From Moldova: Tour to Cricova Winery with wine tasting

If you’re looking for a memorable experience that combines Moldova’s famed wine culture with impressive underground scenery, then the Cricova Winery tour is worth considering. This guided excursion offers a peek into one of the world’s largest underground wine cities, complete with tastings, fascinating cellar streets, and the chance to learn about Moldova’s wine traditions.

What catches our eye about this tour? First, the stunning underground architecture — sprawling tunnels with streets named after wine varieties like Cabernet and Feteasca. Second, the quality of the wine tasting experience, which features four different wines, giving you a sense of Moldova’s diverse and well-crafted production. That said, the tour is only about three hours, so if you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit brisk. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate good wine, history, and a bit of adventure underground.

This experience is especially suited for those who want an easy, well-organized day trip from Chisinau, with a small-group atmosphere that makes the visit more personal. If you enjoy learning about local traditions or simply want a fun way to taste Moldova’s national drink, this tour hits the right notes. Keep in mind, it’s not for those with motion sickness or who prefer a more leisurely, longer wine tour.

Key Points

• Underground City: Cricova is the largest cellar complex in the world, offering a unique glimpse into Moldova’s underground wine storage and city layout.
• Wine Tasting: Includes sampling four different kinds of wine, showcasing Moldova’s wine diversity and craftsmanship.
• Guided Tour: Approximately 1.5 hours with a knowledgeable guide, providing insights into the wine-making process and the cellar’s history.
• Convenience: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple and stress-free.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.
• Value: Combines transport, entry, guided tour, and tastings into one package, offering good value for a 3-hour experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

We’ll start with the pickup in Chisinau, where a friendly driver will whisk you away to Cricova, just a few kilometers north of Moldova’s capital. From the moment you arrive, the sight of the underground cellars sprawling beneath the town sets the tone. As you descend into the tunnels, you’ll quickly realize that these are no ordinary wine caves—they resemble a city, with broad streets and wide avenues named after different wine varieties. It’s like wandering through a wine-themed underground metropolis.

Guided Tour (1.5 hours): Your guide will lead you through the labyrinth of tunnels, sharing stories about the history of Cricova and its unique French champagne-making techniques. You’ll learn how the cellars employ traditional French technology, making Cricova a standout destination even among world-class wineries. The tour covers the main streets, wine warehouses, and tasting rooms, giving you a sense of the scale and sophistication of this underground wine city.

Sightseeing and Atmosphere: One of the most compelling parts of the visit is simply walking along the underground streets—named Cabernet, Feteasca, Riesling, and others—each lined with niches full of aging wine bottles. The cool, consistent temperature and humidity create perfect conditions for aging wine. The sheer size of the underground complex, with its broad avenues and tunnels, is awe-inspiring and offers a tangible sense of Moldova’s commitment to winemaking.

Wine Tasting (40 minutes): After the tour, you’ll have time for a break and to enjoy tasting four different wines. The tasting is conducted in a dedicated room, where you can savor Moldova’s best offerings—often including some of the most popular varieties like Sauvignon and Aligote. Many visitors comment on the quality and diversity of the wines, feeling they get good value for the price. One reviewer noted that the tour organizer was able to secure tickets when the Cricova website was sold out, which is a big plus—showing how popular this experience is.

Return to Chisinau: After the tasting, your driver will take you back to your hotel or starting point, wrapping up the roughly three-hour journey.

What Makes Cricova Worth Your Time

The underground city alone is worth the trip. Walking through tunnels that mimic city streets, with wine cellars on either side, creates an otherworldly atmosphere that’s unlike most wine tours around the world. It’s a visual and sensory experience that stays with you. Plus, the winery employs traditional French champagne techniques, elevating its reputation and making it a highlight for wine enthusiasts.

The wine tasting experience is another highlight. Sampling four wines allows you to appreciate Moldova’s variety and craftsmanship without feeling overwhelmed. Reviewers have praised the quality of the wines and the friendly guidance, which enhances the experience. One said, “definitely worth to visit this amazing place,” highlighting the value of the tasting component.

The guided tour enriches your visit. A knowledgeable guide not only explains the history and process but also adds a personal touch to the experience. The small group size makes it easier to ask questions and get a more tailored experience, which many travelers value highly.

Transport included simplifies logistics. With pickup and drop-off arranged, you won’t have to worry about navigating or finding your way. This is especially handy if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the area.

Practical Considerations

This tour lasts about three hours, making it ideal for a half-day outing. It’s available at different times, so you can pick a slot that fits your schedule. The tour is conducted in English, Romanian, or Russian, depending on your preference, and is limited to a small group of up to eight participants—perfect for those who like a more intimate experience.

Comfort is key: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes since you’ll be walking through underground tunnels, which can be uneven or cool. The temperature underground is steady, but a light jacket or sweater might help.

Price-wise, this tour offers good value. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets, the guided tour, and wine tastings—so for the overall expense, you’re getting quite a comprehensive experience.

Authentic Experiences and Genuine Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism of the guides and the overall organization. One noted that the tour operator secured tickets when Cricova’s website was sold out, which is a huge plus. Another shared that the experience was “definitely worth” the visit, highlighting how memorable and worthwhile the visit is for wine lovers.

Many travelers appreciate the combination of scenic underground sights and quality wine tasting. The experience feels authentic, with many noting that the cellar’s size and beauty are hard to match elsewhere. The fact that Cricova employs French champagne technology adds an extra layer of interest, especially for those curious about wine production methods.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone wanting an easy, guided insight into Moldova’s wine industry. It’s an excellent choice for visitors who prefer small group tours over large busloads, ensuring a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. If you enjoy learning about local traditions and sampling regional wines, this tour delivers.

Keep in mind that it’s not ideal for people with motion sickness or those who prefer a long, leisurely tasting experience, as the tour is concentrated into a three-hour window. Also, since food is not included, if you’re hungry afterward, plan to grab a meal nearby.

The Sum Up

The Cricova Winery tour offers a compelling combination of impressive underground scenery, excellent wine tastings, and friendly guided insights. It’s a great way to see Moldova’s famous wine cellars without a long, tiring day. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned connoisseur, the experience provides both education and enjoyment at a reasonable price point, especially with transport included.

If you’re after a unique, authentic glimpse into Moldova’s wine culture, and enjoy exploring underground sights, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially perfect for those who appreciate small-group intimacy, quality tastings, and a touch of adventure in the heart of Moldova’s wine country.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, including the guided tour, wine tasting, and transportation.

What is included in the tour?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, entry tickets to Cricova, a guided tour, wine tasting of four different wines, and transportation.

Are there different starting times available?
Yes, check availability for the specific starting times, which vary.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves underground walking and wine tasting, so it’s best suited for adults or older teenagers. It’s not explicitly specified if children are allowed.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Romanian, and Russian, depending on your preference.

Is food included?
No, food is not included, so plan to eat before or after the tour.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking underground and on uneven surfaces.

Is this tour good value?
Yes, given that it covers transport, entry, guided tour, and tastings in a compact 3-hour experience.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Since it involves walking through underground tunnels, it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

This Cricova Winery tour balances fascinating sights with delightful tastings, making it a memorable part of any Moldova trip. It’s an experience that combines education, authentic local culture, and good value—all in a small-group setting that feels exclusive. Perfect for wine lovers eager to explore Moldova’s underground wine city!

You can check availability for your dates here: