Cricova

Cricova Winery, located just north of Chișinău, is one of Moldova’s most renowned wine producers and a major tourist attraction, famous for its vast underground cellars that stretch over 120 kilometers beneath the surface. These tunnels, originally limestone mines, have been transformed since the 1950s into a subterranean ‘wine city’, complete with warehouses, tasting rooms, and even banquet halls, all kept at a constant temperature ideal for wine maturation. Visitors explore this underground labyrinth aboard electric busses, traveling through avenues named after the wines stored within, making the journey both practical and memorable.

Cricova is especially celebrated as Moldova’s largest producer of sparkling wines, crafted using the traditional French ‘Méthode traditionelle‘ – the same process used in Champagne. The winery produces a diverse range of sparkling wines, including brut, rosé, and semi-sweet varieties, using classic grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as local varieties such as Feteasca Albă. The sparkling wines mature deep underground for at least three years, with much of the process performed by hand, reflecting the meticulous care and expertise of Cricova’s winemakers.

A highlight of any visit to Cricova is its impressive wine collection, which is among the largest in the world. The National Wine Collection houses over 1.25 million bottles, including rare vintages from Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Tokaji, with the oldest bottle dating back to 1902. Some bottles in the collection have notable histories, such as those seized as war reparations after World War II, and private collections belonging to famous personalities. Touring Cricova offers a unique glimpse into Moldova’s winemaking heritage, blending history, tradition, and innovation beneath the earth’s surface. If you like, it ends with a nice wine tasting giving you the full picture.

Cricova winery
Cricova
Moldova