Milestii Mici is the largest cellars of wine in the World! tour

If you’re dreaming of tasting some truly unique wines in Eastern Europe, a visit to Moldova’s Milestii Mici is an experience you won’t want to miss. This tour offers much more than just a glass of wine — it’s a journey through the world’s largest wine collection, set in an extraordinary underground cellar. While I haven’t taken this tour personally, I’ve gathered plenty of insights that can help you decide if it fits your travel style.

Two things that stand out about this experience are its personalized approach and the chance to explore an underground city of wine. The private guide makes the journey feel tailored, giving you a deeper understanding of Moldovan wine culture. Plus, wandering through streets named after famous wine varieties like Cabernet and Merlot is pretty unforgettable. That said, the tour is quite structured, so if you’re after a more spontaneous wine adventure, this might feel a bit curated.

A key consideration is the price point — $89 per person — which, when you factor in tastings, a private driver, snacks, and a gift of wine, offers good value. However, it’s on the longer side for a half-day outing, so if you’re tight on time, plan accordingly. This tour best suits those who love wine, are curious about Moldova’s heritage, and enjoy a comfortable, well-organized experience.

Key Points

• Largest wine collection worldwide: Guaranteed to impress even seasoned wine lovers.
• Private, personalized tour: Guides tailor the experience to your interests.
• Underground wine city: Explore streets named after famous wine varieties.
• Tasting experience: Sample 3–4 premium wines, paired with local snacks.
• Comfort and convenience: Pickup, private car, and scenic countryside views.
• Good value for the price: Includes tastings, snacks, bottled water, and a gift bottle of wine.

The whole idea of visiting Milestii Mici is about seeing something extraordinary. With the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection, this isn’t just a cellar — it’s a sprawling underground world that stretches over 200 kilometers of tunnels. While you won’t explore all of it, the part of the cellar open to visitors makes a compelling, almost surreal experience.

What to Expect from the Tour Itinerary

Starting in Chisinau

Your journey kicks off with pickup from your accommodation in Chisinau, which is a real plus because it takes the hassle out of organizing transport. The drive is about 20 km south, and your guide uses this time to introduce you to Moldova’s rich wine culture and give context about Milestii Mici’s fame. Expect a relaxed 30-minute ride with some interesting tidbits about local wine traditions and the history of the cellar.

Arrival and Introduction

Once you arrive, the staff greets you with a quick overview of what makes this place a Guinness World Record holder. It’s a brief but informative intro that sets the stage for what’s to come. The entrance is unassuming, but as you step inside, the scale of the underground tunnels is immediately apparent.

Exploring the Underground Wine City

This is the highlight of the experience. You’ll walk through streets named after wine types like Cabernet, Merlot, and Pinot. The environment is cool and humid, with a consistent temperature of about 12-14°C, ideal for wine storage. It’s fascinating to see some of the rare vintage bottles and collections dating back decades, all stored in a way that preserves their quality.

Tasting and Food Pairings

After the walk, you’ll settle into a tasting hall within the cellar. Here, the guide will lead you through a tasting of 3 to 4 premium wines, which include reds, whites, and dessert varieties. The wines are carefully selected, and the guide provides tasting notes and tips for food pairings. Local snacks like cheese, bread, and cured meats are included, enhancing your appreciation of the wines.

Relaxed Return to Chisinau

After the tasting, your driver will take you back, offering scenic views of the Moldovan countryside. It’s a peaceful way to end the tour, giving you time to reflect on the experience. The entire process lasts between three and four hours, making it a manageable half-day adventure.

What We Loved About the Experience

Many travelers have shared glowing reviews. One standout aspect is the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. As Andrew_D notes, guides spoke excellent English and offered insights not only into the wine but also into Moldova’s politics, customs, and culture. This added depth makes the experience feel personal rather than just a touristy stop.

The selection of wines is another plus. You can expect to taste high-quality, well-curated wines that showcase Moldova’s wine-making prowess. The pairing snacks were also praised, with visitors appreciating the local cheese and meats that complement the wines perfectly.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, it’s worth noting that the tour is quite structured and includes a lot of time in the underground cellar. For those who prefer spontaneous wine tastings or a more flexible schedule, this might feel a bit rigid. Also, since the tour is about 3 to 4 hours, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a longer half-day activity.

Pricing and Value

At $89 per person, the tour seems fairly priced considering the inclusions: private transport, guided tastings, snacks, bottled water, and a gift bottle of wine. If you’re a wine enthusiast or curious about Moldova’s wine heritage, the experience offers good bang for your buck. The fact that it’s a private tour also adds value, making the experience more intimate and tailored.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an educational and relaxed way to experience Moldovan wine culture. It suits those interested in history, wine lovers, or anyone who appreciates a well-organized, comfortable outing. It’s also a good option if you prefer exploring with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy tasting premium wines in a cool, atmospheric setting.

If you’re visiting Moldova and have even a mild interest in wine, the Milestii Mici tour is a solid choice. It offers a blend of impressive sights, expert-guided tastings, and the chance to walk through what’s essentially an underground wine city. The personalized touch and scenic drive make it more than just a cellar visit — it’s an immersive experience.

While it’s a bit on the structured side, the quality of the guide, the selection of wines, and the memorable setting make this tour stand out. It’s particularly well-suited to those who want a relaxed, educational, and immersive wine experience without feeling rushed.

For anyone looking to explore Moldovan wine beyond the vineyards, this tour offers a comprehensive look into what makes Moldova a rising star in the wine world. Just remember, booking a few days in advance is recommended to secure your spot and ensure a smooth experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is focused on wine tasting and underground exploration, so it’s mainly geared towards adults. Children might find the underground tunnels less engaging, and tastings are reserved for those over legal drinking age.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3 to 4 hours, including pickup, touring, tasting, and return. It’s a comfortable half-day activity.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, a private driver picks you up from your accommodation and takes you back, ensuring a smooth and relaxed journey.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers private transport, guided tour, tastings of 3-4 premium wines, local snacks, bottled water, and a gift bottle of wine.

Is there a free cancellation option?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some peace of mind with your booking.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers, making it more intimate and personalized.

Are the guides fluent in English?
Yes, guides are noted to speak excellent English, offering insightful commentary throughout the experience.

Can I visit other Moldovan wineries or sights?
This specific tour focuses on Milestii Mici; however, the website offers other tours like Cricova Winery and Old Orhei, which you might find interesting.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While kids aren’t the focus, families with older children interested in wine and underground tours might enjoy it. The underground tunnels may not be ideal for very young children.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 6 days ahead, especially during peak season, to secure their spot.

This tour offers a memorable, well-organized way to understand Moldova’s wine heritage, set against a backdrop like no other. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone keen to see the world’s largest wine collection and enjoy a relaxed, guided tasting in a scenic, historical setting.