Why and How to visit Cricova Winery – Wine Tasting

The best news when looking to visit Cricova Winery is that it’s one of the easiest day trips you can take from Chisinau. Just 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) from the capital, Cricova is widely considered the best winery to visit from Chisinau, thanks to its extraordinary underground galleries and world-class sparkling wines. You’re not just coming here for a tasting, but the entire experience. At Cricova, there’s a labyrinth of wine cellars, tunnels, and tasting rooms deep in the limestone hills. Visiting Cricova is part wine tour, part history lesson, part underground adventure, and part wine tasting too. Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a unique Moldovan experience, Cricova is definitely one to put on your list.

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Moldova has been making wine for thousands of years, and it shows in the variety and quality you’ll find here. The country was once known as the vineyard of the USSR, supplying millions of bottles a year, and today Moldova’s wineries are finally gaining recognition on their own terms. You’ll find indigenous grapes like Fetească Neagră and Rara Neagră alongside international varieties, but you won’t see much Moldovan wine outside the country. That’s why it’s best enjoyed here, in places like Cricova — the most famous and accessible of them all.  It’s one of the best and easiest day trips from the capital, Chisinau.

Moldovan Wine – a potted history

Wine has been part of Moldovan life for more than 5,000 years, with archaeological finds showing ancient winemaking tools and grape seeds scattered across the region. Over the centuries, Moldovan wine has absorbed influences from Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans, but the biggest growth came during the Soviet era (1922 – 1991). Moldova became known as the “vineyard of the USSR,” supplying around two-thirds of the wine consumed across the union. Collectivisation meant mass production, but it also cemented Moldova’s role as a serious wine producer.

Today, Moldova makes wine from both international grapes and unique local varieties. Indigenous grapes like Fetească Albă, Fetească Neagră, Rara Neagră, Feteasca Regala, and Viorica are the pride of Moldovan winemakers. You’ll find rich red blends that rival Bordeaux, some rather nice whites, and méthode champenoise sparkling wines that Cricova does particularly well.

The catch? Distribution outside the country is still limited. So you really are much better off tasting while you’re here in Moldova.  Moldova exports wine, but it’s not always easy to find. 

The Top Wineries of Moldova

Moldova isn’t short of wineries; there are some more famous ones. If you only have a few days, these five are the ones to aim for.

• Cricova Winery – Just outside Chisinau, Cricova is the easiest to visit and the most famous. Known for its underground galleries and sparkling wine, it’s the classic choice for a first Moldovan wine experience.
• Mileștii Mici – Officially home to the largest wine cellar in the world, with more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) of tunnels. It’s Guinness World Record-worthy and a must for scale alone.
• Château Purcari – A historic winery, Moldova’s oldest, dating back to 1827, producing award-winning red blends like Negru de Purcari. Its elegant château makes for a picturesque stay as well as a tasting.
• Castel Mimi – Recently restored, this winery combines history with modern flair. Expect good food, great wine, and a beautiful courtyard atmosphere.
• Et Cetera – A boutique, family-run winery in the south, offering intimate tastings and hearty Moldovan hospitality. It’s a bit further from Chisinau, but worth the trip if you want something more personal; tastings here are undertaken by family members.

Visiting Cricova Winery

It’s hard to visit a country and not explore the food and drink you can find there.  I’ve covered the best food and drinks in Moldova here, but truly, you should visit a winery (and I recommend Cricova) to see the production, taste their wine, and see the scale of the place too!

I’ve mentioned, it’s an easy day trip from Chisinau, the wines are excellent, and the underground tour is unlike anything else. You don’t just get to taste wine here, you get driven around a vast network of limestone tunnels, and learn how Moldova became one of Europe’s oldest wine-producing regions.

But a note:  Tours and tastings must be booked in advance, as you can’t simply walk in.  So if you’re not taking one of these tours, then book your tasting and tour in advance directly with Cricova here.

