Romania’s Carpathian Mountains
Romania Heritage Tour and Wine Tastings
Romania is an inherently beautiful country steeped in history, culture, and striking architecture, not to overlook the many exceptional Romanian white and sparkling wines and some red wines. With an expert guide, great walking shoes, and many exciting attractions and vistas to explore, you can truly count on a memorable adventure.
While our visit was a heritage tour in the Transylvania region, from which my mother’s family originated, it was part of Hungary at the time of her parents’ immigration to America. Many travelers come here to experience the natural wonders of the country, to hike, ski, or appreciate the history and diverse architecture that melds both Romanesque and Gothic styles that are prevalent in the many fortified churches and medieval castles, including the infamous Bran Castle, often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle,” and the Black Church in Brașov.
Heritage Travel is common in Romania. My thanks and recommendation go out to Romania-based Compass Travel Romania LLC; they made this journey effortless and entertaining for our family. With the limited information we had on hand about our grandparents’ villages, our guide was instrumental in locating the family church and the potential location of living relatives recorded in the church’s ledgers. It was exciting for our family to know so many of our ancestors walked those country paths and worshiped in the churches we visited.
Romania’s Natural Wonders, Fortified Churches, Castles, and Dracula
When visiting Romania, there are many sights not to be missed. Here are just a few of the notable sights that were enjoyed.
One particularly hard to miss is the country’s picturesque mountains, recognized by the film industry as a backdrop to several movies such as Cold Mountain. The majority of the movie’s scenes were filmed in Romania, in two prominent filming locations: The City of Potigrafu was the location for the Battle of the Crater at ‘Petersburg, Virginia’ scene; and Poiana Brasov in the Transylvanian Alps, also referred to as “the Southern Carpathians”; they were the sites utilized for Cold Mountain’s 19th-century settler scenes.
Transylvania has two fortified churches, the Biertan and Prejmer Churches, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Their strong and impressive architecture includes massive walls developed to protect their villagers when needed, and these churches have duly survived the test of time; each built in its unique way for the 15th and 16th centuries, Middle Ages period.
Bran Castle
Dracula’s Bran Castle and Peles Castle should be seen on your visit. Bran Castle is a primary reason some visit Romania. It was built in a medieval and Gothic style of architecture. At first view, one can see how its dark appeal can conjure up writings like Stoker’s novel. The younger Peles Castle, built in the 19th century in the Neo-Renaissance style, drips with opulence, reflective of the past royalty that once used the castle as their summer home. Each room is themed and elegantly appointed with custom furniture and murals that are fit for a palace.
Romanian Wineries, Tours, and Wine Tastings
Romania is the 10th largest producer of wine in the world, and number 5 in Europe; so why don’t we see more of the country’s wines in the United States? While exports are growing, only 5-6% of their wine is shipped outside their border. A highlight of our Motherland tour was a wine tasting. Transylvania is one of the country’s leading regions of wine production in Romania.
Transylvania is one of the six major regions of Romania where wines are produced by one of the most awarded winemakers in Romania – Jidvei Winery. Jidvei (Tarnave Region ) is the largest single owner of vineyards producing internationally recognized white varieties, flagship Romanian Feteasca Alba, and Feteasca Regala wines. The winery also produces Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. For tastings of Jidvei award-winning wines, make a reservation to visit the Bethlen Haller Castle, where you can take a tour and have lunch with your tasting. Jidvei’s Tauni and Jidvei Wineries, two of Jidvei’s four wineries, are open to the public for tours.
Other wine regions to visit:
Muntenia, in the south of Romania, is another renowned wine region, and it is just one hour from Bucharest. This region is known for its full-bodied red wines. In Muntenia, you will find Dealu Mare Wineland, including sixteen boutique wineries that have banded together to promote their historical value, innovation, and certified quality. These wines have been recognized by the medals they have been awarded internationally. All Dealu Mare wines include at least 25% of the indigenous Fetească Neagra variety.
Romania has four other primary regions that include multiple areas of wine production with opportunities for tours/ tastings.
Banat
Southwest Romania, Cramele Recaș is the lead and a quality producer in this area. Both red and white wines can be found here from grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, to name a couple, as well as other indigenous varieties of wines. 55% of their wines are exported, including to the United States.
Moldova
Aromatic white wines in the Cotnari wine region, and whites of Franusca and Feteasca Alba wines.
Dobrogea
Southeast Romania between the Danube and the Black Sea; based on archeological finds, this is where Romania’s wine history began. Known for Red and Rose wines, white and dessert wines are also produced.
Crisana–Maramures
Wine region in Northwest Romania that produces white and red wines, including indigenous varieties.
With a history in viticulture that goes back as far as 6000 years, Romania continues to grow and innovate its wine production. Wherever your travels in Romania take you, there is sure to be a nearby tasting awaiting you.
A Taste That Lingers
Romania is rich beyond its wines. Whether you’re drawn to Romania for its storied castles, ancient villages, or the chance to walk in the footsteps of your ancestors, you’ll find that the country’s charm runs deeper than its picturesque mountain views. From Transylvania’s crisp white wines of Jidvei and bold reds of Dealu Mare, Romania offers a phenomenal journey, unlike any other. It’s a place where wine, history, and hospitality are tightly woven. Where the smallest of villages holds stories in each church’s ledgers and winery in each glass poured. Romania is a cornucopia of options to fit your interests and tastes, with unexpected discoveries and lifelong memories to make along the way.