Romania Wine Regions: A Journey Through Dobrogea, Dealu Mare & Dragasani
Romania Wine Regions: A Journey Through Dobrogea, Dealu Mare & Dragasani
From the sun-soaked vineyards of Dobrogea by the Danube Delta to the rolling hills of Dealu Mare and the boutique estates of Drăgășani, Romania’s wine regions offer a mix of indigenous varietals, rich winemaking traditions, and tastings that reveal the country’s diverse terroir.
For those seeking immersive wine tasting Romania style, this journey goes beyond the glass. Here, every sip tells a story; from the aromatic Fetească Regală of Dobrogea and the spicy Fetească Neagră of Dealu Mare to the crisp, mineral Crâmpoșie of Dragasani.
Luxury wine tours across Romania wine regions combine expert-led tastings, exquisite local food pairings, and the chance to meet the passionate winemakers behind each bottle, creating a wine adventure that is as culturally enriching as it is delicious.
Romania Wine Regions
Romania’s winemaking history stretches back over 6,000 years, making it one of Europe’s oldest wine-producing countries.
From the sun-baked hills of Dobrogea to the rolling vineyards of Dealu Mare and the riverside estates of Drăgășani, each region offers its own distinctive grape varieties, climates and winemaking traditions. This regional diversity – shaped by mountains, rivers, and the Black Sea – produces a remarkable range of styles, from aromatic whites to robust reds and sparkling wines.
Read on to discover what makes each stop so deliciously worth it.
Dobrogea
Wine by the Danube Delta
Danube Delta, Romania
Dobrogea is more than a wine destination - it’s a gateway to exploring the Danube Delta’s natural beauty and the breezy shores of the Black Sea, all while enjoying some of Romania’s sunniest vineyards.
In the far southeast of Romania, the Dobrogea wine region combines remarkable wines with some of the country’s most striking landscapes. Here, the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta flows into the Black Sea, creating a landscape teeming with hundreds of bird species and a rich variety of aquatic life. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the region enjoys a warm, dry climate that’s ideal for growing both local and international grape varieties.
Must-visit wineries in Dobrogea:
Crama Hamangia
Crama Hamangia
Founded in 2016, this modern winery produces a broad range of wines under the Ataman, Pagaia, and Kultura labels. Expect crisp Riesling, aromatic Fetească Regală, Pinot Gris, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pair your tasting with local lamb dishes for an unforgettable wine tasting Romania experience.
Crama Gabai
Crama Gabai
A boutique, award-winning winery founded in 2014, known for Muscat Ottonel, Riesling Italian, Fetească Neagră, and Pinot Noir. Its beautiful setting makes it as much a visual treat as a palate-pleaser, and plans for a guesthouse will make future visits even more tempting.
Familia Vladoi
Familia Vladoi
A family-run estate where tradition meets experimentation. The father–daughter winemaking team crafts both classic and innovative styles, making it a fascinating stop for curious wine lovers.
Traditional wine and food pairings in Dobrogea: Roast lamb with herbs or local stews paired with Fetească Regală or Riesling from Crama Hamangia. The brisk acidity and floral notes of these wines cut through the richness of lamb while complementing the herbaceous flavours.
Dealu Mare
Romania’s Premier Wine Belt
Dealu Mare Vineyard
Just an hour’s drive from Bucharest, the Dealu Mare wine region is often called Romania’s “Napa Valley” thanks to its rolling hills, historic estates, and premium reds. Spanning Prahova and Buzău counties, this is one of the country’s oldest and most celebrated wine areas, making it ideal for luxury wine tours Romania style - whether as a day trip or a multi-day stay.
With its close proximity to the capital, Dealu Mare is the perfect place to combine sightseeing in Bucharest with vineyard tours, private tastings, and stays in charming manor houses or upcoming luxury hotels.
Must-visit wineries in Dealul Mare:
Crama De Piatra
Crama De Piatra
A boutique winery housed in a beautifully renovated 1912 manor house. Older vines here produce limited quantities of high-quality wines, with a young winemaker bringing fresh ideas to the family tradition.
Crama Apogeum
Crama Apogeum
Set in a former Royal Palace, Apogeum blends history with craftsmanship. Owner Virgil Mandru revives ancient winemaking techniques using ceramic amphorae, creating wines that feel like a true cultural tribute.
Crama Davino
Crama Davino
One of the most renowned producers in the Dealu Mare wine region, Davino boasts vast vineyards, exceptional red and white wines, and sweeping vineyard views. A luxury 40-room hotel is in development, promising an even more immersive experience.
Crama Ferdi
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Crama Ferdi
A boutique, family-run winery a little off the beaten path. Known for small-batch, premium wines aged in oak barrels for up to two years, Ferdi’s intimate tastings are enriched by the Mihăilescu family’s warm and charismatic hosting.
Traditional wine and food pairings in Dealu Mare: Grilled meats or hearty stews paired with Fetească Neagră from Crama Apogeum or Crama Ferdi, or Tămâioasă Românească for lighter dishes. The deep, spicy notes of Fetească Neagră enhance savoury flavours, while aromatic whites balance lighter fare.
Drăgășani
Boutique Wines in Oltenia
Drăgășani
Drăgășani is perfect for luxury wine tours in Romania that focus on boutique, high-quality experiences. Here, the pace is slower, the hospitality warmer, and the wines as memorable as the views.
