#Winelovers: Bucharest to Transylvania Wine Country

When winelovers gathered in Bucharest at the end of May I was there. I had come to visit Transylvania Wine Country with #winelover friends. My prior Romanian wine country explorations have taken me to the Crisana, Dragasani, Dealu Mare, and Oltenia wine regions. Visiting Transylvania, the birthplace of Fetească Regală (Royal Maiden) grape, and known for its white and sparkling wines, was a must for me. I was excited to explore the rich wine history of Transylvania. It was indeed great to be back in Bucharest to  continue my Romanian wine journey.

Bucharest: Hello Romania I am Back!

#Winelovers on Calea Victoriei, Bucharest © Spaswinefood

Before heading out to Transylvania wine country we explored Bucharest a little. An evening walk took us along Calea Victoriei (Victory Way), Bucharest’s oldest, and most charming street. We strolled by the Kretzulescu Church (Biserica Kretzulescu or Crețulescu), an Eastern Orthodox church built in the Brâncovenesc style, which is located on Calea Victoriei, next to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum of Art. In fact stunning buildings line Calea Victoriei, including the Cantacuzino Palace, the former Headquarters of the Romanian Communist Party, The Military Club, The Savings Bank Palace, and the National History Museum.

Memorial of Rebirth, Revolution Square © Spaswinefood

It felt good to be back in Bucharest! These days Bucharest is ongoing transformation and change. Bucharest was once known as the Paris of the East. The city lost most of its grandeur during the 20th century due to World War II, one of the most brutal Communist dictatorships in Europe, and 1977 earthquake. The former grandeur is returning.

The Splendor of Calea Victoriei, Bucharest © Spaswinefood

Amid the restoration ongoing is the Novotel.

Novotel, Calea Victoriei  © Spaswinefood

Indeed it was great to return to Bucharest. Being able to reunite with #winelovers friends was special too, to say the least. After a brief stay in Bucharest we were off to a master class at Grand Hotel Continental given by Luiz Alberto, #Winelover Founder. 

 Luiz Alberto, #Winelover Founder © Spaswinefood

Luiz introduced us to an interesting lineup of 10 wines, which we tasted blind in pairs. The 11th one was an aged Romanian wine that we were ask to guess the approximate vintage? 

The 10 Wines Tasted Blind Revealed © Spaswinefood

For sure the Grand Hotel Continental is a beautiful setting it was for a wine tasting.

 A Closer Look at Wines Tasted © Spaswinefood

NOTE: Masterclass wines were from VINARIUM wine contest.

It felt so good to be back in Bucharest, as we headed back to our hotel that spring evening.

Into the Night, Historic Bucharest © Spaswinefood

I so enjoyed our evening walk along Calea Victoriei.

Night Time Walk on Calea Victoriei © Spaswinefood

Next morning, we boarded the vans and were off to Transylvania Wine Country. 

, Time to Leave Bucharest for Wine Country © Spaswinefood

#Winelover Romania © Spaswinefood

Soon we were leaving Bucharest and heading to Transylvania.

Leaving Bucharest © Spaswinefood

Why Transylvania Wine Country?

If Transylvania's rich history, cuisine and incredible wines is a surprise, then you need to know that Transylvania has been producing wine for centuries, dating back to the 1600's. While Transylvania has been influenced by its many ethnic population, the Hungarian and German communities have substantially influenced the local culture, and wine making here. Transylvania is home to five DOC wine regions (Aiud, Alba Iulia, Sebeș-Apold, Lechința and Târnave), which are located along three river valleys (Târnava, Mureș and Sebeș).

For an outstanding wine adventure, plan a trip to Romania's Transylvania.

Off to Transylvania Wine Country

Off we went to Transylvania Wine Country. My Transylvania wine travels would take me to Alba lulia, Ciumbrud, Medias, and Sighisoara. It was a long drive from Bucharest to Alba lulia, our first stop wine country stop.  I wanted to know more about this region and I had so looked forward to visiting Transylvania.  Based on my prior wine trips to Romania I knew I would experience great wines and food, and amazing hospitality. In case you like to know Romania's wine producing areas include seven wine regions: (1) Transylvania (center of the country), (2) Moldova (north east), (3) Crisana and Maramures (west central and north), (4) Muntenia and Oltenia (south), (5) Banat (west), (6) Southern Sands and Danube Terraces (south) and (7) Dobrogea (south east); with each of these regions containing a number of sub regions. A visit to Transylvania would give me further insights into the rich diversity of wine throughout the country.

Fairy Valley Clay Castle (Castelul Valea Zanelor), Porumbacu de Sus

Our wine safari was filled with adventure. Along way we enjoyed a picnic lunch at Castle of the Fairies The Fairy Valley Clay Castle (Castelul Valea Zanelor), Porumbacu de Sus, a village 40 kilometers West of Sibiu. It is a natural area, surrounded by beautiful mountains and green grass. The construction of the castle began in 2014 however, it took a few years to become fully operational. 

Castle of the Fairies offers visitors tasty meal options. We ordered a few to go along with our picnic lunch.

Lunch Time, Castelul Valea Zanelor © Spaswinefood

Chief, Castelul Valea Zanelor © Spaswinefood

While ordering lunch I chatted briefly with the friendly chief.

Picnic Lunch at Fairy Tale Castle © Spaswinefood

Of course there was a nice rosé wine to enjoy with lunch.

Picnic Lunch, Fairy Tale Castle © Spaswinefood

Fairy Tale Castle is a beautiful stop for a picnic lunch, or an overnight stay.

Castle of the Fairies, Porumbacu de Sus © Spaswinefood

Looks like a great place to spend a night in such an amazing place. It was quite busy the day we visited with school children on field trips before the start of summer vacation.

From Porumbacu de Sus it was onto Alba lulia where we checked in at Hotel Ave Alba. Our walk to dinner that evening took us by the historic Alba lulia Fortress. We ate dinner at Pub 13, near the Fortress, followed by an introduction to Transylvanian wines with a Sparking Wine Tasting at Vinoteca Hugo.

Dinner, Pub 13, Alba lulia © Spaswinefood

Without a doubt Alba lulia was the perfect first stop. More on wine travels in Alba lulia, Ciumbrud, Medias, and Sighisoara later.

Romania is for Wine Travelers

For this Spaswinefood enthusiast Romania is always an awesome wine adventure. The focus of my recent Transylvanian wine travels was to (1) discover Transylvania wine country, and (2) celebrate the First International Fetească Regală Day on June 3, 2022.  Romania is an emerging star in the wine world. Now is the time for wine travelers to visit. Special thanks to Razvan Stoenescu, and all of our wonderful Romanian hosts for making my vine-filled travels so memorable. For sure Romania is for winelovers therefore I invite you to join me in my travels in Romania and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook.  

NOROC!

Sharon

June 2022

Here's to Romania with Love

© Spaswinefood

 #Winelover.ro Trip May 31- June 7, 2022 © Spaswinefood

Thank You, Winelover Romania © Spaswinefood

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