Cricova & Milestii Mici Wineries

Discover Moldova’s renowned wine culture through a well-organized 6-hour tour to Cricova and Milestii Mici, two of the country’s most prestigious vineyards. Priced at $235.25 per person, this experience is perfect for those interested in exploring underground wine cellars and tasting world-class wines. The tour departs from Chisinau, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, and operates Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 22 reviews and recommended by 100% of participants, this tour appeals to wine enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and anyone curious about Moldova’s wine-making traditions. While the tour is designed for small groups of up to 6 travelers, the focus on personalized attention and expert guides makes it a memorable experience. One thing to keep in mind: warm clothes are recommended, as the underground tunnels can be quite cool.

Key Points

• Two top Moldovan wineries: Cricova and Milestii Mici, both with impressive underground networks
• Includes guided tours of underground tunnels and wine cellars
• Wine tastings with snacks at both locations
• Hotel pickup and drop-off for hassle-free transportation
• Small group size ensures personalized attention
• Rated 5 out of 5 based on 22 reviews, emphasizing quality and professionalism

Visiting Cricova’s Underground Wine City

Cricova is famous worldwide for its extensive underground labyrinths and its award-winning wines. The cellars are often called an underground city because of their vast tunnels, which stretch over 120 km beneath the surface. Visitors are taken on a train ride through these tunnels, making the journey both fun and fascinating.

The house of the National Oenotec hosts a remarkable collection of maturing and sparkling wines. The tour guides you through the impressive wine tunnels, explaining the history and processes behind Moldovan winemaking. At the end, there’s a wine tasting with snacks, allowing you to sample some of the best wines Cricova has to offer.

Exploring Milestii Mici’s Record-Breaking Cellars

Milestii Mici boasts the world’s largest wine collection, documented in the Guinness Book of World Records. Located at approximately 85 meters underground, this enormous cave network is home to more than 1.5 million bottles.

Visitors walk through the dark, cool galleries, where large barrels and dust-covered bottles await their turn to be enjoyed. The guided tour here offers a deeper understanding of wine storage and aging techniques, culminating in a guided wine tasting that highlights the diversity of Moldovan wines.

Logistics: Pickup, Group Size, and Operating Hours

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Chisinau, making the experience comfortable and convenient. The group is limited to 6 travelers, fostering an intimate environment with more attention from the guide. The tour runs Monday through Saturday, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and lasts approximately 6 hours.

Participants are advised to bring warm clothes, as the underground tunnels are cool year-round. The tour includes transportation, professional guiding, wine tastings, and snacks, offering good value for the price.

The Expert Guides and Customer Satisfaction

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable, friendly guides, with Mtvarisa and Viktor receiving particular praise for their professionalism and warmth. Guests appreciate guides who provide detailed explanations and make the experience enjoyable.

The high ratings, averaging 4.9 out of 5, reflect consistent positive feedback on the guides’ expertise and the overall quality of the experience. Visitors also value the hassle-free transfers and the opportunity to explore two iconic wineries in one day.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour package includes wine tastings at both Cricova and Milestii Mici, snacks, professional guides, and hotel transportation. Alcoholic beverages are part of the experience, but lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.

Guests can purchase souvenir photos if they wish to take home mementos. The confirmation is immediate, and the full refund policy applies if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

The Unique Experience of Underground Wine Cellars

Both Cricova and Milestii Mici showcase Moldova’s underground wine culture at its best. Cricova’s tunnels resemble an underground city, filled with countless wine bottles and sparkling wine sections. Milestii Mici, with its vast underground caves, offers an awe-inspiring environment for wine enthusiasts.

Walking through these cool, dark corridors, visitors see big barrels and dusty bottles, which add to the charm and authenticity of the experience. These underground sites provide an ideal climate for wine aging and storage, making them stand out worldwide.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and those interested in Moldovan culture. The tour’s small group size and guided approach make it especially appealing for travelers seeking personalized attention.

It’s ideal for adults 18 and over, given the alcoholic beverage tastings, and those willing to bring warm clothes for the underground tunnels. The pricing and duration make it a comprehensive, yet manageable way to explore Moldova’s key wineries in one day.

Final Thoughts on the Cricova & Milestii Mici Wineries Tour

This tour offers a hands-on look at Moldova’s most celebrated wine cellars, with expert guides leading you through underground tunnels filled with history and flavor. The wine tastings with snacks, combined with the impressive underground architecture, create a memorable experience for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

While the tour doesn’t include lunch, the comprehensive visits and small group setting deliver excellent value and an intimate glimpse into Moldova’s wine heritage. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to see the best of Moldovan wine culture in just one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $235.25 per person, including tastings, snacks, transportation, and guided tours.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 6 hours, typically from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM or similar hours, depending on scheduling.

What is included in the tour?
Guests enjoy wine tastings at both wineries, snacks, hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guiding, and alcoholic beverages.

Are there any physical requirements?
Guests should bring warm clothes as the underground tunnels are cool. The tour involves walking through large underground galleries but is generally suitable for most travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults aged 18 and over due to the alcoholic tastings involved.

This Cricova & Milestii Mici Wineries experience offers an engaging, well-organized way to explore Moldova’s top underground wine cellars, with expert guides and a focus on quality and comfort. It’s perfect for wine lovers and curious visitors eager to enjoy Moldova’s famous wine culture.