We can say that wine coincides with the birth of civilization. That it was a sacred and romantic drink that accompanied the dished and was… [301494]

1. INTRODUCTION

We can say that wine coincides with the birth of civilization. That it was a sacred and romantic drink that accompanied the dished and was recommended by the Bible as well. [anonimizat], in one word the Holy Communion (https://apareeu.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/proprietati-si-simbolistica-a-vitei-de-vie/). [anonimizat], thus leading to the emergence and development of the wine industry. [anonimizat]. (Tudose, 1994, p. 8).

The grapevine and wine have always been part of the civilization and culture of humanity. “If wine disappears from the production of mankind, a void, [anonimizat]” .Baudelaire (Popa, 2011, p. 33).

This drink accompanied the man both in spirited parties but also in solitary meditations and often had a primary or secondary role in artistic creations and fascinated artists from different fields. We can say that this drink has always been the focus of attentions and this is demonstrated by works written by great writers of different ages or sculptures and paintings by great personalities.

[anonimizat]. [anonimizat]. By the 6th century wine was described as a [anonimizat], annoyance and fatigue.(https://apareeu.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/proprietati-si-simbolistica-a-vitei-de-vie/).

A century ago no one would have thought of visiting a vineyard, but things changed after the Second World War and this change took place in France. In Alsace the first wine road appeared, a route that still exists today and the wine tourism was born on this occasion. The name of the vineyard comes from Latin: “vitis”= vine and “culture”= cultivation, care (Tudose, 1994, p.17).

The wine tourism is defined as a [anonimizat], wineries, [anonimizat]-[anonimizat]. It involves destination planning and marketing strategy that defines wine tourism as a journey in order to experience winemaking and wine regions and their link to lifestyle. (Charles, 2006, p. 7).

People have hardly understood that wine is not just a [anonimizat], [anonimizat], [anonimizat].

Romania ranks 13th in the world's top wine producers and ranked 6th in the European rankings. Our country has a [anonimizat], guide for visitors. [anonimizat], areas within which wines with a right of controlled origin can be produced.

2. [anonimizat]-growing units are:

[anonimizat] a large habitat that usually coincides with historical sight. It has some common characteristics in terms of ecological conditions, assortment of varieties, the range of wines that can be obtained.

The vineyard is the vineyard unit whose area meets common climate and microclimate features, typically soil types, cultivated varieties, culture and vinification technologies. The vineyard has a long tradition and the wines obtained in a certain vineyard enjoy reputation.

The wine-growing center comprises a more restricted and usually more concentrated area. The climate-to-ground unit, the technology at the wine-growing center is even better to be highlighted. As a rule, a vineyard has two or more wine centers, but there are also independent wine-growing centers located outside vineyards. For wines with a registered designation of origin, the wine shall be designated as the vineyard or vineyard concerned.

The vineyard is an integral part of a wine-growing center and is the smallest unit of vineyard habitat. It is located on a certain relief, has the same microclimate and normally impresses the same quality of the products that are obtained.

The wine region of the Transylvanian Plateau is divided as follows:

Târnave vineyard:

Blaj Wine Center

Jidvei Wine Center

Zagăr Wine Center

Mediaș Wine Center

Niraj Valley Wine Center

Alba vineyard:

Alba Iulia Wine Center

Ighiu Wine Center

Sebeș-Apold vineyard:

Sebeș Wine Center

Apold Wine Center

Aiud vineyard:

Aiud Wine Center

Turda Wine Center

Triteni Wine Center

Lechința vineyard:

Lechința Wine Center

Teaca Wine Center

Bistrița Wine Center

Batoș Wine Center

Independent Wine Center Dej

The Transylvanian Depression can boast a fairly generous number of wine cellars.

Figure 2.1. The wine map of Transylvania

(Source: http://www.revino.ro/en/bethlen-haller-castle-symbol-of-jidvei-wines-a259.html#prettyPhoto/13/)

Jelna Wine Cellar

It is a wine in Transylvania, whose vineyard stretches over an area of 26 hectares. Besides the Evangelical Church in the locality where one of the four children in the world is painted after Giotto di Bodone’s masterpiece, Jelna is also well-known for the white wine that is produced here. It is even said that Petrus Murator, the painter of the church, who is supposed to have painted the Navicella fresco, was paid with barrels of wine.

