CRICOVA Winery tour with tasting from Chisinau

Exploring Moldova’s Underground Wonder: A Detailed Look at the Cricova Winery Tour with Tasting

If you’re planning a trip to Moldova, a visit to Cricova Winery is pretty much a must. This isn’t just any winery — it’s an underground city carved out of limestone, stretching about 120 km beneath the ground, full of winding streets, cellars, and wine storage vaults. Based on reviews and descriptions, this tour offers a rare peek into one of Moldova’s most iconic attractions, especially for wine lovers.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the fascinating underground maze of tunnels that resembles a city with streets named after wines like Cabernet and Feteasca. Second, the quality of the wine tasting — included in the tour — which gives you a chance to sample some of Moldova’s best wines in a truly unique setting.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour lasts about 4 hours, and is best suited for those who enjoy learning about wine and history, or simply want a memorable experience underground. If you’re after a quick visit or aren’t interested in wine, this might not be the right fit. But if you like immersive experiences with a touch of adventure, this one’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Private transportation makes it easy to get to and from Cricova without hassle.
• The guided tour offers a personalized experience in a small group.
• You’ll taste three types of high-quality wines, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts.
• Tours are offered in multiple languages, including English, Russian, and Japanese.
• The underground city is an impressive sight, with streets named after different wines.
• The tour is best booked 10 days in advance for availability, and costs $229 per person.

What to Expect from the Cricova Winery Tour

Deciding whether this tour is right for you hinges on understanding what’s actually included and the kind of experience you’ll get. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel in Chisinau, the journey to Cricova feels like stepping into a different world. The private transport ensures a smooth start, and with a maximum group size of just 10 travelers, you’re set for a more intimate, personalized experience.

The highlight of this tour is, without doubt, the underground city of Cricova. Once underground, you’re greeted by broad streets with names like Cabernet, Feteasca, Pinot, and Sauvignon, each representing the wine stored in the nearby cellars. These tunnels resemble a cityscape, complete with warehouses and tasting rooms, which gives it a distinctive charm. As one reviewer, Juha_M, described it as “an essential place to visit while in Moldova,” highlighting how memorable and important Cricova is for anyone exploring the country.

Since the cellars employ classic French champagne wine production techniques, Cricova is a standout region for wine quality. Here, the underground environment helps in aging and preserving the wines, making the tasting experience even more special.

The Route and Highlights of the Tour

Once you’re underground, the tour guides usually take you through the maze of tunnels, explaining the history and significance of Cricova. You’ll walk along broad streets like Riesling and Aligote, which are not just names but actual parts of the underground architecture and storage system. The sense of walking through a wine city carved from limestone is very real, making this tour as much about the environment as the wine itself.

The wine tasting is carefully curated. You’ll taste three types of wines, carefully selected to showcase Moldova’s rich winemaking tradition. Several reviews emphasize the quality of the wines, with Juha_M mentioning the tour as “very interesting,” likely partly due to the chance to sample fine wines in such an extraordinary setting.

While the price of $229 might seem high to some, it’s worth considering that this includes private transportation, a guided experience, and the wine tasting. The exclusivity of a private tour and the chance to explore the largest wine collection in Moldova makes it a good value for wine lovers or travelers seeking a memorable highlight.

The Atmosphere and Views

One of the most praised aspects is the stunning underground visuals. You’ll walk through wide, well-lit tunnels that look more like a subterranean city than a traditional cellar. The wide streets, broad avenues, and different wine zones give a real sense of scale and craftsmanship. Juha_M’s review highlights that Cricova is “the biggest cellars in the whole world,” and the underground streets with their names evoke a feeling of stepping into a wine-themed labyrinth.

The tour’s atmosphere is relaxed but informative, making it suitable for those who want to learn about Moldova’s wine traditions without feeling rushed. The cool underground air adds to the sense of adventure, and the views inside are truly captivating, especially when tasting wines in their respective “neighborhoods.”

Practicalities and Tips

• Booking in advance (about 10 days ahead) is recommended, as tours tend to fill up quickly.
• The tour duration of around 4 hours means you should be prepared for a fairly relaxed pace, with plenty of time for tasting and exploring.
• Transportation is private and included, simplifying logistics and making the experience comfortable.
• The tour is available in multiple languages, so check in advance if you need English, Russian, or Japanese.
• Lunch isn’t included, so plan to eat before or after — the tour is focused on the underground and wine tasting.
• Cancellation policy is flexible — you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

The top-rated review from Juha_M captures the essence of this experience: “An essential place to visit while in Moldova.” It underlines how Cricova isn’t just a winery but a cultural and historical icon. The fact that it’s considered a highlight by visitors speaks volumes about its appeal.

Another traveler’s perspective emphasizes the ease of booking and the value of a private, guided experience, making it clear that this tour is particularly suited for those who prefer to explore with expert guidance and minimal fuss.

Is This Tour for You?

If you’re excited by the idea of exploring a massive underground wine city and sampling some of Moldova’s best wines, this tour will definitely appeal. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts and travelers wanting a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s also a great choice if you value comfort and personalized service, given the private transportation and small group size.

However, if you’re not a fan of wine or prefer outdoor adventures, this might not hit the mark. The focus is very much on the underground experience and tasting, rather than physical activity or outdoor sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long is the tour?
  It lasts approximately 4 hours, giving ample time to explore and enjoy the tastings.

• What is included in the price?
  Private transportation, a guided tour, and tasting of three different wines are included.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

• Is the tour suitable for non-Russian speakers?
  Yes, the tours are offered in English, Russian, and Japanese, so check with the provider to confirm language availability.

• How far in advance should I book?
  On average, 10 days ahead is recommended, as tours are popular and tend to fill quickly.

• Are meals included?
  No, lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.

• Is this experience family-friendly?
  The tour is primarily about wine and underground exploration, so while not specifically geared toward children, older teens with interest in wine or history might enjoy it.

• What’s the best way to get to Cricova?
  The tour includes private pickup from selected hotels in Chisinau, making it easy to start the adventure.

• Is the underground cool?
  Yes, the underground environment is cool and comfortable, which makes wandering through the tunnels pleasant.

• What makes Cricova special?
  Cricova is home to the second-largest wine collection in Moldova and boasts the world’s biggest cellars, making it a truly impressive site.

All in all, this Cricova Winery tour offers a compelling glimpse into Moldova’s wine culture within an astonishing underground setting. It’s ideal for those who want to combine learning, tasting, and visual marvels into one memorable experience. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just curious about Moldova’s unique underground city, this tour promises a blend of history, flavor, and stunning sights that won’t disappoint.