Explore the Best Wineries in Romania

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Romania Wine Country

Do you know that Romania is among the top 10 wine-producing countries in Europe? No? Well, here’s a little information about this country’s production. The Romanian territory is vast, and it can be thought of as a border between western and eastern Europe. Wine-making tradition has been practiced in Romania even before the arrival of the Romans, and archaeological discoveries have proven that viticulture started more or less 6,000 years ago!  

Its continental climate makes it possible for grapes to fully grow all around the country, but the main wine regions of Romania are Transylvania, Banat, Crisana, Dobrogea Hills, Moldova Hills, and Maramures, Muntenia and Oltenia. White varieties are the real deal in Romania, with the indigenous Fetească grape covering most of the planted vineyard land. The Muntenia wine region is one of the best-known for the production of top-quality white wines. As it concerns the red varieties,

Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in large numbers all across Romanian wine regions.

Check out the list of the best wineries in Romania

The Country of Diversity—Romanian Terroir With Extraordinary Potential 

Romanian winemaking traditions date back to antiquity. In the VII century BC, the people who lived in the region of modern-day Romania already knew how to make wine.

Romania's major land is in a continental climate zone, with hot summers and mild winters. This country is geographically positioned at the same latitudes as France. As a result, it is not surprising that the temperature here is ideal for producing not only local native grapes, but also vines of classic French varietals. They were imported to the region following the phylloxera pandemic at the end of the nineteenth century.

Although Romania's climate conditions and location allow for grape cultivation nearly anywhere, there are a handful of regions with particularly good conditions for producing vines. Thus, the proximity of the Black Sea contributes to the warm climate of the southeastern territories, and the western and eastern slopes of the Carpathian Mountains reliably shield vineyards from severe winds. A diverse range of soils—from rocky to sandy to clay—also contributes to a wide range of wine production in Romania, each with its own distinct character and bouquet.

Discover some of the best wine tasting tours in Romania

Crisana-Romanian Wine Region
Oradea, city in Crisana, Romania

What’s Special About Romanian Wines?

Wine country Romania is one of the top fifteen wine-producing countries in the world, yet the majority of its wine is marketed and consumed domestically. According to the latest OIV (Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin) findings, Romania officially produces roughly 5.5 million hectoliters, ranking seventh in Europe and thirteenth worldwide. Wines of Romania is a local initiative that works on promotion of Romanian wine culture around the world. Among the grape varieties, Feteasca Regală is the most popular and widely planted variety in Romania.

Feteasca Regală is the most recently discovered white variety in Romania. It is a varietal that grows in every vineyard in the country. It is usually used to make dry, youthful, aromatic white wines with prominent aromas of green and citrus apples. This local variety’s high acidity allows for making unique sparkling wines and beverages.

Tămâioasa Românească is synonymous with Romanian hospitality since it is a ”descendant” of the Muscat family from Greece that has been adopted in the Romanian viticulture area with outstanding results. This aromatic cultivar is characterized by distinct scents of acacia flowers, honeycomb, and subtle basil undertones. Tămâioasa Românească makes a range of white dessert wines with exceptional aging potential.

Fetească Albă is a white grape variety used to make excellent dry white wines. It boasts strong acidity, a pleasant structure, and exceptional minerality, with distinct notes of white flowers, citrus, and hay. 

Crâmpoşia is an old white pre-phylloxera grape variety that is emblematic of the Drăgăşani region. It can be vinified either as a single grape or as part of a blend. It's distinguished by its acidity, freshness, and minerality. It is best when drunk young, and it has delightful scents of pears, citrus fruits, and yellow cherries.

Wine Tourism in Romania

Wine country Romania has a long-lasting history of winemaking. The greatest approach to truly immerse yourself in winemaking traditions and culture is to travel to the regions and taste these exceptional wines in their natural environment. From north to south, Romanian wine regions will welcome you to enjoy Romanian hospitality. Explore the wine regions of Romania with us and learn about what the country has to offer.

Romanian Wine Regions

Romania is divided into seven wine-growing areas, that all have 37 sub-regions. Wine regions are located in various climatic conditions, allowing for the cultivation of various sorts of wine of varying kinds. Following that, let’s look at the most popular wine regions of Romania.

The Transylvanian Plateau

Podișul Transilvaniei or the Transylvanian Plateau is a fortress in the center of Romania, surrounded by the highest Romanian mountains. This region has a highly rich history, in addition to the beauty and mysticism of the sites that have inspired numerous stories (such as Dracula). 

Transilvania Romanian Wine Regions Wine Country Romania

There are three river valleys (Târnava, Mureş, and Sebeş) that run from the highlands and provide the best minerals for the vines. These three river valleys are home to five DOC wine districts. The wine districts of Aiud, Alba Iulia, Sebeş-Apold, Lechinţa, and Târnave have unique winemaking styles, as it's here the traces of vine cultivation and wine production date back more than 2000 years. 