The vineyard of Jelna was reborn in 2011 when the former mayor of the Cetate commune with his brother. After the soil studies, they took advantage of the vine conversion program and planted the vineyard on the land on which the vineyard appeared on the old maps of the country.

The Jelna Wine Cellar is the only one in the Lechința wine-growing area that has a new and very modern technology. Currently, 70,000 bottles of wine are produced at the wine cellar, but the two brothers who run the cellar want to reach 200,000 bottles annually.

The wine are sold under two names Jura and Ruja, names inspired by the legends of “sânziene” and “iele” of Transylvania that used this name.

Figure 2.2. Wines produced at the Jelna cellar

(Source: http://www.bistriteanul.ro/fotoprodus-in-bistritanasaud-producem-iar-vin-de-jelna-fratii-moldovan-rescriu-povestea-unui-vinde-poveste-1497599688047.html)

Papp Peter Wine Cellar

The wine cellar is located 500 m away from the center of Aiud and has been official since 2007, being a family business, the cellar is located just under the old family house. The vine covers an area of 2.2 hectares and produces 2,000 liters of bottled wine per year. The grape varieties that are cultivated here are: Feteasca Alba, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Gris, Traminer and Sauvignon Blanc.

The wine cellar provides a tasting room for tourists and presents the wine collection.

Figure 2.3. Wines produced at Papp Peter cellar

(Source: http://www.taravinului.ro/vinificatori/114-papp-peter.html)

La Salina Wine Cellar

The wine cellar is located near Turda salt mine, where its name comes from. On the Durgau Hills they have a tradition in viticulture since the time of the Roman Empire.

Wines are called ISSA as a tribute to wine traditions formed this day from the time when the current Turda was called Potaissa. This area is famous for white wines.

The harvest takes place on an area of 42 hectares and 100,000 liters of wine are bottled every year.

The wine cellar organizes tastings, but also events that include visiting the wine cellar and vineyard with specialists. In addition to the wine cellar, tourists are invited to discover the dishes at the salt-in-the-corner restaurant located at the base of the hills and cand also opt for lodging at the hostel, which offers 13 ultra-modern rooms.

Figure 2.4. Plantation of vines

(Source: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ro/pensiune-restaurant-sarea-n-bucate-wineyard-crama-la-salina-turda.ro.html)

Takacs Vintry

The Takacs vintry is located in Aiud and was founded in 2008. The grapes are harvested from the vineyards that lie on the Sancrai hills of Ciumbrud, which are part of the Alba-Aiud vineyard. The grapes are processed throught a modern line and mature in oak barrels and stainless steel reservoirs.

Generosity, fullness of fire, savory acidity, silky roundness and especially aroma and spicy flavor are the main values of the grapes in Sancrai.

The vintry has a wine cellar where bottled wines are, as well as a tasting room for wine lovers and those who want to know the wines of Ciumbrud.

Figure 2.5. Takacs cellar

(Source: https://www.paradisverde.ro/crame/pivnita-takacs-borpince)

Zaig Wine House

In the Teaca area since the 1990s the viticulture has been on the decline. During the time of the Saxons in the area there were 500 hectares of vineyards but after the Saxons left, the vineyards reimained in the cave. Currently, Zaig Eckehardt, one of the last six members in the area, together with a man from Cluj, Mihail Manolache, tries to bring back these lands and Saxon traditions to life, combining modern technology with old and new ideas. So far, 30 hectares have been replanted. The vine is still young, it is only three yeards old, only in the fifth year will be obtained premium wines.

Old grape varieties have been preserved by Feteasca, Neuburger and Traminer and Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel and Feteasca Neagra have been plated from the new varieties.

The wine cellar is built behind Zaig’s parents’ house where once his ancestors produced one of the best wines in the area.

Figure 2.6. Harvesting grapes in the Teaca area

(Source: http://www.gustarte.ro/gustory/povestea-vinului-de-teaca-candva-recunoscut-in-toata-lumea-sasii-vor-sa-reinvie-o-traditie-de-sute-de-ani-15787136)

Lechburg Wine Cellar

The wine cellar is located in Lechința in a hilly region of the Transylvanian Plateau and was established in 1962, but in 2015 the wine cellar was acquired by an italian family with a passion for viticulture and with a desire to invest in viticulture thus re-created new vineyards in the Lechinta area.

