Transylvania (Romania)

Discover Transylvania’s Wine Country

Transylvania, a region steeped in folklore and natural beauty, offers a unique wine experience. Its cool climate and varied terroir produce distinctive wines, particularly aromatic whites and elegant reds.

Towns and Villages

Explore charming wine-producing towns like Alba Iulia, known for its star-shaped citadel and nearby vineyards. Mediaş, nestled in the Târnava Valley, boasts medieval architecture and surrounding wineries.

  • Alba Iulia: Visit the Alba Carolina Citadel and nearby Jidvei winery
  • Mediaş: Explore the Stephan Ludwig Roth High School and Schuller winery
  • Bistriţa: Discover Saxon heritage and the Lechinţa wine region

Wine Producers

Transylvania’s wineries blend tradition with modern techniques. Many offer tours and tastings, providing insight into local winemaking practices.

  • Jidvei: Romania’s largest wine producer, known for its Fetească Albă and Sauvignon Blanc
  • Liliac Winery: Boutique winery producing high-quality wines in Batoş
  • Balla Géza: Family-run winery specializing in indigenous grape varieties
  • Petry Wines: Small producer focusing on organic and natural wines

Accommodations

Stay in charming guesthouses or wine-themed hotels for an immersive experience. Many accommodations offer wine tastings and vineyard tours.

  • Casa Savri (Mediaş): Boutique hotel with a wine cellar and tasting room
  • Crama La Salină (Turda): Winery guesthouse with underground salt mine views
  • Hanul Fullton (Alba Iulia): Historic inn near the citadel with a wine-focused restaurant

Dining

Transylvanian cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Look for restaurants serving traditional dishes and featuring extensive wine lists.

  • Bistro Nar (Cluj-Napoca): Modern Romanian cuisine with a focus on local wines
  • Restaurantul Cascade (Bistriţa): Traditional fare and an excellent selection of Lechinţa wines
  • La Taifas (Sibiu): Cozy restaurant offering Transylvanian specialties and regional wines

Wine Shops & Bars

Transylvania offers a variety of places to sample and purchase local wines. Here are some notable options:

  • Crama Richter (Sibiu): Wine shop and bar featuring a wide selection of Transylvanian wines
  • Vinexpert (Cluj-Napoca): Specialist wine store with regular tasting events
  • Weinhaus (Bistrița): Cozy wine bar offering flights of local wines
  • La Bottega (Brașov): Italian-style enoteca with a focus on Romanian wines

Other Shops

While exploring Transylvania’s wine country, don’t miss these local shops:

  • Manufactura de Brânză (Mediaș): Artisanal cheese shop, perfect for wine pairings
  • Aura Christi (Sibiu): Handmade chocolate store, offering wine-infused truffles
  • Transylvanian Handicraft (Cluj-Napoca): Traditional crafts and souvenirs

Attractions

Between wine tastings, explore these captivating attractions:

  • Bran Castle: Iconic “Dracula’s Castle” near Brașov
  • Sighișoara Citadel: UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Vlad the Impaler
  • Turda Salt Mine: Underground wonderland with a fermentation cellar
  • Astra National Museum Complex (Sibiu): Open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life

Events

Time your visit to coincide with these wine-centric events:

  • Alba Iulia Wine Festival (September): Celebration of local wines in the historic citadel
  • Mediaș Wine Festival (October): Street fair featuring wines from the Târnava region
  • Transylvanian Wine Fair (May, Cluj-Napoca): Large wine exhibition with producers from across Romania
  • Jidvei Harvest Festival (September): Wine tasting, grape stomping, and traditional music

Appellations

Transylvania’s wine regions are divided into several appellations:

  • Târnave: Known for aromatic white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Fetească Regală
  • Alba: Produces both red and white wines, with a focus on Fetească Albă and Chardonnay
  • Lechința: Specializes in sparkling wines and Riesling
  • Sebeș-Apold: Small region known for its red wines, including Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape Varieties

Transylvania boasts a diverse range of grape varieties, both indigenous and international. Fetească Albă and Fetească Regală are two white varieties that thrive in the region’s climate.

Red varieties include Fetească Neagră and Pinot Noir. International varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are also cultivated.

Main Wine Styles

Transylvanian wines are known for their crisp acidity and aromatic profiles. White wines often showcase floral and fruit notes, while reds tend to be medium-bodied with good structure.

Sparkling wines are gaining popularity, particularly those made using the traditional method. Some producers are experimenting with orange wines and natural winemaking techniques.

Food Specialties

Transylvanian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, perfect for pairing with local wines. Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mici (grilled meat rolls) are popular dishes.

Cozonac, a sweet bread, is a traditional dessert. Local cheeses like brânză de burduf pair well with the region’s white wines.

Drives & Walks

The Târnave Wine Road offers a scenic drive through picturesque vineyards and charming villages. Stop at wineries like Liliac and Jidvei for tastings.

For nature lovers, the Făgăraș Mountains provide hiking trails with breathtaking views. Consider a walk through the medieval town of Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Itineraries

3-Day Wine Tour

  • Day 1: Explore Cluj-Napoca, visit La Salina Turda
  • Day 2: Drive the Târnave Wine Road, taste at Liliac and Jidvei
  • Day 3: Visit Sighișoara, end with dinner at Cetatea Mălăieștilor

Week-long Transylvanian Adventure

  • Days 1-2: Cluj-Napoca and surrounding wineries
  • Days 3-4: Târnave Wine Road and tastings
  • Day 5: Sighișoara and local wine bars
  • Days 6-7: Brașov, including a day trip to Bran Castle

Getting There & Around

The main gateway to Transylvania is Cluj-Napoca International Airport. From there, renting a car is the best option for exploring wine regions.

Public transport connects major cities, but a car offers flexibility for winery visits. Some tour operators provide specialized wine tours with transportation included.

Best Time to Visit

September to October is ideal for wine enthusiasts, coinciding with the harvest season. Many wineries offer special tours and events during this time.

Spring (April to June) provides pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Winter visitors can enjoy mulled wine and Christmas markets in charming towns.

Sustainability Efforts

Several Transylvanian wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic practices. Look for certifications like Demeter or Ecocert on wine labels.

Some producers, like SERVE, use solar energy and sustainable water management. Support eco-friendly wineries to encourage sustainable viticulture in the region.

Language Tips

Learning a few Romanian wine terms can enhance your tasting experience. “Noroc” (cheers) and “Vin” (wine) are useful to know.

English is widely spoken in tourist areas and at larger wineries. However, knowing basic Romanian phrases is appreciated in rural areas.

Further Resources

Consider purchasing a guidebook like “The Wines of Romania” by Caroline Gilby MW for in-depth information on Transylvanian wines.