CRICOVA Winery tour with tasting from Chisinau

Explore Moldova’s Iconic Cricova Winery with a Private Tasting Tour

A visit to Moldova wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Cricova Winery, renowned for its vast underground cellars and exceptional wine collection. This private tour, priced at $229 per person, offers a 4-hour journey into the heart of Moldova’s most famous wine cellar, located just a few kilometers north of Chisinau. With pickup options from selected hotels, this tour provides an easy and personalized way to explore.

What makes this tour stand out is the access to the underground city of wine, with approximately 120 km of tunnels forming the world’s second-largest wine collection. Visitors get to see the intricate wine storage system, learn about the wine-making practices, and enjoy a delightful tasting of three high-quality wines. This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts and those interested in Moldova’s unique wine heritage.

While the tour does not include lunch, it compensates with an informative, personalized experience in multiple languages—Russian, Japanese, and English—making it accessible to diverse visitors. The limited group size (maximum of 10 travelers) ensures a more intimate encounter with Cricova’s underground marvel.

Key Points

• Price: $229.00 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours from pickup to drop-off
• Location: Cricova Winery, Moldova, near Chisinau
• Highlights: Private transportation, underground tunnels, a guided tour of the wine city, and a tasting of three wines
• Languages: Tours offered in Russian, Japanese, and English
• Group Size: Limited to 10 travelers for a personalized experience

Discovering the Underground City of Cricova

The tour begins with a pick-up from selected hotels in Chisinau, making transportation effortless. Once at Cricova, visitors encounter the famous underground streets such as Cabernet, Feteasca, Pinot, and others. These wide underground avenues resemble a cityscape, with warehouses and tasting rooms along the way.

This underground city spans an incredible 120 km of tunnels, making it the second-largest wine collection in Moldova. The cellars are organized like a city, with avenues named after wine varieties, including Riesling, Aligote, and Sauvignon, each housing bottles and barrels preserved with French champagne-making technology.

Visitors gain insight into Cricova’s storied history and wine storage techniques, discovering what sets Cricova apart from other wineries. The guide explains how the French technology is employed to produce champagne-style wines, a distinction for Cricova.

Wine Tasting of High-Quality Wines

A highlight of the tour is the wine tasting session, which features three types of wines. These wines reflect Cricova’s reputation for quality and diversity, with the tasting conducted in the underground wine cellars—adding a special atmosphere to the experience.

Since the tour is private, participants enjoy a more tailored, informative tasting session, with plenty of opportunity for questions. While no lunch is included, the tasting provides a satisfying introduction to Moldova’s best wines.

The Charm of Cricova’s Underground Streets

The underground streets, such as Cabernet, Feteasca, and Pinot, are wide, well-lit, and accessible for visitors. These broad avenues are lined with warehouses and wine niches, often with bottles and barrels stored along the walls.

Tourists are led through these famous corridors with explanations of each wine variety, and get to see signs with vintage names that date back decades. This underground city feels more like a winding labyrinth of wine history, offering a unique perspective on Moldova’s wine-making traditions.

Modern French Technology and Historical Cellars

Cricova’s use of French classic methods for champagne-style wine production makes it a highlight in Moldova. The cellars maintain a strict process that preserves the quality and character of each wine. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the attention to detail that Cricova applies to its storage and aging practices.

The historical aspect is also notable, as Cricova’s cellars have been operational for decades, providing a window into Moldova’s wine evolution. The storytelling from the guide enhances the understanding of Cricova’s significance in Moldova and Europe’s wine scene.

Logistics: Pickup, Transportation, and Group Size

The tour begins with pickup from selected hotels in Chisinau, making the process convenient. The private transportation ensures a comfortable journey to and from Cricova. The small group size, capped at 10 travelers, allows for personalized attention and flexibility in the tour.

Given the 4-hour duration, this tour is well-paced, balancing guided exploration with ample time for tasting and photos. It is suitable for those who prefer a relaxed, private experience rather than large group tours.

Pricing, Booking, and Cancellation Policy

At $229 per person, this tour offers a premium, personalized experience in one of Moldova’s most iconic wineries. The booking window averages around 10 days in advance, indicating good availability but recommended planning.

The tour includes all tastings and private transportation, but lunch is not included. For flexibility and peace of mind, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start, ensuring a risk-free reservation.

Why Cricova’s Cellars Are a Must-Visit

Being home to the second-largest wine collection in Moldova, Cricova’s underground tunnels form a true wine city. The streets and avenues recall historic European wine regions, but Cricova’s modern French techniques give it a contemporary edge.

This tour is especially appealing to wine lovers who appreciate guided, intimate visits, and those interested in Moldovan culture and craftsmanship. While the $229 price point reflects the premium nature of the experience, it is justified by the personalized service and unique underground environment.

The Sum Up: A Personalized Journey into Moldova’s Wine Heritage

This Cricova Winery tour offers an immersive experience into Moldova’s most famous underground wine city. With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a delicious wine tasting, visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of Cricova’s history and wine-making excellence.

The limited group size and multiple language options make this tour particularly suitable for those seeking a relaxed, informative, and personalized experience. While lunch is not included, the tasting of three quality wines ensures a satisfying insight into Moldova’s wine diversity.

This tour excels in delivering a high-quality, well-organized, and memorable visit to Moldova’s underground wine city—a must-do for wine aficionados and curious travelers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, private transportation from selected hotels in Chisinau is included.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

What is the price per person?
The cost is $229.00 per person, including tastings and transportation.

Are tours available in multiple languages?
Yes, tours are offered in Russian, Japanese, and English.

What does the wine tasting include?
The tasting features three types of high-quality wines crafted at Cricova.

Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, free cancellation is available more than 24 hours before the tour.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in this tour.

How large are the tour groups?
Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers for a more personalized experience.

What makes Cricova’s underground cellars special?
The 120 km of tunnels form an underground city with wide streets and famous avenues named after wine varieties, housing Moldova’s second-largest wine collection.

Who would most enjoy this tour?
This experience is perfect for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a private, enriching exploration of Moldova’s wine heritage.