Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour INCLUDING Wine tasting

If you’re in Chisinau and craving a taste of Moldova’s renowned wine culture, the Milestii Mici Underground Winery Tour is worth considering. We haven’t personally been on this tour, but from what travelers rave about and the detailed info available, it looks like an experience that combines fascinating history, impressive scenery, and quality wine in a relaxed, hassle-free package.

What really hooks us is how this tour offers guided exploration of the world’s largest underground wine cellars — over 200 km of tunnels, some holding bottles dating back to 1968. Plus, the fact that your driver handles all the logistics means you’re free to concentrate on the wine and sights. Another highlight? The generous tastings paired with local Moldovan snacks, giving you a genuine taste of the country’s wine tradition.

A key point to consider, though, is the tour length—at just about 4 hours, it’s a decent half-day, but if you’re a serious wine enthusiast or want a more in-depth experience, you might find it slightly on the shorter side. This tour seems perfect for those who want a relaxed, scenic, and informative outing—whether you’re a wine lover or just curious about Moldova’s unique underground wine culture.

Let’s walk through what makes this experience stand out, what you can expect at each stop, and why it might be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Impressive Underground Cellars: Over 200 km of tunnels holding millions of bottles, some dating back over 50 years.
• Wine Tasting & Local Snacks: Enjoy three different Moldovan wines paired with traditional appetizers like bruschetta and zacusca.
• Hassle-Free Transport: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Chisinau, making logistics one less thing to worry about.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides ensure you learn about Moldovan wine and culture along the way.
• Relaxed Pace: About 4 hours total—ideal for a half-day trip that fits into most travel schedules.
• Great for Social Groups: The shared experience, group discounts, and small size (up to 15 travelers) make it friendly and intimate.

The Itinerary: From Chisinau to the Underground Cellars and Back

Stop 1: Meet in Chisinau

The tour kicks off with a prompt hotel pickup in Chisinau, which, based on reviews, runs smoothly and on time. The driver isn’t just a chauffeur but also a wealth of local info, giving you insight into Chiinu’s surroundings and history during the 40-minute drive. This part of the experience is often appreciated, especially by travelers who enjoy learning a little on the way—something that several reviews highlight.

Stop 2: Milestii Mici Underground Cellars

Once at the winery, you’ll explore the largest underground cave network in the world—an impressive feat officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Expect to walk along vast tunnels at about 85 meters underground, where massive barrels and bottles rest on shelves, some covered with “noble dust,” adding a romantic, apocalyptic charm.

Visitors often describe the cool, dark ambiance as memorable—think of walking through a sprawling, mysterious labyrinth filled with history and thousands of bottles awaiting their moment. As one reviewer puts it, “Once we arrived and hopped on the electric trains to drive through the tunnels,” which adds an element of fun and novelty to the visit. The tunnels are quite expansive, with over 50 km of wine galleries, so the scale is enough to impress even seasoned travelers.

The guide explains the indigenous varietals and the story behind the winery, enriching the visit. Many reviews praise guides like Natalia for their knowledgeable and friendly demeanor—making the experience both educational and engaging. You’ll see vintage bottles, some dating back over five decades, and get a real sense of Moldova’s deep wine roots.

Stop 3: Return to Chisinau

After roughly two hours underground, your driver will escort you back to Chisinau—another 40-minute drive. Many travelers find this return trip a good chance to reflect on what they’ve seen and tasted.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The price of $124.51 per person covers quite a bit. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a significant perk, especially if you’re staying centrally. The transport is private, so no waiting around for large groups or public transit. The guided tour of the cellars is organized and informative, often highlighted as a highlight in reviews.

The wine tastings are a major draw—three wines paired with traditional Moldovan appetizers. The snacks are described as well-curated, with options like bruschetta topped with aubergine cream, zacusca, and cream cheese with prosciutto. Many reviewers mention enjoying the delicious food, which complements the wine perfectly.

However, it’s worth noting that lunch isn’t included. If you’re a big eater or want a full meal afterward, you might want to plan for that separately. Also, some reviewers comment that the tour duration feels a bit shorter than expected, especially if you’re eager to spend more time sampling wines or exploring.

The Experience: What You’ll Feel and See

The highlight, for most, will be the awe-inspiring underground tunnels. Walking through the cooled galleries, you’ll notice the stately wine barrels and rows of bottles covered with dust, waiting patiently. The guides typically share stories about the winery’s history, growth, and unique features, making the visit lively and informative.

You’ll also love the wine tastings—each sip offering a taste of Moldova’s signature flavors. Reviewers call the wines “exquisite,” and many appreciate that they could indulge freely since the driver was handling the logistics. The pairing snacks add a savory touch, making the tasting feel like a well-curated experience rather than just a quick sip.

The electric trains that ferry visitors through tunnels are often mentioned as a fun and efficient way to see more of the cellar, illustrating just how expansive this underground complex really is.

The Value: Is It Worth the Price?

At around $125, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that combines transportation, expert guidance, a walk through impressive underground vaults, and multiple tastings with snacks. For wine lovers, especially those interested in Moldovan varietals and history, it’s a solid deal.

Many reviews suggest that the guides are a standout feature, providing fascinating insights and ensuring everyone feels comfortable and engaged. The convenience of hotel pickup and private transport adds considerable value, removing logistical concerns.

While the tour doesn’t include a full meal and is relatively short, the quality of the experience and the unique setting make it a worthwhile outing. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and educational day that offers a taste of Moldova’s wine heritage, this tour hits the right notes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers wanting an authentic Moldovan outing. It’s also suitable for small groups or couples looking for an intimate, guided adventure in a stunning setting. If you’re traveling solo, reviews indicate guides like Natalia are attentive and personable, making the experience even more enjoyable.

It’s less suited for those seeking a long, in-depth wine tasting or a full-day vineyard tour—this is more of a curated, scenic, half-day experience. Also, if you’re not comfortable underground or with walking tours, keep in mind the tunnels are quite expansive.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Chisinau, which many travelers find very convenient.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, tour, and tastings. The underground part alone is about two hours.

What’s the price?
The tour costs around $124.51 per person, which covers transport, guide, and wine tastings. Lunch isn’t included.

Are there group discounts?
Yes, group discounts are available, and the tour is designed for smaller groups of up to 15 travelers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are best, especially for walking through the tunnels. The underground temperature is cool, so bring a light jacket if you tend to get cold.

Can I bring my own wine home?
Many travelers leave their wine at the hotel because it might be heavy to carry, but the tour provides a bottle of wine each to take away.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the underground tunnels and wine tasting are generally geared toward adult travelers.

What is included in the price?
The cost includes guided tour, wine tastings, snacks, and transportation.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the underground wine cellars are indoors, the tour is not affected by poor weather. If the experience is canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a unique, scenic, and educational experience in Moldova, this underground winery tour offers a lot of value. It combines impressive sights—vast tunnels filled with bottles—with authentic Moldovan wine tasting and snacks, all in a relaxed setting with convenient transport.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want to enjoy a guided, small-group experience without the hassle of organizing transportation or navigating underground tunnels on their own. The knowledgeable guides and the stunning underground scenery make this a memorable outing, perfect for wine lovers or those curious about Moldova’s little-known treasures.

While it’s not a deep-dive into winemaking or a full-day vineyard tour, it’s a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that captures the spirit of Moldova’s wine culture. If that sounds appealing, this tour could become a highlight of your trip.