From Chisinau: visit Cricova and Milestii Mici Wineries

Exploring Moldova’s Wine Wonders: A Deep Dive into the Cricova and Milestii Mici Tour

If you’re considering a trip to Moldova and have a soft spot for wine, this tour from Chisinau might just be a highlight. It promises a visit to two of the largest wine cellars in the world, offering an inside look at the country’s prized wine culture. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, the detailed breakdown and reviews paint a pretty compelling picture.

What really stands out are a couple of things: the chance to wander through 120 km of underground galleries at Cricova and explore over 200 km of tunnels at Milestii Mici, which is reportedly the largest wine cellar in the world. Plus, the included tastings—featuring a selection of wines and traditional Moldavian snacks—offer a nice balance of education and indulgence.

On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is the duration of around six hours. That’s a full day, and it involves a fair amount of underground walking—about 80 meters deep—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of physical activity and enclosed spaces.

This tour genuinely appeals to visitors curious about wine’s cultural significance or those wanting to see Moldova’s impressive underground wine infrastructure. Families with older kids who are interested might also find it engaging, but it’s not ideal for very young children or travelers with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Two of the largest wine cellars worldwide: Cricova and Milestii Mici are major attractions for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.
• Comprehensive guided experience: Private tours with expert guides help you understand the winemaking process from grape to bottle.
• Tastings included: You’ll sample a total of 7 wines, including a sparkling wine at Cricova and a red and white, plus Moldavian appetizers.
• Underwater exploration: Expect to traverse about 80 meters underground in golf cart-like vehicles, making the experience accessible and comfortable.
• Well-organized, flexible logistics: Pickups and drop-offs from your hotel, with the option to cancel 24 hours in advance and pay later—great for flexible planning.
• Family-friendly considerations: Not suitable for under 4-year-olds or those with mobility issues, but perfect for adult groups, wine enthusiasts, or cultural explorers.

An In-Depth Look at the Wineries

Cricova Winery: A Legend Beneath the City

Just 14 km north of Chisinau, Cricova is more than just a winery—it’s a museum of wine. Founded in 1952, it has grown into a national treasure that’s recognized well beyond Moldova’s borders. The underground galleries stretch over 120 km, making it one of the most extensive wine collections you can visit.

The tour here is quite engaging. You’ll walk through the Wine Maturation Section, where wine ages in silence, and see the Classic Sparkling Wine Production Section—which is quite a spectacle if you’re into sparkling wine. The highlight, of course, is the tasting, which includes four different wines and a sparkling wine served with local snacks like biscuits and nuts.

The guide’s explanations help you appreciate the craftsmanship behind Moldova’s wine scene. A reviewer mentioned, “Highly recommend,” emphasizing how the guide’s attention made the experience even richer. The underground temperature stays consistent, which is ideal for aging wine, and the ambiance is both cool and fascinating.

Milestii Mici: The Largest Wine Cellar in the World

About 20 km south of Chisinau, Milestii Mici offers a different but equally impressive experience. Known for its 200 km of tunnels and a collection exceeding 2 million bottles, it’s a place where the scale alone leaves an impression. The underground temperature here remains steady at 12-14°C, creating perfect conditions for wine storage year-round.

The guided tour includes a sample of three wines—dry white, dry red, and vintage dessert wine—paired with prosciutto, salami, and other local snacks. The fact that they give you a gift bottle of Univers wine adds a nice touch to the experience.

A reviewer, Ronaldo, called the guide “super attentive,” which suggests you’ll be well looked after and able to ask questions about the winemaking process. The vastness of this cellar gives a sense of the scale of Moldovan wine production, and many visitors find the size and historical depth quite captivating.

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What You Can Expect on the Day

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup, so you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics. Once you arrive, the journey underground begins—first at Cricova, exploring its 120 km of galleries, followed by tasting sessions that are both educational and flavorful.

The Cricova tour lasts about 2.33 hours and includes a visit to different sections, giving you insight into how wine is aged and sparkling wines are produced. It’s a well-rounded experience for those interested in the process, not just the tasting.

Then, you’ll move on to Milestii Mici, about 20 minutes away. Here, the focus shifts slightly to the scale and storage, with a guided tour of the tunnels and a tasting of three specific wines paired with local snacks. This part lasts around 1 hour and 50 minutes.

The entire experience wraps up with a return to Chisinau—so it’s a full day of underground adventure, wine tasting, and culture.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour lasts about 6 hours, so plan your day accordingly. Comfortable shoes are a must—you’re walking through underground tunnels, and in some spots, a golf cart will ferry you around. Dress warmly, as underground temperatures hover between 12-14°C—layers are your friend.

Transportation is included, with hotel pickup and drop-off, making the logistics straightforward. The tour is private, so you won’t be in a large group, which allows for a more relaxed experience and personalized attention.

Pricing seems reasonable considering the inclusions: guided tours, multiple tastings, and a gift bottle from Milestii Mici. The value is definitely there if you’re into wine, culture, or just want a unique experience underground.

Reviews and Real Experiences

Guests clearly enjoy this tour, with a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 based on six reviews. Ioana sums it up with “Highly recommend,” highlighting the overall satisfaction. Ronaldo mentions the “super attentive guide,” which hints at the quality of service and knowledge shared.

One practical tip from reviews is to be prepared for the underground walks and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Most agree that the experience is immersive and well-organized, though it’s a full day and involves some walking and waiting.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy wine or are curious about Moldova’s viticulture. It’s perfect if you want an educational, behind-the-scenes look at some of the world’s biggest wine cellars without the hassle of planning multiple visits.

Those who prefer a relaxed pace, enjoy guided tours, and are curious about wine production will find this tour satisfying. However, it’s not suitable for very young children, individuals with mobility challenges, or anyone uncomfortable in underground spaces.

Final Thoughts

This private tour from Chisinau offers an excellent blend of culture, history, and wine. Visiting Cricova and Milestii Mici provides an insider’s look into Moldova’s proud winemaking tradition—both in terms of scale and craftsmanship. The inclusions of tastings and snacks make it both fun and educational, and the private guide ensures personalized insights.

If you’re a wine lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique experience in Moldova, this tour is worth considering. It’s a chance to explore some of the largest wine cellars in the world without the crowds, and to come away with a deeper appreciation for Moldova’s wine heritage—and a couple of bottles to take home.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really. It’s designed for adults, as it involves walking underground and tasting wine. Children under 4 years old are not permitted.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 6 hours, including transportation, guided tours, and tastings.

Are the tours private?
Yes, this is a private group experience, which means you’ll enjoy a more personalized guide and flexible pace.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential, and since it’s underground, warm clothing is recommended to stay comfortable in the cooler temperatures.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included—no need to worry about getting there or back.

What’s included in the tastings?
At Cricova, four wines and a sparkling wine served with snacks; at Milestii Mici, three wines paired with local appetizers. You also get a gift bottle from Milestii Mici.

Is there anything I should bring?
Bring some cash or cards for souvenirs, but note that souvenirs are not included in the tour price.

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

In the end, if you’re after a balanced, well-organized wine adventure that provides a taste of Moldova’s impressive underground wine infrastructure, this tour is a solid choice. It’s authentic, informative, and offers a memorable experience—perfect for wine enthusiasts or cultural explorers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: