In this episode David brings us to one of Moldova’s most famous wineries. visiting Cricova Winery and Cellar is the second largest wine producer in Moldova, second only to Milesto Mici, which also happens to be the largest winery in the world!
One of the most exciting things about visiting Cricova is that you’ll get to ride through the tunnels and see where the wines are stored until maturation. The tunnels themselves date back to the 15th century, when the property was used as a limestone quarry to build Chisinau and the surrounding towns.
Also check out our article: Guide to the Annual Moldovan Wine Festival
After WWII the network of tunnels provided the perfect climate to age Cricova’s wines. Every passageway gets its name from the wine that is stored there.
Cricova Winery and Cellar is one of few in the world that produces sparkling wine in accordance with the classical French method of mixing only the best grapes from different vineyards, a practice started centuries ago by the Monk Dom Pierre Perignon.
Next up is the Grand Cellar of Cricova where famous people from around the world have wines stored. Among them are Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Afterwards, David is off to best part of the tour – to the tasting room to finally try some of Cricova’s famous sparkling wines.
Visiting Cricova Winery is an unforgettable experience when in Moldova. It is located just 9 miles north of Chisinau and is open year round. To book a tour, email cricova.vin@gmail.com. If you enjoy wines as much as David does, you will love visiting Cricova Winery and Cellar’s extensive underground tunnels and tasting its delicious sparkling wines.
Special thanks to Ways Travel Moldova.
Have you ever visited the Cricova Winery? Share your experience with us in a comment below!
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The unexpected popularity of Chișinău | culturechocccolate says:
[…] I abstained from yoga in the morning and was happy to join a trip to the Branesti winery in the countryside with colleagues – thus not being trapped in the room with heavy rain outside. The wine was not to my taste, though. I learned later, that the wineries adapt to their main clientele, in this case more Russian with a rather sweet champagne and imho unbalanced white wines. But their business ambitions were impressive: A hotel with a spa is planned (again without windows), a concert hall and – if you feel like – you can buy wine and store it there. Apparently, German Chancellor Merkel and Russian President Putin already do so at another winery, Cricova. […]