Cricova
How to pronounce Cricova and key terms
Moldova's underground wine city: 120 kilometres of tunnels, 1.3 million bottles, and a history stretching back to the 15th century.
Cricova is Moldova's most famous winery, operating from a vast underground cellar system spanning 120 kilometres of roadways. Founded in 1952, it is the second-largest wine cellar in the world and holds approximately 1.3 million bottles, including wines dating to 1902. The facility produces around 2 million bottles of sparkling wine annually using Méthode Traditionnelle.
- Second-largest wine cellar in the world, located 15 kilometres north of Chișinău
- 120 kilometres of underground roadways, with 80 kilometres dedicated to wine storage
- Founded in 1952; tunnels date to the 15th century when limestone was quarried to build Chișinău
- Produces approximately 2,000,000 bottles of sparkling wine per year using Méthode Traditionnelle
- Holds approximately 1.3 million bottles; oldest wine in the collection dates to 1902
- Designated National Cultural Heritage in 2003
- Underground galleries cover over 53 hectares with streets, traffic lights, and road signs
Origins and History
The tunnels beneath Cricova were originally carved in the 15th century to extract limestone used in constructing Chișinău, Moldova's capital. These caverns were converted to wine storage in the 1950s, and the winery was formally founded in 1952. In 2003, the complex was designated a National Cultural Heritage site, cementing its status as one of Moldova's most significant institutions.
- Tunnels date to the 15th century, originally limestone quarries
- Converted to wine storage and officially founded in 1952
- Designated National Cultural Heritage in 2003
- Contains Hermann Göring's WWII wine collection, seized by Soviets as war reparations
The Underground Cellars
Cricova's cellars sit approximately 100 metres below ground, with a maximum depth of around 30 metres in certain areas. The underground galleries cover more than 53 hectares and feature actual streets complete with traffic lights and road signs. Temperature remains constant at 12 to 14 degrees Celsius with humidity between 90 and 98 percent, creating near-perfect conditions for long-term wine ageing.
- 80 kilometres of the 120-kilometre tunnel network used for wine storage
- Constant temperature of 12 to 14°C with 90 to 98% humidity
- Over 53 hectares of underground galleries with functioning street infrastructure
- Holds the National Oenotec, a collection including bottles from Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Tokay
Wine Production
Cricova is Moldova's largest sparkling wine producer, making approximately 2 million bottles of sparkling wine annually using Méthode Traditionnelle. The winery also produces still red, white, and sweet wines. Grapes grown across 650 hectares of vineyards include native Moldovan varieties alongside international cultivars, reflecting both local heritage and global market demand.
- Largest sparkling wine producer in Moldova
- Méthode Traditionnelle used for sparkling wine production
- Native varieties include Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, and Viorica
- International varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Shiraz
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Look it up →The National Oenotec
Cricova houses the National Oenotec, Moldova's national wine collection, within its underground galleries. This archive contains bottles from some of the world's most prestigious wine regions, including Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Tokay. The oldest wine in Cricova's collection dates to 1902, and the cellars also hold the wine collection of Hermann Göring, seized by Soviet forces as war reparations following World War II.
- National Oenotec contains bottles from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Tokay, and other regions
- Oldest bottle in the collection dates to 1902
- Hermann Göring's WWII wine collection housed here after Soviet seizure
- Approximately 1.3 million bottles held across the complex
Cricova's sparkling wines produced by Méthode Traditionnelle show freshness and precision. Still whites from Feteasca Alba and Viorica offer floral and citrus character, while Feteasca Neagra and Rara Neagra reds deliver earthy, red-fruited profiles typical of Moldovan native varieties. International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot add structure and depth to the red wine range.
- Cricova Chardonnay$10-15Entry-level still white from Cricova's 650-hectare estate, showing the winery's international variety range.Find →
- Cricova Feteasca Neagra$12-18Native Moldovan red grape; earthy, red-fruited character that reflects local terroir.Find →
- Cricova Cuvée Prestige Sparkling$20-35Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling from Moldova's largest sparkling wine producer.Find →
- Cricova Vintage Collection Sparkling$50-80Aged in Cricova's famous underground cellars at constant 12 to 14°C for extended maturation.Find →
- Founded 1952; tunnels date to 15th century; designated National Cultural Heritage 2003
- Second-largest wine cellar in the world; 120 km of tunnels, 80 km used for wine storage
- Largest sparkling wine producer in Moldova; approximately 2 million bottles per year using Méthode Traditionnelle
- Native varieties: Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Neagra, Rara Neagra, Viorica; 650 hectares of vineyards
- Cellars maintained at 12 to 14°C and 90 to 98% humidity; oldest wine in collection dates to 1902