Milesti Mici winery Guinnessed World Records soviet museum

The Milestii Mici winery in Moldova offers a truly impressive experience with its Guinness World Record for the largest underground wine cellar. Spanning miles of tunnels filled with over 1.5 million bottles of wine, the site invites visitors to explore a subterranean world dedicated to winemaking. The tour lasts about 3 hours, including guided walks, wine tasting, and a visit to the Petru Costin Collections Gallery, which features over 25 thematic exhibitions. This tour is perfect for those interested in wine, history, and culture, with the added attraction of Guinness World Record recognition and an adjoining Soviet museum.

While the tour provides an engaging mix of tasting and exploration, it’s important to note that temperature inside the wine cellars ranges between 12-13°C (54-55°F), so bringing a jacket is recommended. The round-trip transportation from Chisinau is included, making it a convenient full-package experience. This tour suits adults and older children who are comfortable with walking and want to enjoy a comprehensive look at Moldova’s wine heritage and Soviet history.

Key Points

• Largest underground wine cellar in the world: Over 1.5 million bottles stored in miles of tunnels.
• Includes a visit to the Petru Costin Collections Gallery with 25+ exhibitions and Soviet artifacts.
• Guided tour duration is approximately 1 hour, with wine tasting lasting 45 minutes.
• Round-trip transportation from Chisinau is part of the experience, ensuring comfort.
• Suitable for adults and children over 5, with recommendations for comfortable shoes and a camera.
• The internal temperature is cool, around 12-13°C, so dress accordingly.

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Exploring Moldova’s Underground Wine Cellar

The Milestii Mici wine cellar is an extraordinary highlight of Moldova, holding the title of the largest underground wine collection in the world. During the guided tour, visitors walk through miles of tunnels, marveling at the sheer scale and the number of bottles stored beneath the earth. The expert guides explain the history of winemaking in Moldova and how such a vast cellar came to be. This part of the tour emphasizes the size and scope of the wine collection, making it a unique experience for wine lovers and curious visitors alike.

The cellar’s cool temperature of 12-13°C is ideal for wine storage but requires visitors to bring a jacket. The tunnels are spacious with ample walking, although some areas might require careful footing. The impression of walking through what feels like a subterranean city of wine is a memorable aspect of this tour.

Wine Tasting in the Underground Cellars

Following the exploration, the wine tasting session lasts around 45 minutes, during which visitors sample a selection of wines, including collection wines and sparkling wines. The tasting allows for an appreciation of Moldova’s famous winemaking traditions. The quality of the wines is noted as good, and the experts provide insight into the production process and what makes these wines special.

While some reviews mention the pricing as high relative to the experience, the quality of wines and setting are often highlighted as positives. The wine tasting is considered a key part of the tour, adding flavor and relaxation after the tunnel exploration.

The Soviet Museum: A Glimpse into the Past

Adjacent to the wine cellars, the Petru Costin Collections Gallery gives a fascinating view of Soviet history. Visitors can see over 25 thematic exhibitions, with the highlight being the USSR: History of an Era hall. The gallery displays rare busts, newspapers, photographs, books, and authentic Soviet artifacts. This part of the visit offers a cultural contrast to the winery, providing insight into Moldova’s more recent history.

The museum visit lasts about 30 minutes, and guides explain the significance of each display. It’s a worthwhile addition for those interested in history or architecture, adding depth to the overall experience.

The Tour Itinerary and Flow

The tour starts with a pickup in Chisinau, smoothly transferring visitors to the Milestii Mici winery. The guided tour of the underground tunnels lasts around 1 hour, offering a detailed look at the largest wine collection. Afterward, the group proceeds to the wine tasting, which takes about 45 minutes, featuring a curated selection of local wines.

Next, visitors spend around 30 minutes in the Petru Costin Gallery. The entire experience wraps up with a return drive to Chisinau, providing a relaxed and informative afternoon. The small group sizes and live guides speaking English, Romanian, and Russian make for an engaging and personalized experience.

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Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Chisinau, which simplifies logistics for visitors. The meeting point is in the city, and the drive to the winery is considerate of comfort and convenience. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a camera to capture the striking underground tunnels and artifacts.

Since the wine cellar is not accessible for people with mobility impairments or wheelchairs, it’s best suited for those who are able to handle some walking. The tour is not available on public holidays such as December 25, January 1, and January 6.

What Makes Milestii Mici Stand Out

The world record status is the most notable feature, making this tour a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers. The combination of wine, history, and culture creates a well-rounded experience. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, especially the guide Liliya, for her friendly and informative approach.

The visually impressive tunnels and the diverse collection of wines and artifacts make it clear why this is a top-rated attraction in Moldova. The Soviet museum adds an extra layer of interest, especially for those wanting to understand Moldova’s complex history.

Limitations and Considerations

The temperature inside the cellar is cool, so packing a jacket is necessary. The tour duration is around 3 hours, so it’s best suited for those with enough time and energy for a moderate walking tour. The cost may not appeal to budget travelers seeking a cheaper experience, but the quality and uniqueness justify the price for many.

The tour is not suitable for young children under 5 or individuals with mobility difficulties, due to the walking involved and the nature of the underground tunnels. It is also not possible to climb or bring explosive substances into the premises.

The Sum Up: A Unique Blend of Wine and History in Moldova

The Milestii Mici tour offers an authentic and impressive look at Moldova’s largest underground wine collection and a glimpse into its Soviet past. The guided exploration, combined with wine tasting and a visit to the museum, forms a rich, multi-layered experience that appeals to wine lovers, history buffs, and culture seekers.

While the price may be higher than some expect, the scope, record-breaking size, and expert guides make it a worthwhile investment. The comfort of round-trip transport and the well-organized itinerary ensure a smooth visit. This tour suits those who enjoy learning about local traditions, sampling fine wine, and exploring underground marvels.

If you appreciate guided experiences that combine history, culture, and wine, the Milestii Mici underground winery and Soviet museum tour stands out as a not-to-miss activity in Moldova.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Chisinau is part of the tour, making it easy to reach the winery without additional planning.

How long does the entire tour last?
The whole experience takes approximately 3 hours, including guided touring, wine tasting, and museum visit.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended. Remember, the cellars are cool, so a jacket is advised.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 5 years are not suitable, but older children and teenagers can participate, with discounts available for younger children.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the underground tunnels are not suited for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What makes this tour special?
The Guinness World Record for the largest underground wine cellar and the adjacent Soviet museum are unique features that make this tour particularly memorable.

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