The white and sparkling wines are exclusive to this area and are affected by the cooler environment and the minerals from the mountains. This is the birthplace of the Fetească Regală (Royal Maiden) grape.


Find out more about Wine Tasting & Tours in Transilvania to enjoy your visit to the region.

Hills of Moldova

Iasina-moldovan-hills-Romanian Wine Regions

Dealurile Moldovei (Hills of Moldova) wine area is located east of the Eastern Carpathians and stretches for hundreds of kilometers from Northern Moldova (Cotnari region), where the most recognized white wines are produced, to the province's south (Nicoreti, Iveti, Dealul Bujorului), where well-known high-quality red wines are produced. It is also Romania's largest region in terms of wine production and the diversity of Romanian grape varietals. It is the home of numerous indigenous rare grapes, including Fetească Neagră, the top red grape, Busuioacă de Bohotin, the only grape that produces pure rose wines, and whites like Grasă de Cotnari, Frâncușă, Sarbă, and Plăvaie, which are fresh and fruity.


Find out more about Wine Tasting & Tours in Moldovan Hills to enjoy your visit to the region.

Hills of Vallachia  and Oltenia

Wine region Dealurile Munteniei and Olteniei (Hills of Vallachia  and Oltenia) is located in the southern Carpathians and encompasses the two geographical and historical territories of the same name. 

Dealurile Olteniei G.I. has shown to be an outstanding place for cultivating high-quality wine types over the ages, thanks to the "benefit" of perfect terroir conditions such as:

  • The climate is temperate-continental, with scorching summers and pleasant autumns that allow the grapes to ripen. 
  • With favorable sun exposure, abundant mineral resources, and a low annual rainfall average.
  • Brown-reddish fertile soils, with clay and sand in some locations. 

The region's most well-known Romanian wines are those made from indigenous grapes such as Fetească Neagră, Negru de Drăgășani, Novac, and the white Crâmpoșie Selecționată.

Hills of Banat

Banat

Hills of Banat (Dealurile Banatului) is a very picturesque area, famous for its forests, ancient castles and vineyards. The smallest wine region lies in the southwest of the country, bordering Serbia and Hungary. The moderate climate is Mediterranean with Adriatic influences. It produces outstanding sweet wines as well as a modest number of fine dry white wines, for which the Tarnave region is famed. Feteasca regală, Fetească Alba, Welsh Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, and Sauvignon Blanc are the basic varieties. This region has recently established the traditional process for producing quality sparkling wines.


Find out more about Wine Tasting & Tours in Banat to enjoy your visit to the region.

Hills of Crisana and Maramures

Crisana Romanian Wine Regions

The wine area Hills of Crisana and Maramures (Dealurile Crisanei and Maramureului) is located in the country's northwest. The central European climate influences allow for the cultivation of a wide range of white and red grape types, ranging from table wines to high-quality vintage wines. It is mostly known for producing grapes such as Cadarca and Mustoasa de Maderat.


Find out more about Wine Tasting & Tours in Crisana to enjoy your visit to the region.

Hills of Dobrogea

Dobrogea

Dobrogea(Colinele Dobrogei) The region is located in Romania's south-east corner, surrounded primarily by water: the Danube River in the west and north, as well as the Danube Delta, and the Black Sea in the east. It is the place where we meet Romania's oldest land—the ancient Macin Mountains—as well as its newest—the Danube Delta, which is constantly developing and changing. 

Istria-Babadag, Murfatlar, Oltina, and Sarica-Niculitel are the wine-growing regions. Here, the soft red and rosé wines flourish in Romania's sunniest climate with low rainfall.


Find out more about Wine Tasting & Tours in Dobrogea to enjoy your visit to the region.

Danube Terraces

Danube Terraces (Terasele Dunarii) wine region: It extends like a ribbon along the lower banks of the Danube, towards the Bulgarian border. Because of the terrain relief, grape type, and winemaking methods, the region is one of the most diverse.

Oltina and Insuratei are the two DOC categorization regions. Aside from them, there are several independent vineyards that produce high-quality wines in their own distinct style. 

The heat and sandy soil that contribute to the production of high-quality wines are emblematic of this region.

Discover the Best of the Country: Tourism in Romania 

Romania is a wonderful country with its own amazing and magical world, with beautiful and picturesque places, a number of attractions that are worth seeing and which are very popular among tourists from all over the world. It attracts with its ancient culture and beautiful nature. Lovely views of the Black Sea, the Carpathian Mountains, clean air, beautiful mountain springs, the indescribable beauty of the famous Danube River, and historical architectural structures await the traveler. Romanian sights may be found in every region of the country. Each one has its own history or even a beautiful legend. 