Perched along a scenic ridge above the Olt River, the Drăgășani wine region is one of Romania’s most charming small-scale wine destinations. Here, boutique wineries, panoramic views, and a deep connection to history make every glass feel personal. This is the kind of place where you meet the winemaker in person, taste something unique to the region, and linger over sunsets that seem made for a toast.
Must-visit wineries in Drăgășani:
Crama Știrbey
Crama Știrbey
With a winemaking tradition spanning over 300 years, Știrbey is a cornerstone of the Drăgășani wine region. Their 28 hectares produce a wide variety of wines, from fresh whites to elegant reds, with the expertise of German-born Oliver Bauer shaping their signature style.
Crama Bauer
Crama Bauer
Founded in 2012 by Oliver Bauer and his Romanian wife, this winery embraces experimentation. The result? Distinctive, character-driven wines paired with breathtaking views over the river and vineyards.
Crama Avincis
Crama Avincis
A fusion of tradition and luxury, Avincis combines 50 hectares of vineyards with a modern hotel offering suites that open onto sweeping vineyard vistas. Italian winemaker Andrea Previtali crafts a diverse portfolio, including refined, bone-dry sparkling wines.
Traditional wine and food pairings in Dragasani: River fish, poultry, or lightly seasoned vegetarian dishes with Crâmpoşie from Crama Avincis or experimental blends from Crama Bauer. The crisp minerality of Crâmpoşie elevates delicate dishes, and the boutique reds add a playful, flavoursome twist.
Romania’s Indigenous Grape Varieties: Andrea's First-Hand Experience
Vineyard grapes
"During my travels through Dobrogea, Dealu Mare, and Dragasani, I had the chance to sample some of Romania’s signature indigenous grape varieties, each offering a taste of the country’s winemaking heritage."
Fetească Neagră
"This dark-skinned grape, known for producing velvety red wines with notes of plum and spice, was particularly notable in Dobrogea at Crama Gabai. Their Fetească Neagră showcased the region’s warm climate, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while retaining elegant acidity."
Fetească Regală
"A white grape variety that thrives in Dobrogea’s sunny climate, Fetească Regală is aromatic, crisp, and refreshing. At Crama Hamangia, tastings of this varietal highlighted its floral notes and versatility, making it perfect for pairing with local lamb dishes."
Tămâioasă Românească
"Known for its fragrant, muscat-like aromas, this variety offers a sweet and aromatic profile. In Dealu Mare, small-batch producers like Crama De Piatra and Crama Ferdi are keeping this variety alive, producing wines that are both traditional and sophisticated."
Crâmpoșie
"A lesser-known white grape, Crâmpoșie is prized in Oltenia for its bright acidity and minerality. At Crama Avincis in Dragasani, I enjoyed a crisp Crâmpoșie that paired beautifully with the sweeping views of the Olt River and the surrounding vineyards.
"These indigenous grapes give Romania its unique vinous identity, offering flavours and aromas that you won’t find anywhere else. Tasting them across different regions allowed me to appreciate how soil, climate, and winemaking style can shape the character of each varietal."
Planning a Luxury Wine Tour in Romania
Authentic Romanian wine bottle
For those seeking an immersive wine experience, the Culture & Cuisine of Romania & Moldova 9-day tour offers a front-row seat to the country’s finest vineyards and winemaking traditions.
Journey through Romania’s most celebrated wine regions - Dobrogea, Dealu Mare, and Drăgășani - tasting signature local varietals like Fetească Neagră, Fetească Regală, and Crâmpoșie while enjoying exclusive private tastings at boutique estates such as Crama Avincis, Crama Apogeum, and Crama De Piatra.
Each day blends panoramic vineyard walks, intimate cellar visits, and luxury accommodation with regional culinary delights, allowing you to savour the wines where they are born.
Whether sipping a crisp Riesling by the Danube Delta or a layered Fetească Neagră in Dealu Mare, this tour is crafted for wine lovers who want to taste Romania’s terroir in style, with expert guidance and unforgettable vineyard vistas.
Final Thoughts on Romanian Wine Regions
Wine barrels in Romania
Romania’s wine regions, Dobrogea, Dealu Mare and Drăgăşani offer a journey where centuries-old traditions meet bold, modern winemaking.
From the sun-drenched vineyards of Dobrogea on the edge of the Danube Delta, to the historic estates and rolling hills of Dealu Mare, and the innovative, experimental wines of Drăgăşani, each region has a character all its own. Touring wineries such as Crama Hamangia, Crama Apogeum and Crama Avincis reveals a world of craftsmanship, hospitality and terroir-driven flavour.
For wine lovers, Romania is a destination where history, landscape and innovation converge in every glass. Cheers to discovering its remarkable wines!
Plan Your Tailor-Made Wine Tour in Romania
Discover Romania’s vineyards on your own terms with a bespoke wine tour designed around your tastes, interests and schedule. Whether you want private tastings at Crama Apogeum, scenic vineyard walks in Dealu Mare, or luxury stays at Crama Avincis, Regent can craft a personalised itinerary that brings the best of Romanian wine regions to you.
Contact us today to start planning your custom journey through Romania’s finest wines.