If you’re considering a visit to Moldova, especially for wine lovers, the Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour is often recommended as a must-do experience. Touted as the largest wine collection in the world, this tour offers a fascinating peek into Moldova’s long-standing winemaking traditions, paired with tastings and a walk through some of Europe’s most extensive underground cellars.

From what we’ve gathered, this experience really shines in its knowledgeable guides and the stunning underground landscape, making it a standout. Plus, the chance to sample three different wines, including a vintage dessert wine, makes it a well-rounded outing. However, keep in mind that descending 60 meters underground means you’ll want to be comfortable with cooler temperatures and potentially some tight spaces.

This tour tends to suit travelers who enjoy wine, history, and a bit of adventure — especially those curious about the world’s largest wine collection. It’s also a good pick for anyone wanting a more in-depth experience beyond just tasting bottles in a shop. If you’re after a memorable, immersive wine adventure, the Milestii Mici experience is worth considering.

Key Points

Largest wine collection in the world, with over 1.5 million bottles.
Guided visit to Europe’s biggest underground cellars at 60 meters deep.
Includes tasting three distinct wines, with an option to try a vintage dessert wine.
Paired with delicious appetizers like bruschetta and prosciutto.
Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights.
Suitable for travelers comfortable with cooler, underground temperatures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

When you sign up for this tour, you’re in for a mix of history, flavor, and a bit of underground adventure. The tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup from Chisinau, making the logistics straightforward. Once at Milestii Mici, you’ll descend about 60 meters underground—a cool 12°C in the cellar—so a jacket is definitely recommended. Walking through the vast, dimly lit tunnels, you’ll get a sense of the sheer scale of this underground universe, which holds more than 1.5 million bottles—truly a sight to behold.

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The Cellars and Its Magnitude

What sets this experience apart is the sheer size of the collection. As you explore the underground tunnels, you’ll understand why this site is considered a world record holder. The underground chambers are expansive, and as one reviewer pointed out, the organization and preservation of the wines are impressive. You might find yourself marveling at the stunning views of endless wine racks stretching into the darkness, a testament to Moldova’s longstanding winemaking tradition.

The Tasting Experience

The highlight for many travelers is the wine tasting. You’ll sample three carefully selected wines:
– A White Dry PGI wine, bright and refreshing.
– A Red Dry PGI wine, full-bodied and smooth.
– A Vintage Dessert Wine, perfect for those with a sweet tooth or looking to end the tasting on a high note.

The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing interesting tidbits about each wine’s origins and tasting notes. One review describes the guide as “amazing, so knowledgeable and friendly,” which really enhances the experience.

Appetizers and Pairings

What makes this tasting even more enjoyable are the appetizer options—bruschetta with aubergine cream, zacusca, and cream cheese with prosciutto crudo. These pairings are simple but elevate the tasting, allowing you to appreciate the wines more fully. It’s a relaxed addition that makes the experience feel quite authentic rather than overly commercial.

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A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The tour’s flow is straightforward but well-organized:
– Pickup from Chisinau: The experience starts with a pickup, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.
– Guided tour at Milestii Mici (110 minutes): This includes the descent into the cellars, exploring the underground tunnels, and learning about the winery’s history, traditions, and the sheer scope of the collection.
– Wine tasting and appetizers: After the exploration, you’ll enjoy your three wines paired with tasty appetizers.
– Return to Chisinau: The whole trip lasts about four hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

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Group Size and Guides

The tour is limited to 15 participants, which keeps it intimate and allows for personalized attention. The guides speak English, Romanian, and Russian, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

How Valuable Is This Tour?

When considering the price, think of it as an all-in-one experience: underground exploration, professional guidance, three wines, and food pairings. The value comes in the depth of the experience—you’re not just tasting wines in a shop but walking through historic cellars, learning stories, and having a carefully curated tasting.

One traveler from the US notes, “Natalina was amazing. So knowledgeable and friendly. She went above and beyond.” This kind of personalized, engaging guiding can make a significant difference in how memorable the experience becomes.

The Downsides to Keep in Mind

The main consideration is the underground environment. If you’re sensitive to cooler temperatures or tight spaces, be sure to wear a jacket. The cellars can be a little snug for some, and the 12°C temperature might feel brisk if you’re not prepared. Also, the tour lasts around 2 hours 20 minutes, so it’s slightly longer than some might expect for a quick sightseeing stop.

Another potential downside is the cost relative to a wine shop visit. While the experience offers much more than just tasting, it’s also a paid tour, so if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to weigh whether you prefer a free tasting or a guided immersion.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers who want more than just a tasting in a shop. If you’re interested in learning about Moldovan winemaking traditions and experiencing a record-breaking cellar, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s also a great way to break away from the city for a bit and enjoy a unique underground environment.

Travelers who appreciate guided stories, cultural insights, and the chance to taste a variety of wines along with local appetizers will find this a rewarding outing. And if you’re traveling with someone who enjoys exploring historic sites and drinking good wine, it’s a natural fit.

Final Thoughts

The Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour offers an engaging blend of history, impressive visuals, and delicious wine tasting that’s hard to match. With guides praised for their friendliness and knowledge, you’ll come away with not just a few bottles but a story about Moldova’s cherished winemaking traditions.

While it’s not a quick or free activity, the experience’s depth and uniqueness justify the price for many. It’s especially suited for those keen on exploring Moldova beyond the surface — wine lovers, cultural explorers, and curious travelers who want a memorable, sensory-rich experience underground.

This tour is a solid choice for anyone wanting to add a distinctive wine adventure to their Moldova trip, provided they’re comfortable with underground temperatures and the modest walking involved.

Ready to Book?

Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour INCLUDING Wine tasting

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FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup directly from your hotel in Chisinau, making logistics straightforward. Just provide your exact address.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about four hours, including pickup, the guided underground tour, tasting, and return.

Do I need to wear special clothing?
A jacket is recommended because the wine cellars are kept at a consistent 12°C, which can feel cool, especially if you’re not used to underground environments.

Can I taste more than three wines?
The tour specifically includes tasting three wines—white, red, and a vintage dessert wine. Additional tastings are not part of this experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The information doesn’t specify family suitability, but given the underground environment and tasting focus, it’s probably best suited for adults.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Romanian, and Russian, ensuring good communication for most travelers.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

This tour offers a genuine, memorable slice of Moldovan winemaking tradition and a chance to see one of the most impressive cellar systems in Europe. If you’re ready for underground wine tasting and an educational journey, it’s definitely worth considering during your Moldova trip.