The Ultimate Moldovan Wine Holiday: 5 Best Wine Tours to Experience.
Moldova, often called the "hidden gem of Eastern Europe," boasts a rich winemaking tradition dating back over 5,000 years. With vast vineyards, colossal underground cellars, and family-run wineries, it’s a paradise for wine lovers. If you're planning a Moldovan wine holiday, these five must-do wine tours will take you through the country’s finest cellars, tastings, and scenic vineyards.
- Cricova – The Underground Wine City
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Cricova wine tours is Moldova’s most famous underground wine metropolis, stretching over 120 km of tunnels (second only to Milestii Mici). This labyrinth of cellars stores millions of bottles, including a royal collection belonging to former leaders like Hermann Göring and Joseph Stalin.
Tour Highlights
Underground train ride through dimly lit tunnels lined with wine barrels.
Tasting premium sparkling wines (Cricova is Moldova’s top producer of méthode traditionnelle).
Visiting the "Golden Collection"—rare wines dating back to the 1900s.
Seeing the "Wine Treasury", where world leaders have stored private collections.
Practical Tips
📍 Distance from Chișinău: 15 km (20 min drive).
🍷 Best Wines to Try: Cricova Prestige Brut, Negru de Purcari.
📅 Booking: Reserve ahead—tours fill quickly.
- Mileștii Mici – The World’s Largest Wine Cellar (Guinness World Record Holder)
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Mileștii Mici holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection on Earth, with 2 million+ bottles stored in 200+ km of limestone tunnels.
Tour Highlights
Driving through underground streets named after wine varieties (e.g., Cabernet Street).
Tasting rare aged wines (some over 50 years old).
Seeing the "Golden Collection"—bottles worth thousands of euros.
Private VIP tastings in underground tasting rooms.
Practical Tips
📍 Distance from Chișinău: 20 km (25 min drive).
🍷 Best Wines to Try: Mileștii Mici Codru, Rosu de Mileștii Mici.
🚗 Transport: Tours include a car ride inside the tunnels.
- Purcari – Moldova’s Most Prestige Winery (Since 1827)
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Purcari is Moldova’s oldest premium winery, famous for its Negru de Purcari—a Bordeaux-style blend served at Queen Victoria’s court. The estate resembles a French château, surrounded by scenic vineyards near the Dniester River.
Tour Highlights
Vineyard walk with views of the Dniester Valley.
Barrel room & aging cellar visit.
Premium tasting (6-8 wines, including rare vintages).
Gourmet lunch paired with Purcari’s best wines.
Practical Tips
📍 Distance from Chișinău: 120 km (2-hour drive).
🍷 Best Wines to Try: Negru de Purcari, Rosu de Purcari, Chardonnay de Purcari.
🏨 Stay Overnight: Purcari Wine Resort offers luxury rooms among vineyards.
- Asconi Winery – Authentic Moldovan Hospitality
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Asconi is a family-run winery offering a cozy, rustic experience—perfect for travelers who want an authentic Moldovan wine tour away from crowds.
Tour Highlights
Hands-on grape harvesting (seasonal).
Wine blending workshop (create your own bottle).
Traditional Moldovan lunch (placinte, grilled meats, homemade cheese).
Horse-drawn carriage ride through vineyards.
Practical Tips
📍 Distance from Chișinău: 35 km (40 min drive).
🍷 Best Wines to Try: Asconi Sol Negru, Dionis.
💰
Budget-Friendly: More affordable than Cricova or Purcari.
- Et Cetera – Boutique Winery with a Modern Twist
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Et Cetera is a small, innovative winery focusing on organic and natural wines. The owner, Sergiu Musteață, experiments with amphora-aged wines and rare local grape varieties.
Tour Highlights
Tasting unique wines (e.g., Feteasca Neagră aged in clay qvevri).
Walking through experimental vineyards.
Meeting the winemaker for a personal storytelling session.
Sunset wine picnic in the countryside.
Practical Tips
📍 Distance from Chișinău: 40 km (50 min drive).
🍷 Best Wines to Try: Et Cetera Amphora Wine, Feteasca Regală.
📸 Instagram-Worthy: Rustic-chic tasting room with vineyard views.
Bonus: Wine Tour Itinerary for a 3-Day Moldovan Wine Holiday
Day 1: Underground Wonders
Morning: Cricova Winery
Afternoon: Mileștii Mici
Evening: Wine bar in Chișinău (e.g., Carpe Diem or Vinoteca)
Day 2: Luxury & History
Morning: Purcari Winery (lunch included)
Afternoon: Return via Căpriana Monastery (scenic stop)
Day 3: Authentic & Boutique
Morning: Asconi Winery (hands-on experience)
Afternoon: Et Cetera Winery (sunset tasting)
Final Tips for Your Moldovan Wine Holiday
✔ Best Time to Visit: September-October (harvest season).
✔ Transport: Rent a car or book private tours (public transport is limited).
✔ Wine Souvenirs: Buy directly from wineries (better prices than airports).
✔ Dress Code: Casual but elegant—some wineries are upscale.
Why Moldova is Europe’s Best-Kept Wine Secret
With 300+ sunny days a year, fertile soil, and centuries-old techniques, Moldova produces world-class wines at unbeatable prices. Whether you prefer sparkling wines in underground cathedrals or natural wines in rustic cellars, a Moldovan wine holiday offers unforgettable experiences.
Ready to toast with a glass of Negru de Purcari?
Final Tips
Book at least a week in advance (last-minute guides may be unavailable).
Avoid street touts offering tours—stick to verified professionals.
Carry some cash (some guides prefer payment in euros or lei).
By following these steps, you’ll find a knowledgeable and trustworthy guide who can make your visit to Chișinău unforgettable. Enjoy your trip!