Cricova Winery & SPA Review (2025): Is It Worth a Visit?

So, I had been hearing about this place for what feels like forever, you know? Cricova, this massive underground wine city in Moldova. I finally got to go in early 2025, and honestly, it was pretty much all I expected and then some. At the end of the day, it’s not just about some wine tasting. It’s actually a full-on experience. The stories about this place being a former limestone mine are totally true, and honestly, the sheer size of it is hard to wrap your head around until you’re actually there. We were obviously very excited as we drove up to the entrance. It almost looks like a grand, old-world fortress, which in a way, it kind of is—a fortress of wine, basically.

The Underground City of Wine

Alright, so first things first, you don’t just walk around down there. I mean, the place has over 120 kilometers of tunnels, which is literally insane. So, of course, you get shuttled around in these little electric tour carts. As you descend, the temperature drops quite a bit, and I was honestly really glad I brought a light jacket. It’s a steady 12-14 degrees Celsius all year round, you know, which is apparently perfect for letting wine age. The walls are all made from this creamy white limestone, and frankly, every turn reveals another street with a wine-related name, like Cabernet Street or Dionis Street. It’s like a real city, just for bottles. The guide told us some really amazing stories; for instance, some of the collections down there are incredibly old and valuable, some even from Hermann Göring’s private collection that were brought here after WWII. It’s just wild to think about the history these tunnels have seen, really.

A Tasting Journey Through Moldova’s Finest

So, after the tour of the tunnels and seeing the massive storage areas, it’s time for the tasting, obviously. They lead you into one of several themed tasting rooms which are honestly just stunning. We were in the “Seabed” room, decorated to look like you’re at the bottom of the ocean, which was just a little bit surreal but very cool. A sommelier walks you through everything, and honestly, they really know their stuff. We started with their classic brut, a sparkling white that was just incredibly crisp. Then, we moved on to a Fetească Albă, which is like a very traditional Moldovan white grape, and it was sort of light and floral. For the red, we had a Rară Neagră, a local grape that honestly reminded me a bit of Pinot Noir but with its own kind of unique character. They pair everything with these traditional Moldovan snacks called ‘plăcinte’—these little pastries with cheese or cabbage—and other local bites, which frankly, makes the whole thing feel like a proper feast. It’s just a really well-thought-out part of the visit.

Beyond the Cellars: The New Cricova SPA Experience

Now, this part was new for 2025 and something I was really looking forward to, you know? The Cricova SPA is basically their new pride and joy. After spending time in the cool, historic cellars, stepping into the warm, modern spa is sort of a fantastic shift. Their whole thing is “vinotherapy,” which obviously uses wine and grape products in the treatments. I opted for a grape seed body scrub, and I mean, my skin has never felt softer, to be honest. A friend I was with tried the red wine bath, which looked incredibly decadent, pretty much like bathing in liquid luxury. The whole atmosphere in the spa is one of relaxation; unlike the cellars, it’s all very bright and peaceful. You can really just unwind here. At the end of the day, it adds this whole other layer to the visit, taking it from just a winery tour to a proper relaxation getaway.

Practical Tips for Your 2025 Visit

Okay, so if you’re planning a trip, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you absolutely have to book your tour in advance, like, way in advance, especially if you want an English-speaking guide. They get busy, and honestly, you don’t want to just show up and be disappointed. As I was saying, bring a sweater or a jacket for the cellars because it’s genuinely chilly down there. Wear comfortable shoes, you know, because there is still a bit of walking involved even with the electric carts. When it comes to buying wine, their on-site shop has a huge selection, and the prices are pretty much better than you’ll find elsewhere. I’d recommend grabbing a bottle of their collector’s sparkling wine; it’s basically their signature product for a reason. And finally, if you’re thinking about the spa, book those treatments when you book your tour, as those spots fill up really fast, too.

Is a Cricova Visit Right for You?

So, at the end of the day, who is this trip for? Honestly, it’s for more than just the hardcore wine geek. Of course, if you love wine, it’s a paradise. But really, history buffs will find the stories of the cellars completely fascinating. Couples will probably love the mix of the tour and the relaxing spa, which makes for a pretty great date. I mean, it’s just a very unique destination. It’s not just another winery; it’s a piece of Moldovan national heritage that you can actually taste and experience. You get history, you get culture, and you get some seriously good wine and food. You pretty much get to feel like you’ve discovered a secret underground world. I left feeling like I’d really seen something special, you know?

“Cricova isn’t just a place where they keep wine. I mean, it’s a living museum, an underground city where every bottle has a story. You basically feel that history the moment you go down there. The new spa is honestly the perfect modern complement to all that tradition.”

Here’s a quick rundown of my main thoughts:

• The scale of the underground city is seriously impressive; it’s something you just have to see.
• The wine tasting is actually very educational and generous, paired perfectly with local foods.
• The new SPA from 2025 really elevates the whole experience, making it a great option for a full day of activity.
• Booking in advance is absolutely something you must do; you know, don’t leave it to chance.
• It’s a fantastic outing for a mix of interests, from wine lovers to those who appreciate history or just want a unique day out.

Read our full review: Cricova Winery & SPA Visit Full Review and Details

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