Cricova Winery

About

Cricova Winery, located in the town of Cricova just north of Chişinău, is renowned for its massive underground wine complex, often referred to as the "Wine City." In the 1950s limestone tunnels—originally excavated to support the city—were transformed into a state‑of‑the‑art wine storage facility. Today, the cellars stretch an astonishing 120 km (75 mi) of labyrinthine passages, allowing the preservation of over 1.25 million bottles of wine, many of them more than a century old. The underground climate is carefully regulated at approximately 12 °C (54 °F) year‑round, creating ideal conditions for aging both red and sparkling varieties by the traditional French méthode Champenoise. Visitors can descend to a depth of 100 m (330 ft) and wander through self‑guiding routes that showcase the entire wine production process, from an impressive selection of vintage bottles to in‑depth exhibits about Moldova’s winemaking heritage. A visit to Cricova offers an immersive experience unlike any other. Aside from tasting sessions, guests can explore the historic tunnels that have, over the decades, evolved into a subterranean museum of Mugualdan winemaking ingenuity. The site is considered a must‑see attraction for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike, boasting the world’s second‑largest wine cellar after Milestii Mici and positioning itself as a pivotal cultural landmark in Eastern Europe. With visitors typically spending two to three hours exploring the cellars, a recommended visit duration of 2 hours (7 200 seconds) is suggested to fully appreciate the layered history and impressive wine collection without feeling rushed. April through October provide the most comfortable conditions for touring and tasting, as the weather is pleasant and the facility’s internal climate remains consistent throughout the year.

Highlights

• Underground Labyrinth
• Historic Depth
• Vineyard Longevity

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 2 hours