CRICOVA Winery tour with tasting from Chisinau

Our review of the Cricova Winery tour from Chisinau highlights one of Moldova’s most remarkable sights—its sprawling underground wine city. This private experience, priced at $229 per person, offers a chance to wander through 120 km of underground tunnels filled with wine warehouses, tasting rooms, and streets named after famous wines like Cabernet and Feteasca. It’s not just about the wine; it’s about seeing a place that’s part museum, part giant wine cellar, and part underground city.

What immediately stands out is how well-organized and personalized this tour feels. You get picked up directly from your hotel—an especially welcome touch—and ride in a private vehicle that takes you straight to the heart of Moldova’s wine-making marvel. Two aspects I particularly appreciate are the chance to sample high-quality wines in a setting that is both historic and visually stunning, and the fact that tours are offered in multiple languages, including English, Russian, and Japanese, making it accessible for many travelers.

A potential point to consider is the price—$229 per person might seem steep, but given the private nature, the extensive underground network you explore, and the tasting included, it’s a memorable experience that offers solid value for wine enthusiasts or those interested in Moldova’s unique approach to wine storage and production. That said, it does not include lunch, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry afterward.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Unique underground city: Cricova’s tunnels form a sprawling underground “city” with streets and avenues named after wines, offering a fascinating glimpse into their wine storage practices.
• Privately guided experience: Small group sizes and personalized service make for a more intimate and detailed exploration.
• High-quality wine tasting: Expect to sample three different wines, carefully selected, in a setting that enhances their flavors.
• Convenient pickup: Included hotel pick-up makes logistics smoother, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Chisinau.
• Multilingual guides: Tours are available in English, Russian, and Japanese—helpful for international visitors.
• Ideal for wine lovers: This tour caters to those eager to understand Moldova’s wine culture beyond just tasting a glass or two.

Entering Moldova’s Underground Wonder

The Cricova Winery is a treasure for those who enjoy discovering how much history and craftsmanship can be stored beneath the earth. The tunnels, which stretch about 120 km, are the second-largest wine collection in Moldova, and some parts are so impressive, they mimic a small city complete with wide streets, warehouses, and tasting rooms.

Travelers often comment on the extraordinary scale—“the biggest cellars in the whole world,” as one review describes. The underground streets bear names like Cabernet, Feteasca, Riesling, and others, each one representing different wine varieties stored in niches along the corridors. You’ll get the feeling of walking through a vintage wine map, where each street reflects a distinct flavor profile and history.

The guides from Moldovatovisit&tours are well-versed, bringing the tunnels to life with stories about the winery’s history, its French technology of champagne wine production, and the importance of this place to Moldova’s wine industry. Juha_M, who visited recently, called it “an essential place to visit” and appreciated the convenience and depth of the guided tour.

What Makes Cricova Special?

The real draw here is the scale and beauty of the underground complex. You can expect to walk through broad, well-lit streets, and see how wine is stored and matured in bottles and barrels. The setting feels almost like a subterranean art gallery dedicated to wine. The cool, consistent temperature and humidity create ideal conditions for aging wines, and being underground, it’s also a natural fortress against temperature fluctuations—something that wine lovers and connoisseurs will find reassuring.

The tour emphasizes the traditional French techniques used in their wine production, setting Cricova apart from other local wineries. This heritage is visible in the craftsmanship and the preserved wine cellars, which visitors are invited to explore on foot.

The Tasting Experience: Sipping in a Unique Setting

The highlight is, of course, the wine tasting. Expect three different wines to be sampled—likely a mix of whites and reds, carefully selected for the tour. The tasting takes place in specially designated rooms, where the ambiance amplifies the flavors and aromas. It’s a moment of relaxation and indulgence after the walk through the underground city.

Tour reviews suggest the wines are of high quality, and many visitors appreciate the opportunity to taste local varieties in a setting that’s a feast for the senses. The tasting is complemented by the knowledgeable guidance of the staff, who help explain the wines’ characteristics, adding educational value to the experience.

Practicalities and Logistics

The entire tour lasts about four hours—ample time to enjoy the sights, learn about the wine-making process, and sample some excellent wines. The private transportation means you avoid the hassle of public transit, and pickup from your hotel simplifies planning.

Booking in advance is recommended—on average, tours are reserved about ten days ahead. The maximum group size is limited to ten travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour is offered in three languages, making it accessible to a broad audience.

While the experience is comprehensive, it doesn’t include lunch, so plan to dine elsewhere after your visit. Given the price point, you’re paying for a premium, private tour with high-quality tasting, which many find to be a valuable investment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re passionate about wine or intrigued by Moldova’s lesser-known cultural treasures, Cricova is a must-see. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy immersive experiences—walking through a “city” underground, tasting local wines, and learning about traditional French wine-making methods. It’s also an excellent option for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who appreciate a personal touch.

This tour might be less appealing if you’re on a tight budget or looking for a quick, casual visit. However, for those seeking an in-depth, authentic experience, it’s hard to beat.

The Sum Up

The Cricova Winery tour from Chisinau delivers a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and wine tasting wrapped in a private, personalized experience. You’ll love wandering through the underground streets named after wines, tasting Moldova’s best, and learning about the traditional methods that make Cricova special. It offers genuine insight into Moldova’s wine culture, in a setting that’s as visually captivating as it is educational.

While the cost may seem high at first glance, the value rises with the unique underground environment, the quality of the wines, and the intimacy of the private tour. It’s an ideal outing for wine lovers, curious travelers, and those wanting a memorable story to tell back home.

For anyone with even a passing interest in wine or Moldova’s offbeat attractions, this tour is a highlight—not just for the tasting, but for the extraordinary underground city you get to explore.

FAQ: Your Cricova Questions Answered

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, most travelers reserve about 10 days ahead, as tours are popular and fill up quickly.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from selected hotels in Chisinau is part of the package, making logistics straightforward.

What languages are available for the tour?
Tours are offered in Russian, Japanese, and English, providing options for many travelers.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately four hours, which includes transportation, sightseeing, and tasting.

What’s included in the price?
You get private transportation, a guided tour of the underground city, and a tasting of three wines.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to eat before or after the tour.

Is this suitable for wine novices?
Absolutely—guides are knowledgeable, and the tasting is designed to be approachable, with explanations of each wine.

What makes Cricova unique compared to other wineries?
Its extensive underground tunnels, city-like layout, and French wine-making techniques make Cricova a truly distinctive experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, giving you flexibility if needed.