Day 2: Cricova winery – the pearl of Moldovan wine-making
Chisinau – Cricova – Chisinau
The day will begin with
Chisinau city tour. Chisinau is the main administrative, scientific and cultural centre of Moldova. During the tour, you will discover pieces of history and culture of the city such as the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, the Bell Tower, the Arch of Triumph, the Monument of Stephen the Great, etc.
Next, you will have an excursion at the
National Fine Arts Museum of Moldova founded in 1939 by sculptor Alexandru Plamadeala. The museum building is a former middle school for girls. In Soviet times, the Center of the Communist Party of the MSSR was located in the building of the current museum. The museum, that has more than 30,000 exhibits, displays impressive art collections from local and European artists.
In the afternoon, you will have lunch at a local restaurant in Chisinau.
After lunch, you will discover
Cricova winery – the only wine enterprise that was awarded the highest state prize “The Order of the Republic” and has been declared by law a national cultural heritage. During the excursion at Cricova winery in the tourist train, at a depth of 80 m, you will discover the wonders of this place. Cricova underground galleries are formed by over seventy streets covering an area of nearly 120 km, each bearing Bacchic names: Sauvignon, Cabernet, Cahors, etc. The jewel of the underground treasure is the National Collection, including over 600 types of wine totaling about 1 million bottles. Here you will admire the oldest bottle of wine - "Jewish Easter Wine", dating from 1902. You will also visit the unique production of sparkling wine, where a professional guide will tell you about all the process of producing sparkling wines using the famous French-style Méthode Champenoise. In one of the tasting rooms, the sommelier will explain the rules of wine tasting and help you better reveal the taste and bouquet of each type of wine.
In the evening, you will have dinner at a local restaurant in Chisinau.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Chisinau city,
Cricova winery