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Mileștii Mici Wine Cellar: An Underground Wine Kingdom

Explore the world's largest wine cellar in Moldova, home to a vast collection of vintage wines and underground tunnels.

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Descend into the depths of Moldova to explore Mileștii Mici, the world's largest wine cellar according to the Guinness World Records. With over 200 km of tunnels, this subterranean city houses a staggering collection of nearly 2 million bottles, offering a unique glimpse into Moldova's rich winemaking heritage.

A brief summary to Mileşti Mici Wine Cellar

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance through the winery's website or a travel agency, as walk-ins are not permitted.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces in the underground tunnels.
  • Bring a jacket or sweater, as the temperature in the cellars remains a constant 12-14°C (54-57°F).
  • Consider a premium tour for extended access to the Golden Collection and a more comprehensive tasting experience.
  • Combine your visit with a traditional Moldovan meal at the underground restaurant for a complete cultural experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Chișinău's Central Bus Station (Autogara Centrală), take a direct bus to Mileștii Mici. Buses depart approximately every 20-30 minutes. The journey takes about 35-45 minutes. The bus will drop you off at Mileștii Mici village, from where it's a short 5-minute walk to the winery. A single bus fare costs approximately $1-2.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Chișinău, a taxi or ride-sharing service (such as Yandex Taxi or Bolt) is a convenient option. The ride to Mileștii Mici takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Expect to pay around 82-88 MDL (approximately $4-6) for the trip. Confirm the fare before starting your ride or ensure the meter is running.

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Discover more about Mileşti Mici Wine Cellar

Mileștii Mici isn't just a wine cellar; it's an underground kingdom dedicated to the art of winemaking. Established in 1969, this remarkable complex was created from former limestone mines, providing the ideal environment for storing, preserving, and maturing high-quality wines. The tunnels stretch for 200 kilometers, with 55 kilometers currently in use, maintaining a constant temperature of 12–14°C and humidity of 85-95%. Visitors can explore this subterranean labyrinth, with tunnels named after famous grape varieties like Cabernet and Pinot. The highlight is the "Golden Collection," boasting over 1.5 million bottles, including rare vintages dating back to 1969. Some of the most valuable wines, produced in 1973-74, are worth €480 a bottle and are exclusively exported to Japan. The collection showcases a variety of wines, with over 70% being red, 20% white, and 10% dessert wines. A tour of Mileștii Mici offers an immersive experience into Moldova's winemaking traditions. You can traverse the tunnels by electric train, car, or even bicycle, witnessing the vast wine collection firsthand. The cellar also features tasting halls decorated with natural materials like stone, wood, and seashell rock, where you can sample a range of wines paired with traditional Moldovan snacks. Mileștii Mici exports its wines to countries worldwide, including Sweden, the USA, Great Britain, and China.

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