History of Cricova Winery

Cricova’s story began in 1952, when a network of old limestone mines was transformed into wine cellars.   It was thanks to Petru Ungureanu and Nicolae Sobolev, two Moldovan winemakers, who proposed that the tunnels created by the limestone extraction be used for wine storage.

The constant temperature and humidity underground proved perfect for storing and ageing wine, and the winery quickly gained a reputation across the Soviet Union. During the USSR years, Cricova became a favourite of leaders and dignitaries — legends say that Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, spent two full days underground here celebrating, and Vladimir Putin marked his 50th birthday with Cricova wines.

Cricova also became famous for its sparkling wine, produced using the traditional méthode champenoise.

Some of the rarest bottles in Eastern Europe are kept here, including unique exhibits like the “Jerusalem of Easter” vintage 1902 and the liqueur “Jan Becher” vintage 1902. Collections of European wines rescued from Nazi German collections after World War II are also stored in the galleries.

In 2003, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova granted Cricova the official status of National Cultural Heritage, cementing its importance not only as a winery but also as a cultural landmark. More recently, Cricova was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, recognising its significance as part of Moldova’s national identity and global wine culture.

Key Dates in Cricova’s History

• 15^th Century –   Limestone begins to be excavated, creating tunnels
• 1952 – Founding of Cricova Winery in former limestone mines.
• 1966 – Yuri Gagarin’s legendary two-day visit underground.
• 2003 – Declared a National Cultural Heritage site by the Moldovan Parliament.
• 2015 –  Vladimir Putin celebrates his 50^th Birthday at Cricova
• 2025 – Added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List.

Cricova Winery in Numbers

Cricova is impressive not just for its history, but for its sheer scale. The underground wine city of tunnels stretches for around 120 kilometers (75 miles), though only part of it is open to visitors.  Mileștii Mici’s are longer, with more than 200 kilometers(124 miles) (there’s more here on that)

The cellars are located between 80 and 100 meters (262–328 feet) underground, the constant cool temperature there of about 12–14°C makes it perfect for storing wine.  That also means it’s COLD underground, bring layers!

The collection here is staggering: more than 1.3 million bottles are stored in the galleries, including some of the rarest vintages in Eastern Europe. The oldest bottle in the collection dates back to 1902, and Cricova continues to produce millions of liters of wine every year. Much of that is sparkling wine, made with the traditional method, which Cricova is especially known for.

Cricova by the Numbers

• 120 kilometers (75 miles) of underground tunnels
• 600 hectares of vineyards (the largest in the country!)
• 80–100 metres (262–328 feet) below ground.
• 1.3 million bottles in the collection
• Oldest vintage: 1902.
• Annual production: around 2 million bottles of sparkling wine alone!

What to see at Cricova Winery

A visit to Cricova is much more than a simple wine tasting — it’s a full-on underground adventure.  You leave from outside the main office, where you’ll have paid if you haven’t come here on a tour.  There are tours in different languages (that’s why you have to book, as the English tours are popular), and you start the tour by getting onto the electric tourist train that’s going to take you into the tunnels.  You didn’t think they were going to let you wander around at will, did you?  (Oh, don’t worry, they kind of do that as well!).

The Wine Train at Cricova Winery

Because the tunnels are so extensive, you’ll explore part of Cricova by electric “wine train.” The little tram/train takes you through a bewildering variety of tunnels, with your guide stopping to point out storage areas and special collections along the way. The ride lasts about 20–30 minutes and gives you a sense of just how big the underground city really is.

You’ll see the oak wine barrels in which wine matures – there are nearly 1,000 of them.  Oak is used here for a maximum of 5 years for wine, and then it’s used for cognac.  Plus, there are also 1500 stainless steel vats.

But you head first of all to find out a little more about Cricova and its history.  And that means it’s movie time.

