Dealu Mare: Romania’s Premier Wine Region
Nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Dealu Mare is Romania’s most renowned wine region. This picturesque area in Muntenia offers a perfect blend of rich viticultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
Towns and Villages
The region encompasses several charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character:
- Ploiești: The largest city in the area, known for its oil industry and wine museum
- Urlați: Home to some of the region’s most prestigious wineries
- Valea Călugărească: A quaint village with a long winemaking tradition
- Buzău: A historic town on the eastern edge of Dealu Mare, offering cultural attractions
Wine Producers
Dealu Mare boasts numerous wineries, ranging from small family-owned estates to large commercial operations:
- Cramele Halewood: One of Romania’s largest wine producers, offering tours and tastings
- SERVE Winery: Known for its high-quality wines and beautiful tasting room
- Lacerta Winery: A boutique winery producing premium wines with a modern approach
- Budureasca: A state-of-the-art winery with a visitor center and panoramic views
Accommodations
Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options in Dealu Mare:
- La Conac în Bucov: A charming guesthouse surrounded by vineyards
- Conacul dintre Vii: A luxury boutique hotel with a wine cellar and restaurant
- Casa cu Tei: A cozy bed and breakfast in Valea Călugărească
- Hotel Central Ploiești: A comfortable city hotel for those preferring urban amenities
Dining
The region offers a variety of dining experiences, showcasing local cuisine and wines:
- La Butoaie: A traditional Romanian restaurant in Ploiești with an extensive wine list
- Cramele Rhein: A winery restaurant offering food and wine pairings
- Taverna Covaci: A rustic tavern in Urlați serving hearty local dishes
- La Crama: A wine-focused restaurant in Buzău featuring regional specialties
Wine Shops & Bars
Dealu Mare offers numerous spots to taste and purchase local wines:
- Vinexpert: A well-stocked wine shop in Ploiești with knowledgeable staff
- Wine Bar Ploiești: Cozy bar featuring an extensive selection of Dealu Mare wines
- La Butoaie Wine Cellar: Underground cellar with tastings and sales
- Vitis Metamorfosis Wine Shop: On-site shop at the winery, offering exclusive wines
Other Shops
Beyond wine, the region has shops for local products and souvenirs:
- Ploiești Central Market: Fresh produce, cheeses, and local specialties
- Anticariat Ploiești: Vintage bookshop with maps and historical texts
- Artizanat Buzău: Traditional crafts and handmade goods
- Galeria Orizont: Local art gallery showcasing Romanian artists
Attractions
Dealu Mare offers diverse attractions complementing its wine culture:
- Prahova Valley Wine Museum: Displays on winemaking history and techniques
- Slanic Salt Mine: Impressive underground chambers and microclimate
- Buzău County Museum: Exhibits on local history and archaeology
- Dealu Mare Wine Route: Scenic drive connecting major wineries and viewpoints
Events
The region hosts several wine-related events throughout the year:
- Dealu Mare Wine Festival (September): Tastings, music, and local food
- Urlați Wine Fair (May): Showcasing small producers and artisanal wines
- Harvest Celebration (October): Winery tours and grape-picking experiences
- Ploiești International Wine Contest (June): Professional wine judging and public tastings
Appellations
Dealu Mare’s wine production is divided into several appellations:
- Dealu Mare DOC: The primary appellation covering most of the region
- Pietroasa DOC: Known for its sweet wines and Grasa de Cotnari grape
- Dealu Mare Dealurile DOC: Covering the hilly areas with specific microclimates
- Urlați DOC: Renowned for its red wines, especially Fetească Neagră
Grape Varieties
Dealu Mare’s vineyards boast a diverse range of grape varieties. Fetească Neagră and Fetească Albă, indigenous Romanian grapes, thrive in this region.
International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay also flourish here, producing high-quality wines.
Main Wine Styles
Dealu Mare is known for its full-bodied red wines with rich flavors and good aging potential. The region’s white wines are typically fresh and aromatic.
Sparkling wines and dessert wines are also produced, showcasing the versatility of Dealu Mare’s terroir.
Food Specialties
Local cuisine pairs perfectly with Dealu Mare wines. Try Mici (grilled meat rolls) or Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) with a robust red wine.
Brânză de burduf, a pungent sheep’s milk cheese, complements the region’s white wines beautifully.
Drives & Walks
The Wine Road of Dealu Mare offers a scenic drive through picturesque vineyards. Stop at wineries like Lacerta or Budureasca for tastings.
For hikers, the nearby Bucegi Mountains provide stunning trails with views of the surrounding wine country.
Itineraries
Weekend Wine Tour: Visit 3-4 wineries, stay at a vineyard guesthouse, and enjoy local cuisine.
Week-long Exploration: Combine winery visits with trips to nearby towns like Ploiești and Buzău, and include outdoor activities in the Bucegi Mountains.
Getting There & Around
The nearest major airport is Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, about 70 km from Dealu Mare.
Rent a car for easy access to wineries. Local buses connect major towns, but schedules can be limited.
Best Time to Visit
September to October is ideal for wine enthusiasts, coinciding with the harvest season.
Spring (April-May) offers pleasant weather and blooming vineyards, perfect for outdoor activities.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Dealu Mare wineries are adopting organic farming practices to preserve the region’s terroir.
Lacerta Winery uses solar panels and rainwater collection systems, showcasing commitment to sustainability.
Language Tips
Learn basic Romanian phrases like “Mulțumesc” (Thank you) and “Noroc” (Cheers) to enhance your winery visits.
Most wineries offer tours in English, but calling ahead to confirm is advisable.
Further Resources
Visit the Romanian Wine Producers Association website for up-to-date information on Dealu Mare wineries.
Download the “Wines of Romania” app for an interactive guide to the region’s wine routes.