Moldova: Tour Cricova Winery with wine tasting &city tour

Traveling to Moldova and considering a day of wine, history, and local charm? This tour offers a chance to explore one of Europe’s most fascinating wineries and the vibrant capital city, all in just four hours. It’s a quick but comprehensive way to get a taste of Moldova’s best, especially if you’re curious about its wine heritage or want a snapshot of Chisinau.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances underground wine exploration with city sightseeing. You get to walk through over 120 km of underground tunnels, marvel at vintage collections, and enjoy a guided city walk packed with local landmarks. Plus, the small group size and friendly guide make the day feel intimate and personalized.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour isn’t ideal for everyone—especially those who might have mobility issues or prefer longer, more immersive winery visits. It’s a brisk, well-organized overview rather than a deep dive into Moldovan winemaking traditions. Still, for those wanting a cost-effective introduction to Moldova’s wine and city, this tour hits many key notes.

If you’re after a manageable, engaging experience that covers two of Moldova’s top attractions without taking up your entire day, this tour is likely to suit you well.

Key Points

• Underground Wine Cellars: Walk through an extensive network of tunnels featuring vintage wines and sparkling sections.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides help bring the history and process to life.
• Chisinau Landmarks: Highlights include the Stefan cel Mare Park, Cathedral Square, and local boulevards.
• Taste of Four Wines: Enjoy a curated tasting session with four different kinds of Moldovan wine.
• Small Group Format: Tours are limited to 10 people, encouraging interaction and flexibility.
• Convenient Pickup: Included hotel pickup within Chisinau makes logistics simple.

The main attraction here is the Cricova Winery, which isn’t just any vineyard—it’s one of Europe’s most famous and expansive wine cellars. Just a few kilometers outside Chisinau, Cricova isn’t merely a place to taste wine; it’s a journey into an underground city of wine.

As you descend into the tunnels, you’ll quickly realize why this site is considered a national treasure. The winery’s underground network stretches over 120 km of streets, each named after grape varieties like Cabernet, Fetească, Pinot, and Riesling. Walking through these corridors feels like stepping into a mysterious labyrinth, and it’s easy to get lost in the scale and history embedded in the walls.

The guides do a good job of explaining the winemaking process—particularly the use of the French method of champagne production in the sparkling wine section. We loved how they show off elegant tasting halls, vintage collections, and bottles stored for decades. The vintage wine collections offer a glimpse into Moldovan wine’s long-standing tradition and quality.

From the recent reviews, it’s clear that visitors find Cricova impressive. One reviewer called it “an amazing place,” and many mention the best value for money given the experience of exploring such an underground wine city. The tasting experience, which includes four different wines, is particularly appreciated for its quality and variety, making it both educational and enjoyable.

What makes Cricova special?

• The vast network of tunnels and streets makes it more than just a winery; it’s an underground city of wine.
• The vintage collections showcase Moldova’s winemaking history and craftsmanship.
• The sparkling wine section uses traditional French methods, offering a taste of luxury.
• The guided tour adds context and makes the experience engaging, especially for first-time visitors.

After the underground adventure, the tour shifts gears to explore Chisinau, a city that blends modernity with tradition. The one-hour guided city walk is designed to cover the main sights in a relaxed manner.

You’ll pass through iconic spots like the Triumphal Arch and Stefan cel Mare Park, central to Moldova’s national identity. The Cathedral Square is another highlight, offering a glimpse into the spiritual heart of the city. The tour also takes in beautiful boulevards and local landmarks that tell stories of Moldova’s evolving history.

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the city walk both informative and enjoyable. One visitor mentioned that the tour was “very instructive” and that Cricova was “impressive,” so you can expect a well-organized and insightful experience.

While this part of the tour is only an hour, it’s enough to get a sense of Chisinau’s vibe—a city that’s proud of its past but clearly looking toward the future.

Duration: Four hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that fits easily into most travel plans. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, so no fuss about transportation.

Group Size: Small groups, limited to ten, which keeps the experience intimate and allows for more interaction with your guide.

Language: Guides operate in English, Romanian, and Russian—so most travelers should be comfortable with the language options.

Cost & Value: The tour includes transportation, a guided underground tour, wine tasting of four wines, and the city walk. Given the access to Cricova’s extensive underground tunnels, a curated tasting, and city sightseeing, it offers good value for the price.

Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users, mainly because of the underground tunnels and walking involved.

What to bring: Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you’ll be walking quite a bit, especially in the underground tunnels.

Cancellation & flexibility: Free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is great if your plans are still flexible.

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive. One traveler from Poland appreciated how the organizer secured tickets that were sold out on Cricova’s website, adding a personal touch that made the experience smoother. They also valued the friendly driver and the clear communication via WhatsApp.

Another reviewer called the place “impressive” and felt the experience was “definitely worth it,” highlighting the winery’s stunning underground tunnels. Others appreciated the good value and found the guides knowledgeable and engaging.

Most reviews echo the sentiment that Cricova is a must-visit for wine lovers and that the city tour offers a good overview of Chisinau’s highlights. The combination makes this tour particularly appealing for those wanting a balanced, cost-effective introduction to Moldova.

This tour manages to pack a lot into four hours, making it a great choice for travelers who want a quick, immersive experience. You’ll come away with a better understanding of Moldovan wine and its cultural significance, along with a snapshot of its capital city.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided, small-group experiences with friendly hosts. If you’re after a relaxed yet comprehensive taste of Moldova’s treasures, this tour offers good value and memorable sights.

However, if you’re someone looking for a deep dive into wine production or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider longer, more detailed options. But for many, this experience hits just the right notes.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Chisinau are included, making logistics straightforward.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about four hours, including the underground visit, tasting, and city walk.

How many wines will I taste?
You will enjoy a tasting of four different kinds of Moldovan wine.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This isn’t specifically geared toward children, and the underground tunnels may pose challenges. It’s best suited for adults or older teens.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to tunnel and walking requirements.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended because of the walking and underground exploration.

Is this tour good for wine enthusiasts?
Absolutely. The vintage collections, sparkling wine section, and guided tasting make it enjoyable even for seasoned wine lovers.

Is the city tour worth it?
Yes, it offers a nice overview of Chisinau’s main sights in a short amount of time, perfect for a quick introduction.

This tour offers a solid, well-organized way to experience Moldova’s wine heritage and capital city without overextending your schedule. It’s practical, engaging, and gives you a taste of what makes Moldova special—especially if you love wine and city strolls.