The Movie Theatre Underground at Cricova

Deep in the cellars, there’s a small underground cinema.  There’s nothing like getting you in a good mood and a glass of fizz, a comfy seat, and an overview of Cricova does just that.  The tours of Cricova include a short film about the history of Moldovan wine and Cricova’s role in it.   The movie lasts about 15 minutes, and yes, you get a complimentary glass of fizz, even if you’re not doing the tasting after the tour.

The Underground Tunnels at Cricova

The highlight is the vast network of limestone tunnels are divided into “wine streets” named after grape varieties and regions — like Cabernet, Fetească, or Bordeaux. The wine that’s stored in those areas is the same as the name of the street.  As you travel through, you’ll see different storage areas, historic collections, and themed halls dedicated to famous guests and world leaders.

The Sparkling Wine Production & Cellars

Cricova is especially famous for its Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines, and you can see the cellars where the bottles are stored at an angle, slowly turned by hand during the riddling process. Riddling is performed by specific members of the team, who can turn up to 30,000 bottles of wine per person per day.

When riddling is completed, the lees, aka the sediment, is removed from the top of the bottle along with the temporary top, some sugar is added, and then a Portuguese cork seals the bottle.

You get to walk into the storage area, and you also walk right up to and past the production line, where you can watch the bottling process — from corking and labelling to the final packaging.  Amazingly, you can get so close and see the ladies making magic happen in bottles!

The Underground Chapel at Cricova

Although this only opened in 2019, it’s a pretty neat chapel carved into one of the tunnels of the winery.

The Wine Museum at Cricova

The museum is more of a collection of curiosities of the implements of wine-making in the past.  You’ll walk past it as you head towards the tasting rooms.

The National Collection at Cricova

Although you won’t likely notice it until the guide explains, the cellars that house the “National Collection” of wines are shaped like a wine glass.  Each of the sections here, which look like heavy-duty shelves, is called a “casa,” and they hold the valuable wine collections. 

The oldest dates from 1902, it’s called “Jerusalem of Easter”.  It’s apparently the world’s most expensive and the only one of its kind left.  This bottle is the only one of 400 that were bottled in 1902.  Various of these “casas” are related to historical figures.  It’s all in an area that’s fenced off to us mere mortals, but there are plaques and labels so you know where to look.

There’s wine here recouped from Herman Goering, wine belonging to Vladimir Putin, and Angela Merkel.

In case you’re wondering who else, there’s a map of celebrity visitors and wine owners that you’ll pass as you walk through the collection.

There’s even, before you get to the tasting room, a “map” of the tunnels that make up this underground city of wine!

Themed Rooms and Tasting Halls

Cricova also has a series of spectacularly decorated tasting rooms, each with its own story. There’s the elegant Presidential Room, where international dignitaries have been entertained, and halls named after famous people, including Yuri Gagarin.   It’s a bit like you’re having some kind of private, exclusive dining experience.  And it’s a lot grander than any other wine tasting experience we’ve been on.  And yes, there have been a few in our past!   You don’t get to choose your wine tasting room, but you’ll know which you’re in by the décor (and the signage, of course!)

The European Hall:  The stained glass design here makes you feel as though it’s daylight; they shows Moldova’s vineyards throughout the seasons.  Our wine tasting was in this room.

The Great House:  Decorated with oak furniture and national symbols, this is designed to look like a traditional rural house of Moldova.

The Presidential Hall uses the décor of wine cultivation around Moldova. If you’re famous, then you’ll be in this room.

The Bottom of the Sea:  This is designed to make you feel as though you’re at the bottom of the Sarmatian Sea, which is where this was.  About 12 million years ago! 

Now, those other, less salubrious wine tasting places we’ve been to?  Here’s our wine tasting experiences in some of the stranger places we’ve been.

• Wine tasting in Peru
• Indian Wine Tasting
• Wine Tasting in Myanmar

Wine Tasting Options at Cricova Winery

The tour is kind of funky and definitely interesting, but any visit to Cricova always ends with the highlight: tasting the wines themselves.  And you have to pay extra for this.  Wine is highly prized here.  If you don’t want to pay for the tasting, then I’ve covered some of the wine bars in Chisinau where you can taste wine.

