Luxury Premium Trip through the Carpathians - Romania

Today, we will be enchanted not only by the taste of fine wines but also by the impressive landscapes of the Carpathians. On the way to the vineyard, we will make a cultural stop at the fortified church of Birthâlm (rom. Biertan) – a historic site first mentioned in 1283. The imposing fortified church, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, is one of the most impressive testimonies of Saxon architecture in Transylvania. Next, we will head to the wine region around Botsch (Batoș), where the Liliac vineyard – The Wine of Transylvania awaits us. Nestled among gentle hills and surrounded by the backdrop of the Eastern Carpathians, the vines here embody the wine heart of Transylvania. The vineyard revives a centuries-old winemaking tradition in Transylvania. On a hill in the middle of the vineyard, we will experience a wine tasting of a special kind: excellent wines, fresh air, and – weather permitting – a breathtaking view over the wine landscape. Pure enjoyment in a region that is no longer a insider tip! In the evening, we continue to our accommodation near Schäßburg (Sighișoara), one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe – and the perfect place to unwind after this enjoyable day.

Today, we dive into the fascinating world of two iconic wineries: Lacerta or Budureasca and the internationally acclaimed Vitis Metamorfosis winery. Here, English wine know-how meets Romanian down-to-earthness. And the result? Wines for real Wine-Ladies & Wine-Gents who seek the special ;-). Our day starts with a walk through the terraced vineyards – a sight like from a painting: gentle hills, endless rows of vines, and, with clear visibility, a panorama of the peaks of the Carpathians that makes your heart beat faster. Then we head into the barrel cellars, where we are welcomed by the enchanting scent of vanilla, roasted wood, and oak – the origin of great red wines. Here at Budureasca, an exclusive wine tasting awaits us, where the staff will treat us to award-winning drops from the renowned winemaker Stephen Donnelly. Meanwhile, we will learn exciting details about the special vinification philosophy of the house. In short: Crafted Elegance in every bottle. But that's not all: Our luxury wine adventure continues! Just a few kilometers away, the next jewel opens its doors: the Vitis Metamorfosis winery, where Italian wine passion meets Romanian grape varieties. The winery is part of the famous Antinori family, and you can taste it. During a tour, we experience the stages from pressing to bottling up close, before oenologist Fiorenzo Rista personally shares his passion for the Negru de Drăgășani grape variety with us: A wine characterized by depth, character, and elegance. And because wine travels are not only about wine but also about lifestyle, we will stay stylishly in one of the charming guesthouses along the Romanian Wine Route – like the rustic „Ferma Dacilor“ or the stylish „Conacul Domniței Ralu“. There we will enjoy a true feast for the senses: finest traditional Romanian cuisine – with classics like „Ciorbă de Perișoare“ (meatball soup), „Sarmale“ (stuffed cabbage rolls), and the irresistible dessert „Papanași“. Of course, accompanied by handpicked Romanian wines that perfectly round off the day.

Our first stop today is Bran, where we visit the famous, legendary Bran Castle – also known as „Dracula's Castle“. The imposing fortress with its towers and mysterious passages has inspired visitors from all over the world for decades and brings legends to life. Just a few minutes away awaits us another highlight: a wildlife enclosure and bear sanctuary dedicated to the protection and care of brown bears rescued from poor conditions. A renowned place that shows how nature and animal protection are lived in Romania. Afterwards, we continue our journey toward Drăgășani, one of Romania's most significant and traditional wine regions. Here, centuries-old winemaking knowledge meets modern visions – and right in the middle are two absolute highlights for wine lovers: the Prince Știrbey winery and the Crama Bauer. Both establishments are managed by German oenologist Oliver Bauer, a colorful figure in the Romanian wine scene. Passionate, uncompromising, and with an unyielding pioneering spirit, he is on a mission to reinterpret the potential of indigenous varieties like Negru de Drăgășani or Crâmpoși. During our visits to both wineries, we will not only get to know the wines but also the philosophy and personality behind the labels. Oliver Bauer himself will accompany us, providing insights into his work and sharing his fascination for the Romanian terroir with us.

Our Premium wine journey comes to an end. After eventful days full of enjoyment, history, and impressive nature, it is time today to say goodbye to Romania. With many unforgettable impressions in our luggage, the organized transfer will take us to the airport, from where we will begin our journey home. Goodbye, or as they say in Romania: La revedere! Until the next adventure!