Although it is a small extension area, Lechința has an old and valuable tradition in viticulture, the land being worked today in the spirit of the old Saxon tradition.

In addition to the clayey minerals existing here, the quality of the wines is also given by the specific climate of this area. The natural conditions found here are among the most favorable in the cultivation of white noble vines, which give rise to aromatic wines, freshness and fruity.

The wine cellar is divided into four levels: a ground floor, a basement and two basement levels. Each floor is equipped with equipment for the production process: clearing musts, fermenting and ripening the wine. Cristiano Guarato, the owner of the wine cellar, said he wanted to cultivate varieties grown in this area, aromatic and semiaromatic varities, the famous classic Feteasca Albă, Regală and Neagră, as well as international ones such as Gewurztraminer, Traminer Roz, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris.

Figure 2.7. Wine from the Lechburg wine cellar

(Source: https://www.unvinpezi.ro/oferte/sauvignon-organic-wine-2016-lechburg-numai-astazi-la-doar-39-ron-in-loc-de-44-ron-7881)

Jidvei Wine Cellar

The Jidvei wine cellar is the largest wine cellar of the company and was put into use in 1974. The Jidvei wine cellar together with the other two cellar of the company, Blaj and Bălcaciu, have an impressive capacity of over 270 thousand hectoliters.

When you open the door of the wine cellar first discover the dishes in which the „live” product is kept in constant transformation. Next to them are the larger wooden pots where the wines are matured and there are the stainless steel tanks in which the wines are preserved.

The grapes are harvested from the Tarnave vineyard, with an area of 2,500 hectares, the Jidvei Company being the largest vineyard plantation in Romania and the largest single-owner vineyard in Europe.

An important aspect in the process of wine aging in bottles is the place of storage that must ensure an airy, slightly moist, light and shake-free atmosphere and at a constant temperature of 10°-12° C. A place that meets these conditions are the wine cellar of the fortress of Cetatea de Baltă Castle.

Figure 2.8. Wine produced at the Jidvei wine cellar

(Source: https://ziarulunirea.ro/jidvei-cel-mai-mare-jucator-din-industria-vinului-va-investi-4-milioane-de-euro-in-modernizarea-cramei-si-a-parcului-auto-434357/)

Figure 2.9. Jidvei wine cellar

(Source: https://www.jidvei.ro/ro/crama-jidvei)

Liliac Wine Cellar

The Batoș Vineyard in the Lechința region is characterized by large daytime and night-time differences, light, sandy soils and a low percentage of clay, that is the best conditions for wines, especially white ones. From the 38 hectares of the Batoș vineyard, the Liliac Wine Cellar is harvested to produce white, red or rose wines.

The name of the wine cellar comes from the significant number of bats in the area that is an active partner in combating the pests that can occur in the vineyard. By creating a climate for bats the insect population naturally regulates. The fortified churches of the area create a microclimate of bats that can be seen in the evening, rotating in circles around the church tower.

All the wine cellar and vineyard, the activities are carried out under the guidance of the specialist Rudolf Krizan, who has studied tha various aspects of wine production for years, both vineyard and vineyard works to the highest degree of professionalism.

The wine cellar offers a tasting chalet, a small but charming space, located at the top of the vineyard. It is a good place to admire the hills with a glass of wine.

The Liliac Wine Cellar boasts with the Nectar of Transylvania, a drink appreciated by dessert lovers because this nectar accompanies excellent creamy dessert or fruit. This nectar is made from the Muscat Ottonel grapes that are placed on mats and during the mild winters these grapes accumulate flavors ans sugar, and when enough withers are pressed. After a nice fermentation in oak barrels the nectar is ready to be savored.

