The underground wineries of Moldova, Cricova and Mileștii Mici, have taken a significant step toward international recognition by being included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
This inclusion marks an important milestone in the effort to secure a place for these iconic sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, honoring them as unique cultural and industrial landmarks.
These wineries are exceptional examples of architectural and technological innovation, blending cultural heritage with the evolving history of viticulture. Cricova and Mileștii Mici offer an outstanding representation of how human interaction with the environment and land use can create an extraordinary historical and cultural legacy. Their nomination is based on three main criteria: (III) representing an exceptional cultural tradition, (IV) illustrating a significant stage in human history through architectural and technological innovation, and (V) showcasing traditional human settlement and land use.
Cricova and Mileștii Mici: Heritage of Innovation and Tradition
The Republic of Moldova is renowned for its rich winemaking heritage, which dates back thousands of years. The country’s unique topographic and climatic conditions have long made it an ideal location for growing vines. The underground cellars of Cricova and Mileștii Mici, however, are not just a testament to Moldova's winemaking history—they also represent the innovative spirit of the region, having become symbols of Moldovan culture and heritage.
These wineries are home to the largest underground wine galleries in the world. Cricova, for example, has an extensive network of tunnels that stretches for more than 120 kilometers. Mileștii Mici, on the other hand, is famous for housing the Guinness World Record-holding Golden Collection, which contains over 1.5 million bottles of wine. These two wineries embody the evolution of Moldova’s wine industry, from traditional cellars to modern-day wine tourism and industrial heritage.
Since the 1950s, Cricova and Mileștii Mici have served as key symbols of Moldovan viticulture, drawing both tourists and wine enthusiasts from across the globe. The vast underground galleries are not only a testament to the country's winemaking prowess but also an impressive feat of engineering and architecture, making them world-renowned attractions.
A Global Heritage for Future Generations
In 2003, Moldova’s Parliament granted Cricova the status of National Cultural Heritage, and two years later, Mileștii Mici received the same recognition. This designation aimed to protect these extraordinary sites for future generations, ensuring their preservation and promoting sustainable management practices. The UNESCO Tentative List marks the first step toward global recognition, a process that typically takes 5-10 years to complete. By nominating Cricova and Mileștii Mici for the UNESCO World Heritage List, Moldova is sending a message about the importance of these sites in the broader context of world heritage.
The inclusion of Cricova and Mileștii Mici on the Tentative List will likely pave the way for other cultural landmarks in Moldova to be recognized as part of the global heritage community. It is a recognition of the uniqueness of Moldova’s winemaking culture and its capacity for innovation in adapting industrial heritage to tourism and viticulture.
A Unique Experience for Wine Enthusiasts
The wine galleries of Cricova and Mileștii Mici are not just storage facilities—they are, in essence, underground cities dedicated to the art of wine production and preservation. The cool, stable temperatures of these vast subterranean tunnels provide an ideal environment for the maturation of wine, ensuring that bottles age perfectly over time. These cellars also offer a unique, immersive experience for visitors, who can explore miles of tunnels and learn about the wine-making process in one of the most historically rich regions of the world.
In comparison to other renowned wine complexes in Europe, such as those in France, Italy, and Germany, the underground cellars of Cricova and Mileștii Mici stand out for their sheer scale and the incredible volume of wine they house. These galleries are considered a remarkable example of industrial heritage adapted to the needs of viticulture and tourism, making them essential to understanding Moldova’s cultural evolution.
Moldova’s Growing Global Recognition
At present, the Republic of Moldova is represented on the UNESCO World Heritage List by one site: the Struve Geodetic Arc, a transboundary landmark that stretches across 10 countries. The inclusion of Cricova and Mileștii Mici would significantly boost Moldova’s cultural profile on the global stage, underscoring the country’s rich, diverse heritage, and its significant contribution to the world of wine.
The decision to include Cricova and Mileștii Mici on the UNESCO Tentative List represents more than just a nod to Moldova's winemaking tradition—it is an acknowledgment of the country's commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique cultural assets. As the process of nomination continues, Moldova hopes to secure its place among the global heritage sites that tell the story of human innovation, culture, and the environment.
Source: UNESCO