Milestii Mici in Moldova is home to the world’s largest wine collection, with millions of bottles stored in underground tunnels. The “Golden Collection” includes around 1.5 million bottles of wine, dating back to 1969, with a variety of flavors such as vanilla, cherries, blackberries, and more. These wines are enjoyed not only by visitors to the cellar but also by people abroad, with exports to countries all over the world. The underground tunnels of Milestii Mici provide ideal conditions for wine storage, with a constant temperature in the mid-50s and high humidity levels.
The underground tunnels were originally created through the excavation of limestone blocks to build the city of Chișinău, after which they were converted into a wine cellar in 1969. The wines are stored in massive oak barrels, with the oldest dating back to 1986. The cellar houses a variety of wines, including high-quality, table, and sparkling wines. Milestii Mici is a popular tourist destination, with 20,000 visitors exploring the underground galleries each year. Guests can ride through the cellar on an electric train, in a car, or on a bike, surrounded by the massive wine collection.
The 200 kilometers of underground galleries at Milestii Mici can be explored by visitors, who can travel through tunnels named after the wines in the collection. After touring the “Golden Collection,” guests have the opportunity to sample wines and enjoy a meal in the tasting halls of the wine cellar. The wines of Milestii Mici have made their mark not only locally but also internationally, with exports to various countries including Japan, the United States, and more. The wines in the cellar come in a range of varieties, from older wines dating back several decades to newer vintages, offering something for every wine enthusiast.
The experience of visiting Milestii Mici is one that allows guests to immerse themselves in the world’s largest wine collection and explore the vast underground galleries filled with millions of bottles. The cellar’s unique setting and rich history make it a must-see destination for wine lovers and tourists alike. Sipping on a glass of wine while surrounded by centuries-old barrels and exploring the tunnels named after different wines is an experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Milestii Mici continues to attract visitors from all over the world, drawn to its unparalleled wine collection and the opportunity to taste and enjoy some of the finest wines in Moldova.
