When we think of the great wine destinations, we think of Tuscany, Bordeaux or La Rioja. However, in the easternmost part of Europe, a country holds the record of possessing the largest underground wineries in the world.
Moldova, a destination where wine is more than an industry: it runs through its history, culture and hospitality.
Moldova has much to discover, but one feature defines its identity and history: its winemaking tradition. This eastern European country offers medieval landscapes, fortresses and a wine culture that has broken several records.
Our Moldova itinerary explores everything from immense underground wine cellars to historic distilleries that seem frozen in time.
Mileștii Mici: The underground giant in the Guinness Book of Records
The great jewel of the winemaking tradition of Moldova It's underground. During our itinerary we will visit the famous winery of Mileștii Mici, a place that defies imagination and holds the Guinness record for the world's largest wine collection, with more than two million bottles in its "Golden Collection".
This winery is effectively an underground city, excavated in limestone about 85 metres below ground. It has more than 200 kilometres of galleries and tunnels, about 55 km of which are in active use. Remarkably, the underground streets function as real roads and bear grape-variety names such as Cabernet Street and Sauvignon Street.
The visit takes us through this underground maze to understand how the natural temperature and humidity allow perfect wine ageing.
The experience culminates in a wine tasting in a unique environment.
Kvint's legendary brandies in Transnistria
The region's wealth is not limited to wine. Crossing the Dniester River and entering the independent territory of Transnistria, the trip includes an essential stop in its capital, Tiraspol: the historic distillery Kvint.
Founded in 1897, Kvint is an institution and a source of local pride. It is known worldwide for its exceptional brandies, locally called Divin), aged in oak barrels. Visiting the production rooms, with their atmosphere recalling the Soviet era, and tasting the spirits brings us closer to a pillar of this unusual country’s economy and culture.
The perfect pairing: Hospitality and rural gastronomy
In Moldova, a glass is never served alone: wine and spirits are part of the welcome. Along the route, tastings and traditional lunches offer the best introduction to home cooking.
During the stops of our route in villages like Butuceni or the Old Believers’ community in Pocrovca, we will have the chance to taste typical dishes that pair perfectly with the local drink:
- Traditional Plăcinte, delicious flaky pastries filled with farmhouse cheese, potato or pumpkin.
- The Mămăligă, a cornmeal-based dish served with traditional stews.
Our trip to Moldova
Moldova✔️ Departures 4, 18 JUL | 1, 15 Aug | 19 Sep | 4 Oct 2026
✔️ Price from 1360€
If you want to discover more about this fascinating country, its history, the Transnistria region and everything you can see during a trip, click here and see our complete guide to Moldova.