Figure 2.10. Plantation of vine

(Source: https://produsinardeal.ro/2016/06/06/afacerile-cu-vin-ale-cramei-liliac-cresc-anul-acesta-la-15-mil-euro/)

Țelna Wine Cellar

The vineyard culture was one of the main occupations in the vineyard of Alba Iulia ”Wine Country” and the wines here have attracted the attention since ancient times through their high quality. There are testimonies that the wines here were very well listed in the Duchy of Vineyard so that in 1293, 15 ships were built to transport he wines from Țelna to the Duchy of Venice.

The wine cellar dates back to 1784 and is built in the medieval Transylvanian style. The architectural complex includes the mansion and the annexes, but they suffered in the uprising led by Horia, Cloșca and Crișan and during the revolution of 1848.

The mansion is included in the historical monuments list as an architectural monument.

The Țelna Wine Cellar is located on the right side of the Mureș to the hills of the Apuseni Mountains the wonderful lands of Șard, Șelna, Criău and Ighiu forming the ”heart of the vineyard”.

The vine is cultivated on an area of 43 hectares and the cultivated varieties are Feteasca Regală, Muscat Ottonel and Sauvignon Blanc.

The wine cellar is the main attraction impressing by its picturesque and splendor. It has a lenght of 150 meters and a width of 6 meters, and above it the hill rises up to 20-25 meters. The average temperature throughout the year is 10°-11° C and the humidity is 98-100%, due to the noble mold on the walls and the natural ventilation system. These properties are ideal for preserving and maturing wines.

For those who want to discover this old wine cellar for over 200 years have the opportunity to admire the cellar, vineyard and wine tasting.

Figure 2.11. Țelna wine cellar

(Source: http://www.romanian-explorer.com/Obiective%20categorii/Podgorii/index.html)

Villa Vinea Wine Cellar

This wine cellar is located on the valley of the Târnava Mică River, a moderate temperate continental climate with warm summers, cold and humid winters, but with long, beautiful autumns. In addition to this favorable climate for the quality of Villa Vinea wines, clay and sandy soils contribute.

In 2001, the Italian Heiner Oberruach, the then Salewa owner, attracted to this area, decided to buy land and with the help of European funds in 2010 he planted new hectares of vine the year when he started the construction of the wine cellar of the old towers through the villages of Transylvania.

The combination of the Transylvania wine tradition and the modern and innovative technology have resulted in very good results, as can be seen in the titles and awards given to wines from the first year of production. Villa Vinea wine cellar, following the contest held at the Art Museum-Banffy Palace in Cluj Napoca, where he won eight medals, became the wine cellar of 2017 in Transylvania.

Figure 2.12. Wine tasting

(Source: http://www.revino.ro/turism-viticol/crame/crama-villa-vinea-vin-degustare-mures-sighisoara-turism-viticol-enoturism-romania-transilvania.html)

Boieru Domains

The Boieru Domains are located in Ciumbrud, Alba country, in the vicinity of the Mureș River, a favorable area to be occupied by a vine plantation. The vineyard covers an area of 700 ha, the plantation being mostly of white varieties: Italian Riesling, Rhine Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Feteasca Regală, Feteasca Albă, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Muscat Ottonel plus two varieties red: Feteasca Neagră and Pinot Noir.

The wine cellar offers various tasting packages for wine lovers and gourmets. With the help of these packages, there is the possibility of touring the winemaking process and tasting a delicious, high-quality and delicious range of wines combined with a wide variety of tasty dishes.

The Boieru Domains also provide the “Casa Domenii” Wine Pension suitable for business trips or for a holiday. The pension has 10 standard rooms, twin or 3* comfort suites and for relaxation the guests can enjoy sauna, hydro massage and relaxation massage.

Figure 2.13. Wines produced by the Boieru Domains

(Source: http://www.crameromania.ro/galerie-foto/domeniile-boieru-cimbrud-crama-ardeal-306.html)

Figure 2.14. Accommodation

(Source: http://printrevinuri.ro/2015/09/winesoftransylvania-ziua-2-domeniile-boieru.html)

Culpiu Wine Cellar

The Culpiu vineyard is located in Câmpeni, Mureș County and belongs to the Lechința vineyard. It is an old viticulture center that cultivates the vine on an area of 68 hectares. There are wines that are sold in bulk, but also bottled wines that are marketed as wines under the name of controlled origin. On the vineyards are also cultivated old traditional Romanian varieties such as Iordovana, Feteasca Regală or Feteasca Albă. Other varieties that are grown are Blazon de Lechința, a mixture of Feteasca Neagră and Muscat Ottonel, as well as Neuburger, Riesling Italian.

