Wine Paradise in Eastern Europe
Romania’s wine heritage spans over 6,000 years, making it one of Europe’s oldest wine-producing regions. The country’s diverse climate and terrain create perfect conditions for both international and indigenous grape varieties.
Notable Wine Towns and Villages
- Dealu Mare – Romania’s premier red wine region, located just 1 hour from Bucharest
- Recaș – Home to some of the country’s most modern wineries
- Cotnari – Famous for its sweet white wines from indigenous grapes
- Drăgășani – Known for the native Crâmpoșie Selecționată grape variety
Leading Wine Producers
- SERVE – Pioneering modern winemaking since 1994
- Davino – Premium wines focusing on international varieties
- Recaș – Large-scale producer with excellent value wines
- Petro Vaselo – Boutique winery known for organic practices
- Lacerta – Modern winery specializing in premium reds
Wine-Focused Accommodations
- Casa Timiș – Luxury wine resort in Dealu Mare with vineyard views
- Crama Basilescu – Historic winery offering boutique accommodation
- Vila Dobrușa – Traditional guesthouse near major wineries
- Conacul dintre Vii – Manor house with wine cellar experiences
Wine and Dining
| Restaurant | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Casa Vintilă | Dealu Mare | Traditional Romanian paired with local wines |
| Crama Lacerta | Fintești | Wine-paired tasting menus |
| La Butoaie | Recaș | Regional cuisine with extensive wine list |
Restaurant Tips
- Book wine tastings at least 24 hours in advance
- Many wineries offer traditional Romanian lunches with advance notice
- Look for restaurants serving “cocoș de munte” (mountain rooster) – a classic pairing with local red wines
Wine Shops & Wine Bars
- Corks Wine Bar (Bucharest) – Extensive Romanian wine selection with expert sommeliers
- Vinexpert (Multiple locations) – Premium wine retailer offering tastings
- Wine Gallery (Bucharest) – Specializes in rare Romanian vintages
- Abel’s Wine Bar (Timișoara) – Focuses on local wine producers
Local Artisan Shops
- Traditional Wine Tools – Handcrafted decanters and glasses in Dealu Mare
- Wine Accessories – Local cork products and wooden wine racks
- Regional Crafts – Wine-themed pottery and textiles
Wine-Related Attractions
- Wine Museum Murfatlar – Historical wine-making exhibits
- Underground Wine Galleries (Recaș) – 500-year-old wine cellars
- Vine and Wine Museum (Dealu Mare) – Traditional equipment displays
Seasonal Activities
- Grape harvesting (September-October)
- Barrel sampling (Year-round by appointment)
- Vineyard hiking trails (April-November)
Wine Events Calendar
| Event | Location | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| RoWine Festival | Bucharest | May |
| Dealu Mare Wine Festival | Dealu Mare | September |
| Cotnari Wine Festival | Cotnari | October |
Event Tips
- Purchase festival tickets in advance – they often sell out
- Join guided tastings for maximum learning experience
- Book accommodation early during festival dates
Wine Appellations
- Dealu Mare DOC – Red wine specialists
- Cotnari DOC – Sweet white wines
- Drăgășani DOC – Indigenous varieties
- Recaș DOC – International varieties
Appellation Highlights
- Eight major wine regions
- 37 DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) areas
- 13 IG (Geographical Indication) zones
Wine Region Overview
Romania’s wine heritage spans over 6,000 years, making it one of Europe’s oldest wine-producing countries. The country boasts 8 major wine regions and produces around 4 million hectoliters of wine annually.
Grape Varieties
Native Varieties
• Fetească Albă – Light-bodied white wine with apple and pear notes
• Fetească Regală – Aromatic white with floral characteristics
• Fetească Neagră – Full-bodied red with black fruit flavors
• Băbească Neagră – Light red with soft tannins
International Varieties
• Merlot – Widely planted in Dealu Mare
• Cabernet Sauvignon – Common in Recaș and Miniș
• Chardonnay – Thrives in cooler climate regions
• Sauvignon Blanc – Popular in Transilvania
Main Wine Styles
White Wines
• Dry whites from Târnave and Cotnari regions
• Sweet wines from Cotnari, including the famous Grasa de Cotnari
• Sparkling wines from Jidvei and Panciu
Red Wines
• Full-bodied reds from Dealu Mare
• Light to medium-bodied wines from Miniș-Măderat
• Rosé wines gaining popularity across all regions
Food Specialties
• Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) – Pairs well with Fetească Neagră
• Cozonac (sweet bread) – Perfect with Grasa de Cotnari
• Mămăligă (polenta) with cheese – Complements white wines
• Tochitură (pork stew) – Excellent with robust reds
Drives & Walks
Wine Routes
• Dealu Mare Wine Road – 58km stretch through Romania’s premier red wine region
• Târnave Valley – Known for white wine production
• Recaș Wine Route – Modern wineries and scenic landscapes
Walking Trails
• Dealul Bujorului vineyard walks
• Cotnari historical wine paths
• Panciu hillside vineyard tours
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Tour
• Day 1: Dealu Mare region tastings
• Day 2: Recaș winery visits
• Day 3: Cotnari historical wineries
Week-Long Experience
• Days 1-2: Dealu Mare region
• Days 3-4: Transilvania wineries
• Days 5-6: Moldova wine region
• Day 7: Bucharest wine bars
Getting There & Around
Romania’s wine regions are accessible through major airports in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași.
Transportation Options
• Rental cars – Best for exploring multiple wine regions
• Private tours – Available from major cities, typically €80-150 per day
• Public transport – Trains connect major wine regions but require planning
• Wine tour operators – Companies like Romania Wine Tours offer specialized packages
Best Time to Visit
September-October brings harvest festivals and perfect wine tasting weather.
Seasonal Highlights
• Spring (April-May): Bud break, fewer tourists
• Summer (June-August): Warm weather, busy season
• Fall (September-October): Harvest activities, wine festivals
• Winter (November-March): Cellar tours, mulled wine events
Sustainability Efforts
Romanian wineries increasingly embrace organic practices and sustainable tourism.
Notable Initiatives
• SERVE Winery – Solar power implementation
• Jidvei – Water conservation programs
• Liliac Winery – Organic certification
• Avincis – Biodiversity protection
Language Tips
Key wine-related Romanian phrases to know:
| Romanian | English |
|---|---|
| Vin roșu | Red wine |
| Vin alb | White wine |
| Degustare | Tasting |
| Noroc | Cheers |
Further Resources
Wine Organizations
• Romanian Wine Producers Association: Official industry body
• Wines of Romania: Tourism information
• CrameRomania.ro: Winery directory
Useful Apps
• Romanian Wine App: Local wine database
• Vivino: Wine ratings and reviews
• Google Translate: Essential for rural areas