Do you want to see Romania from a different perspective? Then you should certainly have a look here.

Western Walachia, The Tradition of Romanian Hospitality and Its Variations

The western side of Walachia (Southern Romania) is rich in stunning monasteries, thermal spring spas, and lovely villages nestled in the Carpathian Mountains' foothills. Continue your journey through the Olt River Valley to see Transylvania's forested slopes, untouched scenery, small villages, and fortified churches. Make time to visit Bucovina's painted monasteries, which have stunning 15th-century frescoes that are unique in the world. Cross the Prislop Pass into Maramures, a region known for its handcrafted wooden buildings and tall-spire churches with double roofs.

Retezat National Park, Pure Joy For Nature Lovers!

Hiking at Retezat National Park may cause you to catch your breath, not from the hike, but from the spectacular sights of nature at its most raw. Its 20 peaks above 2000 meters and 80 glacier lake and stars combine to provide one of Europe's most picturesque scenery. Even better, this is one of the best-preserved wilderness areas in the Carpathians, making it a must-see for true nature enthusiasts. Local communities and cultural sites from surrounding the park region add a special significance to the park landscape and wildlife.

This was Romania's first national park, established in 1935. To protect the distinctive Alpine vegetation was the primary driver for the creation of the protected area. The deepest Romanian lake, Lake Zanoaga, is located here. The park contains 1190 species of plants, 90 of which are unique. Travelers who take on the challenge of discovering Retezat will be richly rewarded. 

Peles Castle With 99 Rooms: The Most Beautiful Royal Palace Complex in Romania

Peles Castle is known as the “Pearl of Sinaia town.” The best architects, sculptors, and interior designers from across Europe collaborated on the ensemble of buildings strewn throughout the royal Park. The main one, which used to be the King's palace, now houses a museum where travelers are met by ancestral portraits of the Hohenzollerns, old weapons on the walls, mannequins in knight's armor, and spectacular stained-glass windows by German masters.

There are also massive Venetian glass mirrors, charming living rooms in Moorish and Turkish styles, and an orchestra music cabinet issued from America, an authentic work of art that may complement any antique collection. Of course, there are secret entrances and corridors, as one would expect in a true medieval castle.

Frequently asked questions about Romania wine country

What wine is Romania known for?

Romania is renowned for Fetească Neagră, its indigenous red grape variety. It is the country's favorite and second most-planted dark-berried grape, following Merlot. Depending on the climate and vintage, Fetească Neagră wines range from medium- to full-bodied, adding to Romania's diverse wine offerings.

How many wine regions are in Romania?

Romania has eight wine regions - Crisana, Transylvania, Moldovan Hills, Banat, Oltenia, Muntenia, Dobrogea, Dabube.

What is the best wine region in Romania?

The most famous individual district in Romania is Târnave, which is among the coolest wine-producing areas in the country.

Does Romania have good wine?

Yes, Romania has some great wines. In fact, white wines are their specialty and they come from local grape varieties.

What is the most popular wine in Romania?

The most known Romanian wines are those made of Fetească neagră grape variety.

Does Romania produce wine?

Yes, Romania is a wine-producing country with a long history of winemaking. It has a diverse range of wine regions and vineyards scattered throughout the country. Romania produces a variety of wines, including both red and white, with indigenous and international grape varieties, and has been gaining recognition for its quality wines in recent years.

What kind of wine do Romanians drink?

Romanians drink a range of wines, including both red and white varieties. Traditional Romanian grape varieties like Fetească Neagră (red) and Fetească Albă (white) are enjoyed, along with international grape varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The specific wine preferences can vary, but there is a growing appreciation for both local Romanian wines and well-known international options.

Is Romanian Pinot Noir good?

Romanian Pinot Noir can offer good quality and value. While it may not have the same reputation as Pinot Noir from renowned regions like Burgundy, Romania has vineyards that produce Pinot Noir with pleasant fruit flavors, moderate tannins, and a smooth character. It is worth exploring Romanian Pinot Noir as an affordable and enjoyable alternative to its more celebrated counterparts.

Is Romania a New world wine?

No, Romania is not considered a New World wine-producing country. The term "New World" typically refers to wine-producing regions outside of Europe, such as North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Romania has a long history of winemaking and is considered part of the Old World wine-producing regions, reflecting its traditional winemaking practices and heritage.

What are the best wines from Transylvania?

The best wines from Transylvania include Fetească Neagră, an elegant red wine with dark fruit flavors, Fetească Albă, a refreshing white wine with floral aromas, and Tămâioasă Românească, an aromatic white wine with muscat and honey notes. These wines showcase the quality and diversity of Transylvania's winemaking.

Map of Wineries in Romania

Discover the locations of wineries in Romania

Wine regions in Romania