Other Wine Cellars in Transylvania: Zaig Wine House, Petra Family Wine Cellar, Vatra Roșie Domains, Sallai Wine Cellar, Gorgandin Wine Cellar, Riviera Wine Cellar – Dorel Popa, Logos Vintry, Savu Vintry etc.

Transylvania is known in Europe not only because of Dracula Castle, but also because of the important wine regions here. This area was not remarkable due to the extensive areas of the plantations, but by the exceptional quality of the wines. In the vineyards of Transylvania are grown especially white varieties from which are produced superior fine aromatic wines, with original shades. On the Transylvanian surface there are five vineyards and four of them are located in Alba County for this reason it is also called the “Wine Country”.

Târnave Vineyard

The Târnave vineyard is the vineyard with the largest surface in Transylvania and extends across the valleys of the Târnava Mică and Târnava Mare rivers that join together and go to Mureș. Here is the Jidvei wine cellar, one of the largest wine producers in Romania and the main employer in Alba County. The localities belonging to this vineyard are: Blaj, Bălcaciu, Jidvei, Cetatea de Baltă, Valea Lungă, Sona, Crăciunelul de Jos, Cenade, Ohaba, Roșia de Secaș and have five viticultural centers in custody.

There are testimonies that prove the existence of the vine in the area since the Iron Age, and later when the Romans colonized Dacia they found the vineyards.

In the Fortress of Balta there is a castle dating back to the time of Ștefan cel Mare, which is currently used to produce different types of sparkling wine from Jidvei.

The relief is fragmented by deep valleys, the hillsides have 15-25 degrees high slopes, orienting from east to west. The climate of this area is characterized by the lack or reduced frequency of strong winds and abundant rainfall. Another important feature is the lower temperature, especially in autumn when grapes are matured, which has a favorable effect on the preservation of grain flavors and the obliteration of higher acidity.

In the Târnave vineyard there are no quality red wines because there are no favorable conditions, instead of producing quality sparkling wines obtained by the classic method of fermentation in bottles.

The wine varieties grown on the Târnave vineyard are: Feteasca Regală, Riesling, Savignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Feteasca Albă, Traminer, Chardonay, Pinot Gris.

Aiud Vineyard

Aiud vineyard alongside with the other vineyards in Transylvania form the “Wine Country”, is situated on both sides of the Middle Mureș and Lower Aries, over 700 hectares. This vineyard sums up the communes of Rădești, Lopadea Nouă, Hoparta, Fărău, Miraslău, Ciumbrud, Ocna Mureșului, Livezile and Cuguzel and includes the wine centers Aiud, Turda and Triteni.

Ciumbrud is the most famous of this vineyard due to the quality of the wines that are produced here, and there is even a legend that says that the Ciumbrud wine was a drink prefigured by Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazul). Also in this locality there is a horticultural high school with a specialty of viticulture and winemaking.

This area has been occupied by the vineyard since the Dacian-Roman period, and along these cultures were visited by different personalities such as Evlia Celebi, a Turkish writer, and Mathyas Istvan, a medical practitioner, recommended that the wines from this vineyard be beneficial to the health because of their healing properties.

In present, the soils in the Aiud vineyard area are favorable for white wines, but due to recent global warming, the black varieties such as Pinot Noir have been successfully grown. These wines are distinguished from other vineyards by some degree of hardness, although there are grown the same grape varieties: Feteasca Alba, Italian Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer, Pinot Gris, Neuburger.

Sebeș-Apold Vineyard

The Sebeș-Apold vineyard is located in the south-western plateau of Transylvania, being the southernmost vineyard on the plateau, benefiting from bio-pedo-climatic conditions, concentrating in Șibot, Săliște, Pianu, Săsciori, Câlnic, Gârbova, Ludoș, Miercurea Sibiului, Apoldu de Sus and Săliște.

The vineyards are located on the southern, south-eastern, and south-western slopes and on the valleys between the hills where there is light and heat. These are shelter areas for the vine against the winds. Autumn is characterized by high temperatures ensuring full baking of grapes.

