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Beciurile Cricova: An Underground Wine City

Explore Cricova's vast underground cellars, a unique Moldovan winery with a rich history and exceptional wine collection.

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Beciurile Cricova is a Moldovan winery renowned for its extensive underground cellars, stretching over 120 kilometers, creating a veritable 'wine city' beneath the town of Cricova. These tunnels, originally limestone mines from the 15th century, now house a remarkable collection of over 1.3 million bottles of wine and offer visitors a unique glimpse into Moldova's winemaking heritage.

A brief summary to Beciurile Cricova

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking through extensive underground tunnels.
  • Bring a jacket, as the temperature in the cellars is consistently cool, around 12-14°C.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter and more personalized experience.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to purchase unique local wines directly from the winery.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Chișinău, the most economical way to reach Cricova is by bus. Take bus number 2 from the central bus station towards Cricova. Buses depart approximately every 15-20 minutes. A single ticket costs around 6 MDL. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes, but the bus doesn't stop directly in front of the winery, requiring a 10-minute walk.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    A taxi or ride-share from Chișinău to Cricova winery is a convenient option. The journey typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 80-100 MDL for the trip. Be mindful of taxi drivers potentially trying to overcharge; it's best to agree on a price beforehand or use a ride-sharing app.

  • Driving

    Driving to Cricova from Chișinău is straightforward, taking approximately 30 minutes via Strada Chișinăului. Parking is available at the winery. While there is no specific information available regarding parking costs, parking is generally free at tourist locations in Moldova.

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Discover more about Beciurile Cricova

Beciurile Cricova, located just 15 kilometers north of Chișinău, is more than just a winery; it's an underground city dedicated to the art of winemaking. The tunnels, which date back to the 15th century, were created from limestone extraction and transformed into wine cellars in the 1950s. Today, they stretch for 120 kilometers, with half of the space used for wine storage. As you descend into the cellars, you'll find streets named after the wines they store, such as Cabernet, Feteasca, and Sauvignon. The underground complex maintains a constant temperature of 12-14°C and a humidity of 97-98%, ideal conditions for aging wine. Cricova produces sparkling wines using the traditional French method, "Méthode Traditionnelle," and is known for its unique sparkling red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon. The National Oenoteca houses a collection of over 1.3 million bottles, including rare wines like "Jerusalem of Easter" from 1902 and a liqueur from the same year. The collection also includes wines that once belonged to Hermann Göring. Visitors can explore the cellars on guided tours, traveling through the underground city by electric train and experiencing the history and tradition of Moldovan winemaking. Wine tastings are offered in uniquely decorated halls, such as the European Hall and the Presidential Hall.

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