Moldova: Underground Winery Bike Tour & Wine Tasting with Pickup

Summary

Bike through Moldova’s legendary Mileștii Mici cellars and taste wine

You’ll bike through Moldova’s legendary Mileștii Mici cellars with a local guide, passing millions of bottles before tasting three local wines paired with fresh bruschetta. Expect live folk music in the tasting hall and plenty of stories along the way — it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave those cool stone tunnels.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost bailed when I realized we’d be biking underground — my friend laughed at me in the van from Chisinau, but I just pictured myself crashing into a wall of bottles. But when we rolled up to Mileștii Mici, our guide (I think his name was Andrei?) handed out bikes and grinned like he’d done this a thousand times. The air down there was cool and smelled faintly of stone and something sweet — maybe the barrels? It took a minute for my eyes to adjust to the dim tunnels, but then you start noticing all these street signs on the walls. Actual street names underground. I still find that funny.

The biking part isn’t hard — it’s more surreal than anything. You’re pedaling past endless rows of bottles stacked behind old iron gates, some dusty enough to make you sneeze if you get too close (I did). Andrei kept stopping to point out little details: “This one is from 1973,” or “Here’s where they keep the rare stuff.” He told us stories about smugglers during Soviet times, which made me look over my shoulder more than once. The main keyword here really is ‘underground winery tour’ — it feels like another world under Moldova.

After about 5 km weaving through limestone corridors (and yes, my legs were jelly), we ended up in this tasting hall that looked straight out of an old movie. They brought out three wines — I remember the red best because it tasted almost smoky — and bruschetta with aubergine cream and something called zacusca. I tried saying it right; Andrei just laughed and poured more wine. There was a folk band playing live music too; one of the singers winked at us when we clapped off-beat. It felt warm in there, even though outside those tunnels it was probably still chilly.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after all that biking (and maybe after two glasses of wine), but honestly, it was one of those afternoons that sticks with you for reasons you can’t quite explain. Maybe it’s just being somewhere so odd and real at the same time — or maybe it’s how everyone seemed to loosen up by the end. Either way, if you’re looking for a day trip from Chisinau that isn’t just another vineyard stroll, this private wine tour at Mileștii Mici is worth every weird turn.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike tour and wine tasting at Milestii Mici

• Drive 30 minutes from Chisinau
• Receive bike and start guided tour
• Bike 5 km through limestone cellars
• Explore wine barrels and hidden collection
• Taste 3 wines with bruschetta
• Enjoy live folk performance

Top questions

How far is Mileștii Mici from Chisinau?

It’s about a 30-minute drive from Chisinau to Mileștii Mici.

Is biking inside the winery difficult?

The bike route is around 5 km and mostly flat; moderate fitness is recommended.

What wines are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste three different local Moldovan wines during the tour.

Are snacks provided during the tour?

Yes, bruschetta with aubergine cream, zacusca, cream cheese, and prosciutto are served with wine.

Is transportation included from Chisinau?

Yes, private transportation from Chisinau is included in your booking.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants can join using a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this winery bike tour.

Is this private wine tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol consumption and physical activity.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Chisinau to Mileștii Mici, use of bikes for exploring the underground cellars with a local guide, three Moldovan wines paired with bruschetta snacks during your tasting session, plus live folk music in the tasting hall before heading back above ground.