The underground wine cellars of Cricova

I visited the vast underground wine cellars of Cricova, located just outside the capital city of Chisinau. Spanning over 120 kilometers, the cellar was once a limestone mine now converted into a labyrinth of wine storage tunnels. It was impressive to see how the winery is organized and how they keep the temperature and humidity constant. The bottles of wine, some dating back to the early 1900s, are kept on racks made of oak to impart a subtle flavor to the wine. Walking through the tunnel is an experience in itself due to its rich history and unique atmosphere. I learned about the history of the winery and the traditions of winemaking in Moldova. I was surprised by how Moldova, a small country hidden between Romania and Ukraine, has been producing wine since ancient times and is one of the largest wine producers in the world.