A wine-loving journey into the depths of Moldova: The Cricova Winery

The Cricova Wine Cellar in the Republic of Moldova offers visitors a fascinating journey through an underground labyrinth of over 120 kilometers, which not only serves as a storage facility for an impressive wine collection, but also reveals a rich history and tradition. From guided tours through the deep corridors to tastings of different types of wine, Cricova offers an unparalleled experience for wine lovers from all over the world.

Amidst the rolling hills and fertile plains of the Republic of Moldova, about 15 kilometers north of the capital Chișinău, lies a place that delights wine lovers and history buffs alike: the Cricova winery. Famous for its extensive underground tunnel system, which is considered the second largest in the country, Cricova not only houses an impressive collection of wines, but also offers an unforgettable journey into the depths of the Moldovan wine world.

A labyrinth of limestone and wine

Built in 1952 in the limestone hills below the town of Cricova, the tunnel system stretches for 120 kilometers. These labyrinthine passageways store millions of bottles of wine, which mature under constant temperature and humidity conditions. The streets of the underground complex bear the names of the types of wine stored here and lead visitors through a fascinating world of history, tradition and modern wine production.

Unique wines from indigenous grape varieties

Cricova is known for its sparkling wines, which are produced using the classic champagne method “Méthode Traditionelle”. In addition to the sparkling specialties, the winery also offers a wide range of red, white and rosé wines made from Moldovan autochthonous grape varieties such as Feteasca Regală, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cricova’s wines are characterized by their elegance, fruitiness and complexity and have already received numerous international awards.

A journey through time

A visit to the Cricova winery is more than just a tasting. It is a journey through time that takes visitors into the history of Moldovan winemaking. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the underground cellars, tour the production facilities and learn about the history of the winery. In the atmospheric tasting rooms, visitors have the opportunity to taste Cricova wines in a stylish setting and enjoy culinary specialties of the region.

Arrival options from Germany, Austria and Switzerland

For travelers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, there are various ways to reach Chișinău and the Cricova winery. Regular flights connect the capitals of the three countries with Chișinău International Airport. From there, Cricova can be reached by car or taxi in about 20 minutes.

Travelers from the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) have various options to reach Chișinău, the capital of the Republic of Moldova. Several established airlines offer flight connections, including Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Wizz Air.

In addition, airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Lot, and Tarom offer connections with stopovers. The flight time for nonstop flights is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Vienna, 3 hours from Frankfurt, and 3 hours 30 minutes from Zurich. It is advisable to compare prices and check availability in advance, as this can vary seasonally and depending on the airline.