This area is characterized by the appearance of cloud at the end of the summer and in September and October, and this results in a slow ripening of the grapes, keeping the aromas and a constantly high acidity. In this vineyard the altitude of the hills exceeds the average of other vineyards.

The colonization of the Saxons in this area has led to an intensification of the wine-growing activities and a diversification of vine varieties. At present the grape varieties grown in this vineyard are: Traminer Roz, Pinot Gris, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Neuburger, Rhin Riesling, Italian Riesling, Feteasca Regală and Feteasca Albă.

Alba Vineyard

This vineyard extends along Mureș, comprising the villages of Vintul de Jos, Paclisa, Bărăbant, Șard, Ighiu, Ighiel, Țelna, Bucerdea Vinoasă, Cricău, Gâlda de Jos, Craiva, Tiber and Stremț and exceedes 470 hectares. In 2007 in Alba County was established the “Wine County” Association, whose purpose was to promote the county and to make the wines known in this area. The wine cellar of Țelna is the oldest wine cellar in Transylvania dating from 1784, having ideal properties for preserving and maturing wines.

The surrounding hills were cultivated with vineyards from the time of Dacia, and then the Romans were the ones who practiced viticulture. There is a legend in the area that says that Matei Corvin’s wedding would have served wines frim the villages of Bucerdea Vinoasă, Țelna, Ighiu and Șard. The emergence of the Saxons in these lands has led to an improvement in viticulture by bringing new methods of work and planting new vines.

The wines of the Alba vineyard are obtained from grape varieties as follows: Feteasca Albă, Italian Riesling, Furmit, Savignon Blanc, Grasa de Cotnari, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer, Pinot Gris.

Lechința Vineyard

The Lechința vineyard is located în the northeast of the Transylvanian Plateau and extends into the hilly region of Someșul Mare and Mureș. The main localities are Vermeș, Sâniob, Sângeorzu Nou, Teaca, Urmeniș, Dumitra, Viișoara, Batoș, Culpiu, Saulia and Sărmașu.

The grapevine was created in Lechința in the 12th century, when a German colony brought the first cuttings to these lands, after which they sent the wines to Vienna becoming one of the most appreciated wines in Europe, but after the revolution the vineyards were left in the cave. In the recent years, the situation has begun to change for the better when more investors have seen the potential of these areas and considered the cultivation of vineyard a profitable business so invested considerable sums to restore the famous vineyards.

The dry, semi-dry and semi-sweet wines produced here are made from Feteasca Albă, Italian Riesling, Pinot Gris, Feteasca Regală, Muscat Ottonel and Neuburger.

The soils from the Transylvania region are favorable for the cultivation of white grape varieties. The main grape varieties cultivated in Transylvania are:

Feteasca Albă

This grape variety can also be found under the names of Leanka, the Poama Fetei, Păsăreasca Albă and is cultivated in most regions of our country, the Republic of Moldova and Hungary. It is a kind of grape that resists frost, but which is sensitive to hand when picking. The grapes are medium in size, with yellow-green round grains. Olfactory and tastefully, it meets citrus flavors, lime flower, then evolve to field flowers, hay, apple pie.

Depending on the selected wine, it can accompany meals prepared from white meat, fish, appetizers, or served with bread or slightly cooked dishes.

Figure 2.15. Feteasca Albă

(Source: http://www.revino.ro/feteasca-alba-strugure-soi-romanesc-vin-turism-viticol-a34.html#prettyPhoto )

Feteasca Regală

It was discovered in the 1930s in Transylvania, more precisely in the Târnave vineyard and is among the most popular grape varieties in Romania. It is also found under the names Danasana or Galbena de Ardeal. It is a kind that is spread all over the country and was highly appreciated during the communist era. The stump is resistant to frost, but sensitive to mold. The harvest period is in mid-September.

Wines obtained from Feteasca Regală are of high quality, but can also result in exceptional sparkling wines.

Figure 2.16. Feteasca Regală

(Source: http://www.revino.ro/feteasca-regala-strugure-soi-romanesc-vin-a23.html)

Sauvignon Blanc

Originally from France, it also grows in our country successfully in southern Moldova, in the vineyards of Oltenia, Dobrogea and in the Transylvanian Plateau. This variety has a medium tolerance to frost and is sensitive to mold and grape moths. The grape is medium in size and has a yellowish green color.

