From Moldova: Tour to Cricova Winery with wine tasting

Exploring Moldova’s Hidden Gem: A Detailed Look at the Cricova Winery Tour

If you’re heading to Moldova, a visit to Cricova Winery is a must. Known for its vast underground cellars and famous wine production using traditional French methods, this tour offers a fascinating peek into Moldova’s wine heritage. From the moment I read the reviews and tour details, I was curious about what makes Cricova such a standout experience, and I found it to be worth every minute.

One thing I love about this tour is how it turns a visit into an adventure through a city beneath the city—a sprawling underground labyrinth with streets named after wine varieties like Cabernet and Feteasca. Plus, the guidance by knowledgeable guides ensures you get more than just a walk through tunnels—you learn about the wine-making process and the history behind the cellars. Another highlight is the wine tasting session, where you get to sample four different wines, a perfect way to appreciate Moldova’s winemaking skills firsthand.

A potential drawback to keep in mind is the duration—at around three hours, it’s a comfortably paced trip, but if you’re pressed for time or not a big wine enthusiast, some might find the underground walk a bit lengthy. Also, since the tour involves underground walking, comfortable shoes and clothes are essential, especially if you tend to feel the coolness of the tunnels.

This experience offers a great mix of history, culture, and taste. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about local traditions and tasting quality wine in a truly unique setting. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a wine connoisseur, Cricova’s underground city promises an engaging and authentic glimpse into Moldova’s vinicultural pride.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Vast underground cellar network: Cricova boasts the largest wine cellars in the world, forming a true underground city with streets named after wine varieties.
• French-style wine production: Cricova is unique in Moldova for employing strict classic French champagne-making techniques, adding a touch of luxury and authenticity.
• Expert-guided tour: Knowledgeable guides lead you through the tunnels, offering insights into the wine-making process and the history of the cellars.
• Wine tasting of four wines: A highlight that allows you to sample a variety of local wines, enhancing your appreciation of Moldova’s vinicultural craftsmanship.
• Convenient logistics: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the experience seamless, especially in Chisinau.
• Small-group size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personal, more engaging experience.

Entering Moldova’s Underground Wine City

The Cricova tour begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Chisinau, taking you just a few kilometers north to the entrance of this underground marvel. The journey is smooth, and the small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd. Once inside the tunnels, you’ll immediately notice the atmosphere of timelessness—dim lighting, cool air, and the quiet hum of history beneath your feet.

Guided by a lively and knowledgeable guide (many reviews praise the guides for their friendly demeanor and depth of knowledge), you’ll learn that Cricova’s cellars stretch over 120 kilometers. The tunnels are wide, and the streets—like Cabernet, Feteasca, and Riesling—feel like a journey through a wine-themed cityscape. It’s an impressive sight, and the names alone evoke a sense of tradition and pride.

The Guided Tour: A Walk Through the Cellars

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and takes you deep into the underground maze. The guides share stories about the history of Cricova, how it was founded in the 1950s, and its role in Moldova’s wine industry. They also explain the French techniques used here, including the aging process and the special bottles stored in underground cryo-chambers.

Many visitors, including those who left reviews like Paulina, appreciated how the tour organizer secured tickets even when they were sold out on Cricova’s official website. That kind of behind-the-scenes effort makes a difference, especially during busy seasons.

The tunnels are cool and sometimes damp, so comfortable shoes are a must. The wide streets and warehouses give the impression of a small city—complete with tasting rooms, warehouses, and surprisingly broad avenues. It’s a surreal experience walking through what feels like an underground metropolis dedicated to wine.

Wine Tasting: Savoring Moldova’s Vine

After the guided exploration, you’ll enjoy a 40-minute break to sample four different wines. The tasting takes place in a dedicated room where the guide explains the characteristics of each wine, from crisp whites to richer reds. Many reviewers, such as Alexandra, have called this “definitely worth visiting,” praising the chance to taste several wines in such a unique setting.

The wines are of high quality, and the experience is relaxed—perfect for beginners and seasoned wine lovers alike. While no food is included, you might want to bring some snacks or plan to grab a meal afterward to complement the wines.

Practicalities and Logistics

This tour is designed for convenience and comfort. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which means you avoid the hassle of organizing transport. The small group size (limited to 8 people) ensures a more personal experience—guides can spend more time answering questions and sharing stories.

The entire experience lasts around three hours, starting at a time that you can check in advance. It’s perfect for travelers who want a balanced glimpse into Moldovan wine culture without feeling rushed. The tour is offered in multiple languages—English, Romanian, and Russian—so you can choose the one you’re most comfortable with.

The only real consideration is that the tour involves walking underground, so if you tend to get motion sickness or have mobility issues, it’s worth noting. Also, it’s primarily a wine-tasting experience, so those with little interest in wine may find it less engaging.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy learning about local traditions and appreciate a well-organized experience, this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly good for those who want to combine sightseeing with tasting, or for anyone interested in Moldova’s culinary heritage. The small-group format makes it suitable for travelers who prefer a more intimate, relaxed environment.

Wine newbies will find the guided tasting educational and enjoyable, while experienced aficionados can savor the depth of quality and history Cricova offers. It’s also a safe choice for families or groups who want a fun, educational outing.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Cricova Winery tour balances historic intrigue, authentic wine tasting, and personalized service. The guides’ friendly attitude and deep knowledge make the visit more than just a walk through tunnels—they bring the story of Moldova’s wine to life. The underground streets are visually stunning, and the chance to sample four wines makes it a good value for the price.

The logistics are streamlined, with pickup, drop-off, and limited group size, which enhances the overall experience. If you’re a wine fan or simply curious about Moldova’s lesser-known attractions, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

For travelers who want a comprehensive and authentic taste of Moldova’s wine culture in a relaxed environment, Cricova is a wise choice. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring your curiosity, and prepare for a memorable underground adventure.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The total experience takes about 3 hours, including guided tour, wine tasting, and transportation.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets to Cricova, a guided sightseeing of the underground cellars, wine tasting of four wines, and transportation.

Is food included?
No, food is not included, so plan accordingly if you want to have a meal afterward.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking underground, as the tunnels can be cool and damp.

Are there language options?
Yes, the tour is offered in English, Romanian, and Russian.

Can I book last-minute?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the “Reserve now & pay later” option, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s best for those able to walk comfortably; it’s not recommended for people sensitive to motion sickness or mobility-impaired travelers due to underground walking.

In all, the Cricova Winery tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that uncovers one of Moldova’s most intriguing attractions, blending history, culture, and flavor into a memorable outing.