Cricova Winery, Cricova, Republic of Moldova

1. Production and Storage

The success of the Cricova Winery is largely due to the exceptional natural conditions provided by its underground galleries. Starting in 1952, the former limestone mines were transformed into a vast complex dedicated to the production, aging, and storage of wines. Today, the underground labyrinth stretches over 120 kilometers and is one of the most impressive wine-making infrastructures in the world.

At a depth of up to 80 meters, the temperature remains constant throughout the year, between 12 and 14°C, and the humidity reaches approximately 97–98%. This natural microclimate creates the ideal conditions for the slow aging of wines and the long-term preservation of their quality.

Cricova is particularly renowned for its sparkling wines produced using the traditional French „Méthode Traditionnelle,” which involves secondary fermentation directly in the bottle and a long aging period. The winery was the first in the Republic of Moldova to adopt this technique, inspired by the French champagne tradition.

In addition to sparkling wines, millions of liters of white, red, and rosé wines are stored in the underground cellars. The streets of the underground city are named after grape varieties such as Cabernet, Sauvignon, Feteasca, and Aligoté, and each section is dedicated to the aging and storage of specific types of wine. This combination of modern technology and natural conditions makes Cricova a landmark of Moldovan and European winemaking.

2. Movie theater, restaurant, museum

In addition to its impressive underground wine city, Cricova offers visitors a complete tourist experience by incorporating cultural and recreational spaces that are unique in the Republic of Moldova. During the tour, guests can discover not only the wine-making process but also venues dedicated to history, gastronomy, and special events.

One of the most surprising attractions is the underground movie theater carved out of rock, located about 80 meters below ground. Located on „Frații Lumière” Street within the winery’s labyrinth, it seats about 40 people and is part of the tourist route. Here, visitors watch a documentary about the history and development of the Cricova Winery, and the space is also used for presentations, conferences, and private events.

The Cricova Museum enriches the cultural experience with exhibits that illustrate Moldova’s winemaking tradition. Among the items on display are historic wine presses, amphorae, barrel carts, grape crushers, and other tools used over the centuries in viticulture and winemaking. One of the most interesting exhibits is the imprint of a grapevine discovered at Naslavcea, dating from around the 5th century B.C., which is considered evidence of the region’s ancient winemaking tradition.

After touring the underground galleries, visitors can relax at the „Regatul Vinului” Wine and Gastronomy Tourist Complex, located at the entrance to the wine cellars. The restaurant combines Moldovan cuisine with international dishes and pairs them with Cricova wines and sparkling wines. The venue features several elegant dining rooms and is used for both à la carte dining and private events, business meetings, and celebrations.

By combining heritage, culture, cuisine, and modern technology, Cricova offers much more than just a wine tasting, transforming a visit into a memorable experience for any tourist visiting the Republic of Moldova.

3. Trophies, medals, aged wines

One of the most fascinating attractions at the Cricova Winery is the National Wine Collection, also known as the Cricova Oenoteca. Established in 1954, it houses nearly 1.3 million bottles from various countries and wine-producing regions around the world and is considered one of the most valuable wine collections in Eastern Europe.

Among the most valuable exhibits is the „Ierusalim de Paști” dessert wine, bottled in 1902 and considered a one-of-a-kind specimen worldwide. Also dating from 1902 is the famous Jan Becher liqueur, produced in the Czech Republic, which is preserved in perfect condition in the underground galleries of Cricova.

There is a unique story behind the collection of former Nazi leader Hermann Göring. After World War II, some of his elite wines—including Mosel, Bordeaux, Port, Tokay, and Chablis—found their way to Cricova, where they are still preserved today. This historic collection includes approximately 2,000 bottles produced in the 1940s and is one of the wine cellar’s most interesting attractions.

In addition to its collectible wines, Cricova is renowned for its own award-winning labels. Over the decades, the wines and sparkling wines produced here have been honored with numerous medals and awards at international wine competitions, solidifying the Republic of Moldova’s reputation among the world’s leading wine producers. The pride of the collection remains the „Cricova” brand wines, appreciated by both experts and wine lovers alike.

A visit to this impressive collection offers a glimpse into the history of wine worldwide, where each bottle tells a story of tradition, culture, and a passion for winemaking. For many tourists, encountering these rarities is the highlight of the Cricova experience.