Tasting Halls

Overview

Deep within the limestone-carved earth near Chisinau, Moldova, lies the illustrious Cricova Winery, an underground 'wine city' renowned worldwide. At the heart of its sprawling subterranean network are the captivating Tasting Halls, where visitors conclude their journey through tunnels of maturing wines. These halls offer a unique opportunity to sample Moldova's liquid treasures in an environment steeped in winemaking history and cultural significance. Cricova, established in 1952, is not merely a winery but a national cultural heritage site, attracting curious travelers with its labyrinthine galleries and exceptional wines.

The tasting experience at Cricova is an integral part of understanding Moldova's rich viticultural heritage. Far from being simple rooms, these halls are elaborately themed spaces, each designed to provide a distinct ambiance for appreciating the nuances of Cricova's diverse wine portfolio, including its acclaimed sparkling wines produced using the traditional method.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of Cricova's underground city trace back centuries, long before it became a renowned winery. The vast network of tunnels, extending for 120 kilometers, was originally a quarry for extracting limestone used in building the capital city, Chisinau. In 1952, Moldovan winemakers Petru Ungureanu and Nicolae Sobolev recognized the unique microclimate within these subterranean passages – a constant 12-14°C temperature and 90-98% humidity – as ideal conditions for storing and maturing high-quality wines.

This ingenious conversion transformed a former mining site into a global winemaking marvel. Today, Cricova stands as a testament to Moldova's enduring winemaking traditions, a practice that spans millennia. In 2003, its profound cultural and economic importance was formally recognized when it was declared a Cultural-National Heritage of the Republic of Moldova.

What Makes It Special

The Tasting Halls at Cricova Winery are more than just venues for wine sampling; they are an extension of the winery's extraordinary character. Each of the five main halls possesses its own distinct personality and artistic design. The 'European Hall' mesmerizes with stained-glass windows creating an illusion of daylight, depicting Moldovan vineyards through the seasons. The 'Great House' evokes a traditional Moldovan rural home with national motifs and oak furniture, offering a warm and authentic setting.

For official delegations, there is the 'Presidential Hall,' adorned with viticulture and vinification imagery, while the 'Bottom of the Sea' hall transports visitors to an aquatic realm, reminiscent of the ancient Sarmatian Sea that once covered the region. Lastly, the 'Fireplace Hall' offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere. These meticulously crafted spaces elevate the wine tasting from a simple act to an immersive cultural experience, making Cricova a truly special destination.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The underground city of Cricova is rich with fascinating tales. Legend has it that Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin once entered the cellars in 1966 and re-emerged two days later, famously quipping that it was 'easier to leave Earth than to leave Cricova'. This anecdote highlights the immense scale and captivating allure of the tunnels. Another notable visitor, Russian president Vladimir Putin, chose Cricova as the venue for his 50th birthday celebration.

The tunnels themselves are organized like a city, complete with 'streets' and 'avenues' named after the grape varieties stored in their adjacent sections, such as Cabernet, Aligote, and Feteasca. Within these galleries lies the National Collection, home to approximately 1.3 million bottles of rare wines, including some of the world's oldest, like a 1902 vintage of 'Jerusalem of Easter,' and even a portion of Hermann Göring's wine collection, seized during World War II. The consistent cool temperatures and high humidity underground provide perfect aging conditions for these priceless wines.

Visitor Perspective

A visit to Cricova's Tasting Halls typically begins with an enthralling tour through the underground city. Visitors traverse the vast network of tunnels in electric vehicles, passing through areas dedicated to sparkling wine production, the National Collection, and even an underground cinema that showcases the winery's history. The journey itself is an adventure, preparing the palate and mind for the tasting experience ahead.

Once in the Tasting Halls, guests are invited to sample a curated selection of Cricova's wines, often accompanied by local snacks like nuts and biscuits, and water to cleanse the palate. Different tour packages offer varying numbers of wines for tasting, allowing visitors to tailor their experience. A practical tip for visitors is to dress warmly, as the underground temperature remains a constant 12-14°C, even during Moldova's warmer months. The entire experience, from exploration to tasting, offers a memorable glimpse into Moldova's celebrated winemaking heritage.