Sauvignon Blanc is considered to be high-quality variety from which are made dry or semi-quality wines.

Figure 2.17. Sauvignon Blanc

(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauvignon_blanc#/media/File:Sauvignon_blanc_grapes.jpg)

Muscat Ottonel

It is a sort of grape originated in France, but it gives the best results in our country, in Transylvania, North Moldavia and on the hills of Wallachia, Oltenia and Dobrogea.

It is among the varieties resistant to frost. It prefers sloping, sunny and drought-free landscapes, which is why in dry periods it needs irrigation for a large production.

The grapes are of medium size with golden yellow berries with discreet muscat taste. The wines obtained in this variety are white, dry, sweet or semi-sweet.

Figure 2.18. Muscat Ottonel

(Source: http://www.zdravan.ro/muscat-ottonel)

Riesling Italian

Some claim that the origin of this grape variety would be on the banks of the Rhine in Germany and others claim that it originates in Italy as the name suggests.

It is a resistant to frost, but sensitive to drought and to gray rot of grapes. Gives the best productions if it is cultivated in the southern, well-ventilated hills with a lot of light and heat. It is a frost-resistant but drought-sensitive variety, which is why leaves fall in August.

Thie wines of this variety may be superior to dry or semi-dry, or grapes may be used as raw material for sparkling.

Figure 2.19. Riesling Italian

(Source: https://www.paradisverde.ro/vita-de-vie/soiuri-de-struguri/riesling-italian)

Chardonnay

This grape variety comes from France and is called a commune in the Burgundy region. Wine obtained from the Chardonnay variety is one of the most popular white wines. Small production associated with high crop demands makes Chardonnay wine one of the most expensive. In Romania it is recommended to be cultivated in Dobrogea, Muntenia, Oltenia, Transylvania and some of Moldova’s vienyards.

Chardonnay is one of the three grape varieties allowed by French law to produce champagne alongside Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

The beans are small, yellow-green and the core is succulent, resulting in a colorful, near-sweet, sweet-sour must.

The wine produced from this grape variety is superior, semi-sweet or sweet.

Figure 2.20. Chardonnay

(Source: https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chardonnay)

Traminer

This grape variety comes from the Italian Tirol.

Both are pink-gray with a soft core, and are clustered very often.

Traminer has high fertility , is resistent to frost, even up to -20 degrees, but has a higher drought and hand sensitivity.

In our country it is suitable to be cultivated in cooler areas such as Moldova and Transylvania.

This grape variety produces dry, harmonious, white wines and by over-maturation of the grapes it is possible to obtain superior wines, semi-sweet or liqueur wines. This wine is very suitable for cheeses, over roast or in sauce, for Asian or dessert dishes.

Figure 2.21. Traminer

(Source: https://www.pomi-ciumbrud.ro/products/struguri-de-vin/struguri-de-vin-traminer-roz.html)

Pinot Gris

This variety originates in France and is a variation of the Pinot Noir variety. In our country favorable areas for the cultivation of this variety are Transylvania, Dobrogea and Muntenia.

It is a variety with a high drought and frost resistance and sensitive to gray rot. The bean is small, spherical with a thick, thick gray skin, and the pulp is dense.

From Pinot Gris are obtained white, dry or sweet white wines.

Figure 2.22. Pinot Gris

(Source: http://www.robersonwine.com/explore/grape-varieties/pinot-gris-pinot-grigio/)

Pinot Noir

This variety is French cultivated since Galilee in the French province of Bourgogne. In Romania we meet it in the vineyards of Transylvania, Muntenia, Banat, Oltenia and Dobrogea. To get good results Pinot Noir prefers a sunny land, but its productivity is low in this variety because of the low grain size.

It is a kind that resists to frost and drought, relatively sensitive to the hand, but it is very sensitive to the gray rot of grapes.

This variety produces red wines with high alcoholic strength, balanced, intensely colored and fine. This wine combines very well with lamb , pita, pheasant and pasta.