We tasted Rose Rara Neagra, Merlot, Brut Als and Orasul Subteran Viorica.  And yes, I’d buy all of them.

Cricova offers a range of packages that combine the underground tour with different tasting options, so you can choose according to your budget and interest. Prices are usually listed in Moldovan lei, and you’ll need to book in advance.  Check all the latest prices and options here.

• Standard Tour and Tasting – Includes the guided underground tour, the movie screening, and a tasting of two to three wines, usually a mix of sparkling and still. Prices are here.
• Business Tasting Package – Adds more variety, with four or five wines, including sparkling, red, and white, paired with light snacks like cheese and nuts. Prices are around 650 MDL
• Professional Tasting – The full experience: six to seven wines, including cheeses. This costs around 850 MFL.
• National Tasting –  5 types of wine and a full meal, from 1100 MDL.
• Traditional Tasting – 8 types of wine and a full meal, from 1700 MDL
• VIP Tasting –  9 types of wine, full meal, from 3,000 MDL

It’s also cheaper to take the 10:00 tour on Monday to Friday.

The Underground Wine Shop at Cricova

Like any good tour, it finishes at the shop (and you can walk out of the tunnels from here).  There’s a whole lot of wine you can buy here.  And a whole lot of souvenirs.  Pretty much anything you think of can have a Cricova logo on it.  There are themed souvenirs and non-wine-themed things too. 

We had other places to visit in Moldova and limited space, so we saved our wine purchases until we got to the airport, where there was an immense (and very, very good) range to buy.

How to get to Cricova Winery

Getting to Cricova Winery is easy; it’s only about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Chisinau, making it one of the easiest wineries to visit in Moldova. You’ve got a few options depending on your time, budget, and how much wine you plan to drink.

Taking a Tour to Cricova Winery

The simplest way is to book a guided tour from Chisinau. You can visit

• Just Cricova – it includes your transport, wine tasting, and an English-speaking guide.
• Cricova winery and Milestii Mici – tasting at both wineries (and a free bottle too!)
• Cricova and Old Orhei and Curchi Monastery, so you can combine wine tasting with history and countryside views.

Tours take care of transport, tickets, and booking requirements — which is handy since you can’t just walk into Cricova without a reservation.

Public Bus to Cricova Winery from Chisinau

You’ll want the number 2 bus.  It is located 2 blocks from the Chisinau central bus station.  You want the cross streets of  Strada Alexandru cel Bun and Strada Vasile Alecsandri.  Stand on Strada Alexandru cel Bun to catch the bus.  The bus schedule is shown on Google Maps.  The bus journey takes about 30-40 minutes.  Tickets cost 6 MDL, pay the driver.

The bus does NOT go all the way to the winery; it’s about a 15-minute walk (1.1 kilometers) from the stop near Cricova village central park.  The stop is known as “Cricova Primaria”.  This is the main stop in Cricova, and the bus doesn’t go any further; it turns around and then comes back to this stop.  Once you get off the bus, there are signposts to the winery.

Taxi or Yandex to Cricova Winery

If you prefer door-to-door, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go are easy to arrange. It’s between 20 and 30 minutes by car from Chisinau to the Cricova winery.  Expect to pay around 120–150 MDL (€6–7) each way, though prices vary with traffic and demand. Agree on the fare in advance if you’re not using the meter on a street taxi, or to pre-book your return so you’re not stuck waiting in Cricova after your tour.  You *may* not get a cell phone signal at Cricova, but the reception staff are great and will help you.

Final Words on Wine Tasting at Cricova Winery

Cricova Winery is more than just Moldova’s most famous wine cellar — it’s a fabulous full-on tasting, touring, and exploring experience that combines a whole lot of history. Because it’s so close to Chisinau, Cricova is easy to include in any Moldova itinerary, either by itself or along with a trip to places like Old Orhei.

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