From Bucharest: Exclusive Dealu Mare Wine Tasting Tour

From Bucharest: Exclusive Dealu Mare Wine Tasting Tour

This 10-hour private wine tour from Bucharest takes you to Dealu Mare, Romania’s renowned wine region, often called Romania’s Bordeaux. For $237 per person, the experience offers visits to two boutique wineries, where you can explore award-winning facilities, taste 12 carefully selected wines, and enjoy artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to discover Romania’s indigenous varieties like Feteasc Neagr and learn about the country’s viticultural revival.

One standout feature is the scenic drive along the Old Wine Road, passing elegant manors and vineyard hills. The tour combines cultural sights, wine tasting, and local cuisine in a single day. While the experience is rich in wine and scenery, it’s designed for those comfortable with a full day of activity and walking through wineries. This tour suits travelers who appreciate expert guides, private groups, and an authentic Romanian wine experience.

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Key Points

• 10 hours of wine-focused exploration from Bucharest to Dealu Mare
• Visit two boutique wineries, Lacerta and 1000 Chipuri
• Taste 12 fine wines, including Romanian varieties like Feteasc Neagr and Tmâioas Româneasc
• Enjoy expertly paired cheeses and cured meats at each winery
• Private transportation and guided tours with licensed English-speaking guides
• Ideal for wine lovers interested in Romania’s growing wine scene and scenic vineyard landscapes

Scenic Journey to Dealu Mare along the Old Wine Road

The tour departs from Bucharest with hotel pickup, making travel smooth and comfortable in a private, well-appointed vehicle. The drive takes you through village landscapes and vineyard-covered hills along the historic Old Wine Road. This route offers views of restored manors and lush vineyards, evoking a sense of Romania’s wine heritage and architectural elegance.

The scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially for those who enjoy picturesque landscapes. The drive is not rushed, allowing plenty of time to admire the rolling hills and classic Romanian architecture. The journey sets a relaxed, scenic tone for the day ahead, blending cultural sights with wine exploration.

Visiting Lacerta Winery: Modern Meets Tradition

The first stop is at Lacerta Winery, recognized as one of Dealu Mare’s most modern yet tradition-driven wineries. Here, the focus is on gravitational winemaking techniques—a method that minimizes the use of pumps to preserve wine quality. The guided winery tour introduces visitors to the state-of-the-art facilities and details how grape quality is maintained from vineyard to bottle.

Then, a tasting session features six premium wines, carefully paired with local cheeses and charcuterie. The setting offers beautiful vineyard views, making it an ideal backdrop for appreciating Romania’s distinct wine style, especially its rich reds. The experience at Lacerta combines modern winemaking methods with traditional Romanian flavors, giving a well-rounded introduction to the region’s wine craftsmanship.

Exploring 1000 Chipuri Winery: Family-Owned Charm and Barrel Sampling

The second winery, 1000 Chipuri, is a family-run boutique that emphasizes craftsmanship and personalized attention. Visitors can sample wines directly from oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, gaining insight into aging processes and flavor development. The winery’s dedication to quality and tradition shines through in each glass.

Before the second tasting, a traditional Romanian lunch is served, featuring local flavors and authentic dishes. The six wines include Feteasc Neagr, Cabernet Franc, and Tmâioas Româneasc, offering a diverse palette. The tasting emphasizes indigenous Romanian varieties and highlights the unique characteristics of the region’s reds and whites.

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Tasting 12 Wines Paired with Local Delights

Throughout the day, 12 wines are sampled, with pairings of cheeses, cured meats, and dried fruits at each winery. This pairing enhances the tasting experience, highlighting Romania’s artisanal food culture. The wines include both traditional and innovative blends, giving a broad view of the region’s potential and diversity.

Wines from Romania’s indigenous grape varieties are a major focus, with Feteasc Neagr standing out as a notable Romanian red. The sampling from barrels and tanks offers an educational peek into wine production and aging techniques. The pairing with local cheeses and cured meats makes each tasting especially memorable.

The Expert Guides and Personalised Experience

The tour is led by licensed English-speaking guides, who are praised for their knowledge, patience, and ability to tailor the experience. Review comments highlight guides like Bogdan, Andrei, and Mihai as friendly and informative, sharing Romania’s history and wine insights effortlessly.

The private group setting allows for flexibility and personal attention, making it easy to ask questions or focus on specific wines. The guides’ local expertise greatly enhances the educational and sensory aspects of the day.

The Culinary Touch: Traditional Romanian Lunch

A 45-minute traditional Romanian lunch is included, giving a chance to relax and enjoy authentic flavors. The lunch complements the wine tasting, providing dishes that highlight local ingredients and culinary traditions. This break offers a cultural moment amid the scenic vineyards and wine tours.

Pacing, Duration, and Practical Details

The 10-hour schedule includes hotel pickup and drop-off, visits to two wineries, guided tours, and tastings. The most intensive tasting occurs at the second winery, lasting around 105 minutes. The first winery tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, with ample time for exploration and tasting.

The tour operates by prior reservation, and full cancellation is possible 24 hours in advance. The experience is designed for those comfortable with a full day of activity, walking, and wine tasting.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is perfect for wine lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those interested in Romania’s wine revival. It’s especially suitable for private groups seeking a personalized, relaxed, and informative day trip. Travelers who appreciate scenic drives, authentic local foods, and boutique wineries will find this tour particularly rewarding.

The price of $237 per person reflects the inclusion of transport, guided tours, tastings, and lunch, making it a value-packed option for a full day out.

The Sum Up: A Wine-Lover’s Day in Dealu Mare

The From Bucharest: Exclusive Dealu Mare Wine Tasting Tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized look at Romania’s top wine region. The combination of scenic drives, boutique wineries, indigenous wine varieties, and local cuisine creates a rich sensory experience. With knowledgeable guides and personalized attention, this tour stands out as an excellent choice for those eager to explore Romania’s growing wine scene.

While it involves a full day of activity, the scenery and wine quality make every moment worthwhile. It’s an experience that balances educational insights with relaxation and delicious tasting—a perfect way to deepen appreciation for Romania’s wine heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $237?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport, guided winery visits, tastings of 12 wines, and artisanal cheese and charcuterie pairings at each winery. Lunch is also included.

How long is each winery visit?
The visit to Lacerta Winery lasts about 2.5 hours, with a guided tour and tasting of six wines. The stop at 1000 Chipuri includes a longer tasting of another six wines and lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a traditional Romanian lunch.

Are there any wine varieties unique to Romania?
Yes, the tour features Romanian varieties such as Feteasc Neagr, Tmâioas Româneasc, and Cabernet Franc. These wines showcase the distinct character of the region’s viticulture.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While primarily designed for adults interested in wine, and involves walking and tasting, it is best suited for those comfortable with full-day activity. No specific age restrictions are mentioned, but minors are generally not allowed to partake in tastings.

How far in advance should I book?
It is recommended to reserve at least 24 hours in advance to secure winery reservations and ensure availability. Cancelation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Can I customize my experience?
The tour is a private group, which allows some flexibility, and guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to adapt to guest preferences during the day.

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