Iasi offers more than just its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene—it’s also a fantastic base for wine lovers eager to explore. The region’s proximity to Moldova’s famous Cricova Winery makes it easy to combine history, culture, and a good glass of wine in one trip. Whether you’re interested in tasting top-tier wines underground in Moldova’s famed cellars or sampling local varieties at a nearby vineyard, Iasi has options worth your while. Our favorite? The full-day trip across the border to Moldova, where you’ll visit the underground caves of Cricova and explore Chisinau’s landmarks. It combines history, wine, and a touch of adventure. To see what a full day on the Moldovan side looks like, check out this full-day Moldova wine tour.
Beyond Moldova, Iasi itself provides excellent local tasting experiences, like the half-day Gramma Wine Tasting Tour, where you’ll discover Romanian wines right in the hills surrounding the city. For travelers with limited time, these shorter experiences still deliver authentic tastes of the region. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at the best wine tours from Iasi, from full-day cross-border adventures to intimate local tastings.
1. Day trip to Republic of Moldova – visit Chisinau and Cricova Winery
This private, full-day tour takes you across the border into Moldova, where history, wine, and Soviet-era architecture collide. For around $303.51 per person, you’ll spend about 11 to 12 hours exploring Chisinau’s highlights and underground wine cellars. The tour is perfect if you’re keen on a comprehensive experience that mixes cultural sights with wine tasting in legendary caves.
Your day begins with visits to Capriana Monastery, a historic religious site patronized by Moldova’s rulers, including Stefan the Great. Next, the tour moves through Chisinau’s Soviet-inspired cityscape, with stops at landmarks like the Arc of Triumph and Alexander Pushkin’s exile house, offering a glimpse into Moldova’s layered past. The highlight is Cricova Winery, a sprawling underground city at depths of 50–80 meters, featuring tunnels wide enough for vehicles—a true underground labyrinth. Here, you’ll tour the cellars, learn about wine production, and sample wines enjoyed by European dignitaries, including Vladimir Putin.
Many reviewers praise Florin, the guide, for his knowledge and friendly attitude—”a perfect day” according to one. The tour’s value lies not only in the wine but in the chance to experience Moldova’s unique blend of history, politics, and viniculture firsthand.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in a full immersion into Moldovan culture and wine, this tour offers excellent value and memorable sights.
2. Day trip to Moldova – visit Chisinau and Cricova Winery
This slightly shorter and more affordable option, costing about $288 per person, offers a well-rounded day exploring Moldova’s capital and its wine heritage. With a duration of approximately 10 hours, it’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of Moldova without a full-day commitment. The tour emphasizes cultural highlights like the Capriana Monastery and provides an introduction to Moldova’s wine scene with tastings included.
The guide, Iulian, is described as knowledgeable and fun, making the journey engaging and relaxed. Though this tour doesn’t go as deeply underground as the Cricova visit in Tour #1, it still offers a solid overview of Moldova’s religious, historic, and culinary attractions.
It’s especially suited for those traveling on a tighter schedule or travelers seeking a more intimate experience with a friendly guide. The balance of sightseeing and wine tasting provides good value, with reviews noting how smoothly everything runs and how interesting the stops are.
Bottom Line: A practical choice for a shorter, budget-friendly Moldova experience that combines cultural sights with wine tasting.
3. Half-Day Gramma Wine Tasting Tour in Iasi
For those staying in Iasi and wanting a quick yet authentic wine experience, this half-day tour offers a delightful introduction to Romanian wines. Costing just over $140 per person, it lasts about 4 to 5 hours and is ideal for travelers focused on local flavors rather than a full-day adventure.
You’ll visit Gramma Winery, an innovative vineyard less than 10 km from Iasi. Here, you’ll learn about the local wine styles, including the winery’s unique approach—like their NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and labels designed by artist Horatiu Malaele. After a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, you’ll enjoy tasting three different wines, gaining insight into what makes Romanian wines special.
Following the tasting, your guide will take you on a panoramic tour of Iasi’s most important attractions, including the Palace of Culture, Orthodox Cathedral, and University. This gives a nice finish, combining local wine with a quick city overview.
This tour is perfect if you want to indulge in local wine without leaving the city or spending a whole day. Reviewers love the personal attention and the chance to see Iasi from a different perspective.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for wine enthusiasts who want a relaxed, local experience with a short sightseeing component.
How to Choose Your Best Wine Tour
When selecting the right wine experience, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If a full-day adventure crossing into Moldova excites you, the day trip to Chisinau and Cricova offers a deep dive into underground wine caves and historical sights. For a more budget-conscious option, the shorter Moldova tour still covers main highlights and provides a taste of the country’s culture. If staying in Iasi and sticking to local wines appeals more, the half-day Gramma Wine Tasting delivers a modern, boutique experience without the travel.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak tourist seasons, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Think about your preferred pace—are you happy spending 11 hours on a border-crossing tour, or do you prefer a quick local tasting? Both options promise authentic, memorable wine experiences that showcase the best of what Iasi and Moldova have to offer.
To sum it up, Iasi provides a variety of wine tours that cater to different interests and schedules. Whether you want to explore Moldova’s underground cellars in full day trips or enjoy a relaxed tasting in the city, there’s something for all. For wine lovers eager to combine history, politics, and great wine, the full-day Moldovan tours stand out. Meanwhile, local tasting experiences let you savor Romanian wines with minimal fuss. Whatever you choose, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable sips. Cheers to a flavorful journey from Iasi!