From Moldova: Tour to Cricova Winery with wine tasting

If you’re planning a trip to Moldova, a visit to Cricova Winery is often at the top of the list. Known for its extensive underground cellars, this winery offers a fascinating mix of history, architecture, and, of course, excellent wines. While we haven’t personally done the tour, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a compelling experience that combines discovery with tasting, all within a compact three-hour window.

What we love about this experience? First, the spectacular underground cellars—a city beneath the earth’s surface. Second, the insider knowledge guides provide, making the tour both informative and engaging. Third, the diversity of wines you get to taste, with four different varieties included in the package. The possible downside? It’s a short tour, so if you’re a true wine enthusiast craving an in-depth experience, you might wish for more time. Still, for those seeking an authentic, well-rounded introduction to Moldova’s wine heritage, this tour is a solid choice.

This experience suits anyone curious about Moldovan culture, lovers of wine, or travelers who appreciate guided insights into local traditions. It also works well for those with limited time but eager to see a top attraction outside Chisinau. Now, let’s explore what makes this tour worth considering.

Good To Know

• Underground City: Cricova’s vast subterranean tunnels resemble a city with streets, warehouses, and tasting rooms.
• Wine Tasting: Includes sampling four different types of wine, offering variety and value.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides help bring the history and process of winemaking to life.
• Transport & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make the experience smooth and hassle-free.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 8 participants) ensure a personal and interactive experience.
• Price & Duration: Three-hour tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and tasting, with flexible booking options.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Cricova Winery Tour

The Underground Cellars — A City Beneath Moldova

One of the most striking features of Cricova is its massive underground network. Spanning several kilometers, these tunnels are more than just storage—they’re a museum of wine with streets named after famous wine varieties like Cabernet, Feteasca, Riesling, and Sauvignon. The tunnels are cool, dimly lit, and echo with history. These cellars are so vast that buses ferry travelers along underground streets, giving the impression of wandering through a subterranean town.

The stunning architecture and layered history are especially appealing for those interested in wine storage techniques and the story of Moldovan wine craftsmanship. The review from Paulina mentions how the tour organizer managed to secure tickets even when online availability was limited, hinting at the popularity of Cricova’s underground marvels.

Guided Tour — Knowledgeable and Friendly Guides

Guides are a highlight for many visitors. They walk you through the history, production process, and unique features of Cricova, making the visit much more than just a stroll through tunnels. The reviews highlight guides who are friendly, well-informed, and eager to share stories, which adds depth to the experience.

Expect to learn about French champagne technology used at Cricova, setting it apart from other local wineries. This aspect is especially interesting for wine aficionados who appreciate traditional production methods.

Wine Tasting — A Flavorful Sampling

The tour includes a wine tasting of four different kinds of wine, which provides a good variety for guests to sample. The wines are typically well-chosen, representing the best of Cricova’s offerings, and are served comfortably in the tasting rooms underground. The tasting is designed for guests to savor and learn about different styles, from sparkling to still wines.

Alexandra’s review simply states, “definitely worth to visit this amazing place,” underscoring the quality of the wine selection. The inclusion of four wines offers good value for money, especially considering the comprehensive tour and transportation included.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Transportation & Convenience

The hotel pickup and drop-off service is a big plus, especially in a city where navigating public transport might be less straightforward for visitors unfamiliar with the area. The tour is designed to be stress-free, with transportation arranged for the group, making it accessible for all.

The small group limit (up to 8 participants) ensures an intimate experience, allowing for more personalized interaction with the guide and fewer crowds.

Tour Duration & Flexibility

At around 3 hours, this tour strikes a balance—it’s long enough to get a meaningful overview without feeling rushed. With the ability to reserve and pay later, travelers can secure their spot with flexibility, a significant advantage given the tour’s popularity.

What to Expect Step-by-Step

Start with Hotel Pickup:
You’ll be collected from your accommodation in Chisinau, easing your journey and ensuring punctuality. The driver is friendly and attentive, as noted by reviewers, and helps you find the meeting point if needed.

Guided Tour of Cricova:
Once at Cricova, the guide leads you through approximately 1.5 hours of sightseeing. You’ll wander through streets like Cabernet and Feteasca, hearing stories about their history and how they’ve preserved Moldova’s winemaking traditions. Expect to see warehouses, tasting rooms, and the massive underground tunnels that resemble a city.

Wine Tasting Break:
After the tour, you’ll have about 40 minutes to enjoy a wine tasting session featuring four different wines. The setting—underground, in cozy tasting rooms—makes for a memorable experience, especially if you’re a fan of wine.

Return to Chisinau:
The driver will drop you back at your hotel, completing a full and satisfying half-day adventure.

Analyzing Value and Practicalities

The cost of this tour includes round-trip transportation, guided tour, entry tickets to Cricova, and the tasting experience. Considering the convenience of hotel pickup and the chance to sample four wines, many travelers find it offers excellent value.

The short duration makes it particularly appealing for those with limited time but still eager to see Moldova’s top-rated winery. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and tailored commentary.

Accessibility & Tips

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll be walking underground.
• Remember, this tour is not suitable for people with motion sickness, given the underground setting.
• The wine tasting is included, but food is not provided, so plan to eat before or after.
• Book in advance, especially since guides and transport are limited, and reviews show it can sell out.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to explore Moldova’s most famous wine cellars. It also suits history buffs interested in the traditional techniques used at Cricova. Travelers seeking convenience and guided insights will appreciate the hotel pickup and small group setting.

If you enjoy guided tours with engaging storytellers, this is a good choice. It’s especially suitable for visitors who want a brief yet comprehensive overview of Moldova’s wine heritage without committing to a full-day tour.

The Cricova Winery tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Moldova’s wine culture, combining stunning underground architecture with tasting and expert storytelling. It’s a great value for its price, especially with the included transportation and small-group intimacy. Visitors will come away with a better understanding of the country’s winemaking traditions, along with some delicious samples to remember the experience.

While it’s short and not overly exhaustive, this tour hits most of the high points—making it ideal for time-constrained travelers or those new to Moldovan wine. The friendly guides, stunning cellar views, and variety of wines make this a memorable visit worth adding to your Moldova itinerary.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Chisinau, making the experience easier to access.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, covering the underground tour plus wine tasting.

How many wines will I taste?
You will sample four different kinds of wine during the tasting session.

Are reservations necessary?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve in advance, especially since spots are limited and the tour can sell out.

Can I pay on the day?
You can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are advised, as you’ll be walking underground and in cooler conditions.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This information isn’t specified, but it’s best for adults, especially given the wine tasting.

Does the tour include food?
No, food isn’t included, so consider eating beforehand.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Romanian, and Russian.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The information doesn’t specify accessibility details, but note that underground tunnels may present challenges.

This Cricova Winery tour offers a delightful peek into Moldova’s wine world, perfect for curious travelers seeking authentic experiences with a touch of adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: