The Underground Kingdom of Pivniţele din Brăneşti – a labyrinth of Moldovan wine treasures

The Branesti Cellars are located in a picturesque area on the outskirts of Orheiul Vechi, in central Moldova. This unique winery annually attracts thousands of tourists, professional sommeliers, and wine lovers from around the world. The history of this place dates back over 400 years , as the cellars were formed on the site of an old limestone mine, which was used for stone extraction back in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The mine's galleries stretch for 75 kilometers , 58 kilometers of which are actively used for storing and aging wines. The underground vaults extend 60 meters deep , providing a natural microclimate : a stable temperature of 12–14°C and high humidity of 90–92% , ideal for aging both young and vintage wines.

History and Traditions

The winery's history is closely linked to the traditions of the Orhei region, renowned for its high-quality grape varieties. The first wine cellars were built here by local craftsmen, who for centuries created ideal conditions for wine storage.

The modern winery was built using ancient mine galleries and includes:

  • Underground warehouses for collectible wines

  • Special tasting rooms

  • Workshops for the preparation of rare wine drinks

A special place is occupied by the wine collection , which includes drinks produced using unique technologies, aged for decades and possessing a unique taste and aroma.

Terroir and vineyards

The winery has about 800 hectares of its own vineyards , located in the most picturesque places of the region - on the slopes of Orheiul Vechi, near the villages of Romanesti and Tudora.

The climatic and geographical conditions make this region particularly favourable for growing grapes:

  • Soft soil with a mineral-rich composition

  • Optimal solar insolation - more than 3200 hours of sunlight per year

  • High humidity and moderate rainfall ( 650 mm per year )

  • Diversity of exposures - southern, eastern and northern slopes

The winery produces a wide range of wines:

  • White and red wines

  • Dry, semi-dry and dessert

  • Sparkling wines

  • Collection drinks (Madeira, Marsala, pastoral wine)

  • Wines from old vintages, including collections from 1986–1989

Particular attention is paid to rare and exclusive wines, which are aged in unique underground conditions, allowing them to retain their aroma, flavor, and structure for decades.

Tourist opportunities

The underground kingdom "Pivniţele din Brăneşti" is actively developing as a world-class tourist complex , offering visitors a unique experience of immersion in the atmosphere of winemaking:

  • Moldova's first underground hotel : guests will be able to spend the night in a real cave, experiencing a connection with nature and the region's history.

  • Underground Performance Hall : The hall's acoustics allow for concerts, theatre performances and cultural events to be held underground.

  • Wine Spa : Plans call for wine-filled baths, where guests can combine relaxation with wellness treatments.

  • Educational tours and master classes : excursions with tastings, stories about the production process, characteristics of grape varieties and aging methods

The dungeons are completely free of mobile communications and internet , allowing for complete immersion in an atmosphere of solitude and relaxation, though mobile signal is available at the entrance.

The skill of winemakers

The winery combines traditional methods and modern technology . Every stage of production is manually controlled:

  • From growing grapes on slopes

  • Before fermentation and aging of wine in oak barrels

  • Before bottling and packaging of collectibles

Local winemakers use the best European practices and recipes, allowing them to create unique, world-class wines worthy of participation in international competitions and tastings.

Development prospects

The underground kingdom is actively expanding and improving:

  • Development of an underground hotel and tourist infrastructure

  • Creation of new tasting rooms and event halls

  • Implementation of educational programs for students and young winemakers

  • Promoting Moldovan wines on international markets

All these elements make “ Pivniţele din Brăneşti ” not just a winery, but a true underground city of wine , which combines history, culture, science and art of winemaking in one place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special feature is the underground performance hall with special acoustics, where concerts and other cultural events are held. A wine spa is also planned for the near future, featuring special wine baths for relaxation.

Tourist complex "Stone Age"

Restaurant "Stone Age"

Excursion packages


The Brăneşti Cellars boast three authentically designed tasting rooms, one of which is located underground. Decorative elements in wood and metal depict images related to grape growing and winemaking. Relaxing in this beautiful setting will be even more enjoyable when you enjoy fine wines paired with traditional dishes, such as traditional plăcincele and mici, or roast rabbit. You'll also sample the healing water extracted from an underground spring in the company's cellars. The Brăneşti cellars welcome everyone to sample and learn the true history of wine.

Excursion


Includes a tour of the wine cellars, but no wine tasting. Minimum group size: 5 people. Available Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
1 hour - €11.


3 wines


Includes a tour of the wine cellars and a tasting of three types of wine. The tasting includes cheese, walnuts, crackers, cheeses, and mineral water. Minimum group size: 5 people. Available Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
1.5 hours - €19.

3 wines + lunch


Includes a tasting of 6 types of wine. Cheese, walnuts, crackers, and mineral water are offered for tasting. + A 3-course lunch of Moldovan cuisine. A tour of the wine cellars is not included. Minimum group size: 5 people. Offer available Thursday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
2.5 hours - €296 wines


Includes a tour of the wine cellars and a tasting of 6 types of wine. The tasting includes: cheese, walnuts, crackers, cheeses, and mineral water. *** The price is per person. Minimum group size: 5 people. Offer available Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
2 hours - €34.