Exploring the renowned Cricova Winery is a must-do experience for wine enthusiasts visiting Moldova. This group tour promises an immersive journey into the heart of the country’s winemaking heritage, guiding travelers through the enchanting underground cellars dating back to the 16th century. Guests will witness the meticulous process behind crafting Moldovan vintages and indulge in curated tastings paired with local cuisine. With personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the secrets of Cricova’s world-class wines. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply seeking a captivating cultural experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

About Your Stay

GROUP - Cricova Winery With Tasting - About Your Stay

  • Cricova Winery offers a group tour experience in Moldova’s famous underground wine cellars, with prices starting at $89.82 per person.
  • The tour includes a local guide, all taxes, food, drinks, and the opportunity to learn about the winery’s history and winemaking process.
  • The tour departs from Hotel Chișinău at 9:00 am and returns to the same location, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
  • Visitors can explore the winery’s vast network of tunnels and chambers carved into limestone, home to a collection of rare wines.
  • The tasting experience features a guided tour of the cellars, a curated selection of wines, and insights from expert sommeliers, accompanied by local Moldovan dishes.

Tour Overview

GROUP - Cricova Winery With Tasting - Tour Overview

The Cricova Winery tour is a group experience that takes visitors on an exploration of Moldova’s renowned wine cellar.

Located in Chisinau, the tour offers a price range from $89.82 per person and accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers.

The group tour provides an immersive experience, including a local guide, all taxes, fees, and handling charges, as well as food and drinks.

The tour starts at 9:00 am from the Hotel Chișinău and returns to the same meeting point.

Participants should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants’ meals aren’t included.

Plus, the tour may not be suitable for travelers with back problems.

Inclusions

As part of the Cricova Winery tour, visitors can expect a range of inclusions.

All taxes, fees, and handling charges are covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience. A local guide will lead the way, providing valuable insights and information about the winery’s history and production processes.

Plus, food and drinks are included, allowing participants to fully enjoy the winery’s offerings.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase, providing a memento of the visit.

These inclusions work together to create a comprehensive and enjoyable tour for travelers.

Meeting and Pickup

GROUP - Cricova Winery With Tasting - Meeting and Pickup

Travelers gather at the Hotel Chișinău, located on Bulevardul Constantin Negruzzi 7 in Chișinău, Moldova, where the tour begins.

The meeting point is in front of the hotel, where ample parking is available. The tour departs promptly at 9:00 am.

After the tour, participants are returned to the same meeting point at the Hotel Chișinău.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Infant seats are available, though infant meals aren’t included.

Winery History

GROUP - Cricova Winery With Tasting - Winery History

Cricova Winery boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century, when the extensive network of underground cellars was first established.

Over the centuries, the winery has grown to become one of Moldova’s most renowned wine producers, with over 120 kilometers of underground tunnels and chambers carved into the limestone bedrock.

Today, the winery is home to a vast collection of wines, including rare vintages and specialty labels.

Visitors can explore the labyrinthine cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and sample the diverse array of wines produced on-site.

Cricova’s rich heritage and impressive facilities make it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

Winemaking Process

GROUP - Cricova Winery With Tasting - Winemaking Process

Crafting exceptional wines at Cricova Winery begins with a meticulous process that harnesses the region’s unique terroir.

The winemaking journey involves:

  1. Careful grape selection, where only the finest fruit is handpicked to ensure optimal ripeness and flavor.
  2. Gentle pressing and fermentation, a delicate balance of temperature and time to extract the desired characteristics.
  3. Extensive barrel aging, where the wine matures in oak to develop its complexity and depth of character.

This attention to detail at every step ensures that Cricova’s wines showcase the elegance and complexity that have made this Moldovan winery a renowned name in the global wine industry.

Tasting Experience

GROUP - Cricova Winery With Tasting - Tasting Experience

The tasting experience at Cricova Winery immerses visitors in the rich heritage and expertise that have made this Moldovan institution a revered name in the global wine scene. Guests embark on a guided journey through Cricova’s cavernous cellars, where they sample a curated selection of the winery’s finest vintages. The tasting is accompanied by insightful commentary from knowledgeable sommeliers, who share the stories and techniques behind each wine. The experience culminates in a delightful pairing of Cricova’s exquisite offerings with local delicacies, allowing guests to fully appreciate the synergy between the region’s wine and cuisine.

Tasting Highlights
Exclusive Vintages Cricova’s master winemakers select their most exceptional and limited-production wines for this tasting experience.
Expert Guidance Sommeliers provide in-depth information about the grape varieties, fermentation methods, and aging process behind each wine.
Culinary Pairing The tasting is complemented by a selection of local Moldovan dishes, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Intimate Setting The tasting takes place in the winery’s atmospheric underground cellars, creating a truly immersive ambiance.
Souvenir Photos Guests can capture the memories of their tasting journey with complimentary souvenir photos.

Transportation Details

GROUP - Cricova Winery With Tasting - Transportation Details

For the Cricova Winery Tasting experience, transportation is provided from the meeting point at Hotel Chișinău.

The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am, so it’s recommended to arrive a few minutes early. Participants will be transported to the Cricova Winery, located just outside of Chisinau, in a comfortable vehicle.

At the end of the tour, the group will be taken back to the original meeting point at Hotel Chișinău.

The key transportation details are:

  1. Meeting point: Hotel Chișinău
  2. Departure time: 9:00 am
  3. Return to original meeting point

Important Reminders

GROUP - Cricova Winery With Tasting - Important Reminders

As participants make their way to the meeting point at Hotel Chișinău, it’s important to arrive a few minutes early to ensure a punctual departure. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. Those with back problems may find the experience challenging, so it’s best to consult the guide beforehand. Infant meals aren’t included, and the minimum drinking age is 18 years old. Despite these reminders, most travelers can participate and enjoy the Cricova Winery tasting.

Reminder Details
Arrival Time Arrive a few minutes early
Accessibility Not wheelchair accessible
Children Must be accompanied by an adult
Back Problems Not recommended
Infant Meals Not included
Drinking Age 18 years minimum

Worth The Stay

This Cricova Winery tour offers an immersive experience into Moldova’s rich winemaking heritage. Visitors can explore the captivating underground cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and savor a curated tasting of local wines paired with traditional cuisine. With personalized attention and the opportunity to capture memorable moments, this tour provides an enchanting glimpse into the enchanting world of Moldovan viticulture.