
Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and you should wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
How long do the underground visits last? The Cricova tour is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the Milestii Mici visit lasts around 1 hour 50 minutes, totaling roughly 6 hours for the full experience.
Are there any age restrictions? The tour is not suitable for children under 4, and it’s best for those who are comfortable with walking underground and in enclosed spaces.
What languages are guides available in? The tour offers guides in English, Romanian, and Russian, ensuring a comfortable experience for diverse travelers.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues? No, it’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the underground nature and walking involved.
What’s included in the price? You’ll receive transportation, guided tours of both wineries, entry tickets, tastings of multiple wines, local snacks, water, and a gift bottle of wine from Milestii Mici.
Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyFinal Thoughts
This private tour of Cricova and Milestii Mici provides a compelling journey into Moldova’s wine world, blending underground exploration, expert-led tasting sessions, and local culinary delights. It’s especially good for those who want an in-depth, guided experience without the hassle of organizing multiple visits themselves.
The combination of size, history, and taste makes it a standout for wine aficionados and curious travelers alike. The personalized aspect, along with the convenience of hotel pickup and private transport, ensures a smooth, immersive day from start to finish.
If you’re after a genuine taste of Moldova’s vinicultural pride—paired with fascinating underground sights—this tour is hard to beat. It offers remarkable value, authentic experiences, and plenty of photo-worthy moments that will stay with you long after the bottles are empty.
This tour appeals most to those who appreciate quality over quantity, enjoy learning about local traditions, and want a memorable, well-organized wine adventure that captures the spirit of Moldova’s famous cellars.
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