Old Orhei is a captivating place to explore, especially if you’re interested in Moldova’s unique wine culture. The region’s ancient cave monasteries, underground wine cellars, and picturesque villages make for memorable day trips that blend history, natural beauty, and delicious wine. We particularly love tours that combine the cultural heritage of Old Orhei with visits to iconic wineries like Cricova or Branesti, offering travelers a taste of Moldova’s renowned wine-making traditions along with fascinating sights. Whether you’re a history lover, a wine connoisseur, or just looking for a scenic getaway, these tours give you a well-rounded experience.
In this list, you’ll find a mix of full-day excursions, specialized wine tastings, and shorter eco-friendly tours. Some focus on visiting cave monasteries, others on sampling Moldova’s best wines at historic cellars, and a few combine both with local culinary highlights. Want to see the full range? Check out the options below to find your perfect fit.
1. Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei and Cricova Winery (Optional)
At number 1, this 8-hour full-day trip offers a fantastic overview of Moldova’s religious sites, ancient history, and wine culture. Starting from Chisinau, you’ll visit the spectacular Cave Monastery of Old Orhei, which is as much an archaeological wonder as a spiritual one. Then, you’ll explore the Curchi Monastery, the country’s largest monastic complex, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful grounds.
The highlight, however, is the underground Cricova wine cellars — a true underground “wine city” stretching for miles beneath the city of Chisinau. Here, you can walk through massive tunnels lined with millions of bottles, and enjoy a comprehensive wine tasting. The tour includes visits to the traditional village of Butuceni, where you can experience Moldova’s rural charm firsthand. With Oleg’s friendly guidance, visitors rave about the knowledgeable and personable nature of the tour, making it a favorite for those wanting a rich, varied experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a full day of diverse highlights — from monasteries and historic sites to world-class underground wineries. It offers great value for a comprehensive Moldovan experience.
2. Moldova: Old Orhei Cave Monasteries Branesti Wine Tasting
Claiming a perfect 5/5 rating, this 7-hour tour specializes in combining the spectacular cave monasteries at Old Orhei with a visit to Branesti’s ancient cellar. It’s ideal for those most interested in wine tasting and historical cave sites, with a focus on local wine production. The Branesti cellar produces white and red wines, including sparkling, dry, semi-dry, and dessert wines, making it a versatile spot for wine lovers.
The trip features visits to Branesti’s Stone Age cellar, allowing you to see some of Moldova’s oldest wine production methods, as well as the Pestere Orthodox skete — a historic cave monastery. The itinerary includes stops at Butuceni village for a taste of local Moldovan cuisine and a walk through the Old Orhei open-air museum. Tour guide Cornelius is known for sharing fascinating insights and creating a lively, engaging atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who love wine history and cave monasteries in equal measure. This tour balances cultural exploration with delicious wine tasting, making it a great choice for history buffs and oenophiles alike.
3. Chisinau: Old Orhei, Butuceni, and Winery Day Trip
For around 8 hours, this day trip from Chișinău offers a relaxed, flexible experience blending cultural sights, local food, and wine. Starting from the heart of the city, you’ll visit Old Orhei, where your guide will take you through the archaeological complex and natural scenery. Next, there’s a lunch at family-run winery, where you can toast Moldova’s famous wines amidst rural tranquility.
A highlight is the coffee break inside Epoca de Piatră, a rock-carved restaurant that’s as quirky as it is delicious. The tour concludes with a sunset visit to a family-owned winery for wine tasting, paired with local snacks. The tour’s flexible transport options, including private arrangements, make it appealing for those wanting a customized experience.
Guests describe it as a delightful mix of culture, cuisine, and scenery. It’s particularly good for travelers who want an intimate, less rushed experience and enjoy local food and wine paired with scenic views.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for foodies and wine lovers who appreciate a personal touch and want to enjoy Moldova’s rural charm.
4. Chisinau: Orheiul Vechi, Butuceni Eco Village, and Wine
At 6 hours long, this compact tour offers an efficient taste of Moldova’s natural beauty and wine culture. It begins with a visit to the Archaeological Complex of Old Orhei, where your guide will explain the significance of this historic site. The Butuceni Eco Village stop highlights Moldova’s rural traditions and eco-sensitive lifestyle, with a photo stop and walk.
The most noteworthy part is the visit to Brănești Cellar Cave, where you’ll learn about traditional Moldovan winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting of some of Moldova’s finest wines. The tour ends with a visit to the Old Stone Museum Restaurant, where you can enjoy a local meal.
The tour ranks high for its balance of history and wine, and reviews mention the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the wine tasting. It’s a good option for travelers short on time but wanting a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you prefer a shorter but still meaningful outing that combines cultural sights with top-quality wine tasting.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Old Orhei
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and travel style. If you want a full-day adventure that covers multiple sites and experiences, the Curchi Monastery and Cricova tour is a strong choice. For focused wine enthusiasts, the Branesti Wine Tasting offers a deep dive into Moldova’s wine history. If you prefer a more personal, flexible experience that blends local food, scenery, and wine, the Chișinău day trip might suit you best.
Think about your budget and time constraints—some tours are longer and more comprehensive, while others are shorter but still rich in content. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure your spot.
Final Thoughts
From spectacular underground wineries to ancient cave monasteries and rustic villages, Old Orhei’s wine tours offer something for every type of traveler. For a comprehensive experience, the Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei, and Cricova Winery tour is hard to beat. If your focus is wine tasting and history, then the Branesti cellar tour will satisfy your curiosity.
Travelers looking for a more relaxed day with a mix of culture and local flavors should consider the Chișinău day trip, while those with limited time can opt for the shorter tour that still highlights Moldova’s natural beauty and wine.
No matter which tour you pick, booking ahead is the best way to guarantee a smooth, enjoyable experience. Moldova’s wine and historical sites await — start planning your trip today and enjoy discovering this charming country’s treasures.