Plan Your Moldova Wine Tour: Wineries Plus Tastings in Chișinău

So here you’ll find what to expect, what to drink, and why you might want to add a wine tour or two to your Moldova itinerary.

Moldova might be Europe’s best-kept secret when it comes to wine. With more vines than people and a winemaking tradition that predates the Romans, this small country punches well above its weight. We managed to visit two of the big names in March 2025 – Cricova and Castel Mimi – and both were packed with personality, tastings, history, and some unexpectedly funny moments. I’ve reviewed both those Moldova wine tours here and added a map and details of other notable wineries too. I’ve also added some wine tasting opportunities in Chişinău, which could be handy if a full tour is not for you.

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This guide includes a few affiliate links. If you choose to buy something through one of them, I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Everything included here, I personally own and use on my trips — no random fluff. Thank you for supporting One Small Bag and helping keep this resource ad-free and independent.

What to Drink in Moldova

First up, let’s talk about the wines you are likely to taste in Moldova on a Moldova Wine Tour.

Sparkling wine: Cricova’s specialty. Made in the traditional method (like Champagne), often crisp and dry).
Aromatic whites: Grapes like Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, and Viorica are common. Light, floral, and easy-drinking.
Rară Neagră: Moldova’s signature red grape. Soft, juicy, not too heavy — you’ll see this in blends and solo.
Negru de Purcari: A rich red blend, aged and smooth. Moldova’s flagship wine.
Other drinks: Some wineries offer divin (Moldovan brandy), țuică (fruit brandy), or nucată (a homemade walnut liqueur). If one appears in front of you, just go with it.

Map of Moldova Wineries

Tips for Visiting Moldovan Wineries

Here are a few tips for visiting Wineries.

Booking Ahead: Essential for Cricova and Castel Mimi.
Transport: Public transport is limited. Hire a private driver, or book a tour.
Dress Code: Comfortable but smart casual, especially at Castel Mimi or Purcari.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn. September is harvest season and extra atmospheric but the larger wineries may be open all year.

Cricova: Underground Wine City

Why Visit?

Cricova is Moldova’s most iconic winery. It’s theatrical, slightly surreal, and definitely memorable. If you’re unsure whether a wine tour is your thing, start here. The electric train alone – driven at speed through miles of underground tunnels – is worth it.

For us, the winery tour was part of a full day trip from Chişinău to Orhei Vechi Monastery and Archeological Complex, one of Moldova’s top places to visit and not too far from the capital.

The drive up to the entrance takes you through vineyards that stretch for miles, giving you a sense of scale before you even arrive. We visited on a sunny day in late March 2025 and it was glorious.

Cricova Winery Entrance - Moldovan Wineries — Cricova Winery Entrance

The entrance buildings are grand, but once inside, you are ushered underground! Cricova’s cellars span over 120km of limestone tunnels. Originally carved out in the 15th century so the limestone could be used for building in Chișinău. These tunnels have stored wine since the 1950s.

The Underground Bus Tour

To get around, we hopped aboard the underground tour bus. It reminded me of those tourist buses I call ‘noddy trains’! This one though, was a lot more pacey than the typical trains you see trundling through tourist cities! It flew down the tunnels at speed!

Apparently, it’s hard to get lost in this underground maze, as each tunnel is named. While I could see the names of the streets (named after grape varieties) on the street signs, I clung firmly to the tour bus. It felt like we were on some kind of wine themed amusement park!

Our first stops included the sparkling wine production area and storage rooms. Cricova sparkling wine is made using the traditional method similar to Champagne, Then came a brief film screening in an underground cinema, paired with a glass of Cricova bubbly.

Next, we visited the ‘wine library’, where rare bottles are stored, including one from 1902. Many world leaders and celebrities have private collections down here, and the walls are covered with their photos. We were told that cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin once stayed underground for two days and had to be escorted out. Possibly apocryphal, but the framed letter of thanks suggests there’s some truth to it.

After a few more stops through barrel rooms and cellars, we arrived at the tasting rooms. The vibe was more ‘grand palace’ than ‘wine cave’ and each room had a different theme. This is where the tour group was split. Those who had purchased tickets including tasting were ushered into a tasting room. Those without were sent back to the tour bus, to complete their trip. Make sure your ticket includes the tasting! There were a few disappointed people on our tour!

Wine Tasting

We were seated at a huge table. Each place setting included four wine glasses and snacks – cheese, crackers, and locally grown walnuts. I didn’t catch all the wine names, but the red stood out. The room was lively and the group entertaining. If you’re after something more intimate, try Castel Mimi instead!

Our tour driver was there to pick us up when we had finished. He was relieved when we reappeared on time at the end of the tour. His client the previous day had gone missing. He was found several hours later with two empty wine bottles!

Practicalities:

Website: Cricova Official Site
How to Get There: 15km north of Chișinău. You can drive, take a Bolt/Yandex, or book a guided tour.
Tours & Cost: From 500–1000 MDL depending on the tasting level. Book in advance. We visited as part of a full-day tour.

👉 Here’s the Trip we went on which combines the wine tour with a trip to Old Orhei, including the Cave Monastery of Orhei Vechi (I’ll be reviewing the Old Orhei visit separately).