Moldova Wine Cellars & Southern Wineries
From the underground cellars of Chisinau to the wineries on the banks of the Dniester, with an overnight stay in Purcari.
A short holiday centered around wineries: spend the first two nights in Chisinau to visit the underground cellars of Mileștii Mici and Cricova, then head south to Castel Mimi and Purcari, staying overnight at the winery. Wine tastings are scheduled daily, so hiring a car with a driver is highly recommended; self-driving is not advised. This itinerary skips Old Orhei and the north, making it ideal for couples and friends with a keen interest in wine.
September to October is the harvest season, and the National Wine Day is held in October. Cellar tours must be booked at least one week in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · City Walk & Mileștii Mici
Chișinău（Ștefan cel Mare Central Park、Cathedral of Christ's Nativity、Mileștii Mici Winery）
After arriving in the morning, explore the city center on foot. In the afternoon, hire a car to Mileștii Mici (approx. 40 minutes one way).
Mileștii Mici does not accept walk-ins; you must book several days in advance.
Stay: City Center, Stefan cel Mare Boulevard
Day 2 · Cricova Underground Wine City
Chișinău（Cricova Winery、Căpriana Monastery）
Take a hired car to Cricova (approx. 30 minutes). In the afternoon, head west to Căpriana Monastery, and return to the city in the evening.
Reservations are required for Cricova. Tours may be cancelled if you are late, and weekend surcharges apply.
Stay: City Center, Stefan cel Mare Boulevard
Day 3 · Castel Mimi to Purcari
Chișinău（Castel Mimi、Château Purcari）
Drive to Castel Mimi (approx. 45 minutes), then continue via Căușeni and Ștefan Vodă to Purcari (approx. 2 hours).
Set Căușeni and Ștefan Vodă as waypoints in your navigation to avoid entering the Transnistria-controlled area.
Stay: Purcari Winery
Day 4 · Crocmaz Winery & Return
Et Cetera Winery (Crocmaz) → Chișinău
In the morning, visit the nearby Et Cetera Winery in Crocmaz. In the afternoon, return to Chisinau (approx. 2 hours).
Et Cetera operates primarily by appointment; please call ahead to confirm your visit.