Discover Drăgășani-Oltenia: Romania’s Hidden Wine Gem
Drăgășani-Oltenia, nestled in southwestern Romania, offers a unique blend of rich winemaking heritage and picturesque landscapes. This region, known for its indigenous grape varieties and distinctive terroir, provides wine enthusiasts with an authentic Romanian wine experience.
Towns and Villages
The town of Drăgășani serves as the epicenter of the wine region. Its charming streets and traditional architecture reflect the area’s long history of viticulture.
Nearby villages like Sutesti and Zlatărei offer glimpses into rural Romanian life and local winemaking traditions. These small settlements provide opportunities for intimate wine tastings and interactions with local producers.
Wine Producers
- Avincis: A modern winery producing high-quality wines from both international and local grape varieties.
- Crama Oprișor: Known for its innovative blends and commitment to organic viticulture.
- Villa Zorilor: A boutique winery offering personalized tastings and vineyard tours.
- Crama Stirbey: Specializes in reviving native Romanian grape varieties.
Many of these wineries offer tours and tastings, providing visitors with in-depth insights into Romanian winemaking techniques and the unique characteristics of Drăgășani-Oltenia wines.
Accommodations
Drăgășani-Oltenia offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets:
- Vila Dobrușa: A charming guesthouse surrounded by vineyards, offering wine-themed rooms and on-site tastings.
- Hotel Rusidava: Located in Drăgășani, this hotel provides comfortable rooms and easy access to local wineries.
- Conacul Zavoianu: A restored manor house offering luxurious rooms and a taste of Romanian aristocratic life.
For a more immersive experience, consider staying at a winery guesthouse, where you can wake up to vineyard views and enjoy exclusive tastings.
Dining
The region’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines, showcasing local flavors and traditional Romanian dishes:
- Restaurant La Butoaie: Offers traditional Romanian fare paired with local wines.
- Crama Oprișor Restaurant: Features gourmet dishes designed to match their wine selection.
- Taverna Sârbului: Specializes in grilled meats and hearty stews, ideal with robust red wines.
Don’t miss trying local specialties like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) or mici (grilled meat rolls) paired with Drăgășani wines for an authentic culinary experience.
Wine Shops & Bars
Drăgășani-Oltenia offers several spots to purchase and enjoy local wines:
- Vinexpert: A well-stocked wine shop in Drăgășani, offering a wide selection of regional wines.
- Wine Bar Avincis: Located at the Avincis winery, this bar provides tastings of their wines alongside local cheeses.
- Enoteca Oltenia: A cozy wine bar in Craiova, featuring an extensive list of Drăgășani-Oltenia wines.
Many wineries also have on-site shops where you can purchase bottles directly after tastings.
Other Shops
While exploring the region, look out for these local shops:
- Piața Centrală Drăgășani: A bustling market offering fresh local produce and artisanal products.
- Oltenia Traditions: A store in Craiova selling traditional Romanian crafts and souvenirs.
- La Coșul cu Bunatati: A deli in Drăgășani specializing in local cheeses and cured meats, perfect for picnics.
Attractions
Beyond wine, Drăgășani-Oltenia offers diverse attractions:
- Brancoveanu Monastery: A stunning 16th-century monastery showcasing traditional Romanian architecture.
- Oltenia Museum: Located in Craiova, it houses an extensive collection of regional artifacts and art.
- Buila-Vanturarita National Park: Ideal for hiking and enjoying panoramic views of the vineyard-covered hills.
Consider visiting the Drăgășani Wine Museum to learn about the region’s winemaking history and traditional production methods.
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-centric events:
- Drăgășani Wine Festival: Held annually in September, featuring tastings, local food, and cultural performances.
- Harvest Celebrations: Many wineries host special events during the grape harvest in late August to early October.
- Craiova International Wine Fair: A springtime event showcasing wines from Drăgășani-Oltenia and beyond.
Check winery websites for seasonal events like vertical tastings or winemaker dinners.
Appellations
Drăgășani-Oltenia boasts several recognized wine appellations:
- DOC Drăgășani: Known for white wines, particularly those made from Cramposie Selectionata.
- IG Dealurile Olteniei: A broader geographical indication covering wines from the Oltenia hills.
- DOC Samburesti: Renowned for its red wines, especially those made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
These appellations ensure quality and authenticity in the region’s wines, reflecting their unique terroir.
Grape Varieties
The Drăgășani-Oltenia region is known for its indigenous grape varieties. Crâmpoșie Selecționată and Tămâioasă Românească are prominent white varieties.
Red grapes include Novac and Negru de Drăgășani, both local cultivars. International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also grown.
Main Wine Styles
Drăgășani-Oltenia produces a range of wine styles. Crisp white wines from Crâmpoșie Selecționată are popular for their freshness and acidity.
Aromatic whites made from Tămâioasă Românească offer floral notes and good structure. Full-bodied reds from Novac and Negru de Drăgășani showcase the region’s potential for robust wines.
Food Specialties
Local cuisine pairs well with the region’s wines. Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mici (grilled meat rolls) are popular dishes.
Brânza de burduf, a strong sheep’s milk cheese, complements the local white wines. For dessert, try cozonac, a sweet bread often enjoyed with a glass of Tămâioasă Românească.
Drives & Walks
Explore the Drăgășani Wine Road, a scenic drive connecting local wineries. The route offers beautiful vineyard views and opportunities for tastings.
For nature lovers, the Olt Valley provides hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.
Itineraries
Weekend Wine Tour
- Day 1: Visit Avincis and Stirbey wineries, lunch in Drăgășani
- Day 2: Explore Cârlogani village, taste wines at Villa Dobrusa
Week-long Exploration
- Days 1-2: Drăgășani wineries and town
- Days 3-4: Horezu pottery workshops and monastery
- Days 5-7: Oltenia Museum in Craiova, wine tastings at local producers
Getting There & Around
The nearest major airport is Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, about 200 km away. Rent a car for easy access to wineries and villages.
Public transportation is limited. Consider hiring a local driver or joining organized wine tours for a worry-free experience.
Best Time to Visit
September to October offers ideal weather and coincides with the grape harvest. Spring (April-May) is pleasant for outdoor activities and vineyard tours.
Avoid mid-summer (July-August) when temperatures can be uncomfortably high. Winter (December-February) may limit some wine tourism activities.
Sustainability Efforts
Several wineries in Drăgășani-Oltenia are adopting organic and biodynamic practices. Avincis and Villa Dobrusa lead in sustainable viticulture.
Look for the Romanian Organic Agriculture certification on wine labels. Support local eco-friendly accommodations and restaurants to minimize your travel footprint.
Language Tips
Learn basic Romanian wine terms: “vin” (wine), “alb” (white), “roșu” (red), “sec” (dry), “dulce” (sweet). “Noroc!” means “Cheers!” in Romanian.
English is widely spoken in major wineries and hotels. Consider downloading a translation app for rural areas.
Further Resources
- Romanian Wine Growers – Official association website
- Avincis Winery – Leading producer in the region
- Wine Tourism Romania – Comprehensive guide to Romanian wine regions
For up-to-date event information, check the Drăgășani City Hall website or local tourism offices.
