The Underground Wine Cities

Moldova is one of the world's great, if little-known, wine nations, with an ancient tradition and, remarkably, the largest underground wine cellars on earth. At Cricova, near the capital, a vast labyrinth of tunnels carved from old limestone quarries stretches for over 120 kilometres, its galleries named like city streets and driven through by car, holding a legendary collection including rare vintages. Nearby, Milestii Mici holds the Guinness-record largest wine collection in the world, some two million bottles. Touring these cool, cathedral-like subterranean wine cities is an unforgettable and unique experience.

What you actually see

• The Cricova tunnels - the vast underground galleries toured by car.
• Milestii Mici - the world's largest wine collection.
• The tasting halls - the ornate underground rooms for tastings.
• The rare vintages - the legendary collections of aged wine.

When to go

Year-round; the cellars stay at a constant cool temperature deep underground, so they are comfortable in any season and a perfect option whatever the weather above. Tours, which include tastings, should be booked in advance, and note that visitors must arrange transport and a designated driver, as tastings are generous.

Honest expectations

The cellars are working wineries visited on guided tours rather than freely explored, so a little planning and advance booking are needed, and reaching them requires arranging transport from the capital. Moldova is one of Europe's least-visited and least-developed countries, with modest tourist infrastructure. For wine lovers, though, descending into the world's largest underground wine cities, with their endless tunnels and legendary collections, is a genuinely extraordinary experience.

Nearby

The capital Chișinău and the Orheiul Vechi monastery complex are within reach.