Figure 2.23. Pinot Noir

(Source: https://www.vitadeviedemasa.ro/produs/butasi-vita-de-vie-pinot-noir-soi-pentru-vin-rosu/)

Feteasca Neagră

It is an authentic Romanian variety known in our country since ancient times and we meet it on almost the entire territory of our country.

This variety prefers to be grown on sunny hills does not stand the too high humidity, conditions in which grapes decay before reaching full maturity. Feteasca Neagră is a variety resistant to frost and drought.

The wines obtained are superior red wines, finely colored with a strong aroma, special with black currant and are among the most appreciated of this kind.

Figure 2.24. Feteasca Neagră

(Source: https://www.agropost.ro/feteasca-neagra-struguri-aromati-si-vinuri-viguroase/)

Merlot

The Merlot grape variety originates in France from the Medoc region. It is a very common species in Europe and in our country we meet it most often in the vineyards of Muntenia, Oltenia and southern Moldova.

Merlot is among the most popular grape varieties for red wine production and in France is mixed with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec and is obtained the famous Medoc-Bordeaux wine.

The grape beans are of medium and round size, have a thin skin of black purple and pale pulp. This variety is not very resistant to frost and drought.

From the Merlot grape variety you get a very fine wine of a red-ruby color with a characterictic taste and fruit flavor.

Figure 2.25. Merlot

(Source: https://www.stiriagricole.ro/anunturi/vand-struguri-de-vin-soiul-merlot-28302.html)

3. VALORIFICATION OF THE TOURISM POTENTIAL WINE-GROWING OF TRANSYLVANIA

The wine road is actually a touristic route in a wine-growing area, but also with natural and anthropic tourist attractions that can be followed by the tourist. These routes can be organized or individually and only at certain times of the year. Also, depending on the length of the route and the set of objectives, it is possible to go on foot or with a car, although in this case it is not recommended because you cannot enjoy wine tasting. For this reason you can choose as a means of transport going by bike or even more rustic, going by a carriage.

There are areas in our country where the wineries are factors that attract tourists and make them come back and recommend their experiences to their acquaintances. In the Transylvania region, for exemple, tha distance between the wineries are large, but there are many tourist attractions that can be visited on the trail from one winery to another.

For a wine road in Transylvania, we offer three variants of trails. We have chosen as starting points the cities of Cluj Napoca, Sibiu and Targu Mures because they are the main communication points in Transylvania with other cities in the country and abroad, due to the airports that are located here.

Figure 3.1. Transylvania Wine Cellar

La Salina wine cellar, 2.Vatra Roșia Domains, 3. Jelna wine cellar,

4.Vie-Vin Lechința wine cellar, 5. Lechburg wine cellar, 6.Teaca wine cellar,

7. Zaig wine house, 8. Liliac wine cellar, 9.Culpiu wine cellar,

10. Villa Vinea wine cellar, 11.Jidvei wine cellar, 12. Boieru Domains,

13. Logos vintry, 14. Savu vintry, 15. Papp Peter wine cellar,

16. Petru Family wine cellar, 17. Sallai vintry, 18. Takacs vintry,

19. Rex Vinorum wine cellar, 20. Riviera wine cellar, 21. SCDVV Blaj,

22. Țelna wine cellar, 23. Gorgandin wine cellar

Route proposal for a 2 days period. (▬)

Hotel Ramada (Cluj Napoca) – La Salina Wine Cellar -Salina Turda – Jelna Wine Cellar – Liliac Wine Cellar – Villa Vinea Wine Cellar – Sighișoara Citadel – Jidvei Wine Cellar -Bethlen-Haller Castle – Cathedral of the Coronation of Alba Iulia – Roman Castrum – Țelna Wine Cellar – Boieru Domains – Hotel Ramada (Cluj Napoca)

The route starts from Hotel Ramada from Cluj Napoca to Turda, where you can visit the vineyard and the wine cellar and there will be a 4-5 assortment tasting at the La Salina Wine Cellar and after that you will visit the Turda Saline. We continue visiting and tasting wines at Jelna and Liliac wine cellar and then we will have lunch. The route continues with the visit to Villa Vinea wine cellar and the last stop for the first day is the Sighișoara Citadel, after which we will make the accomodations and will have dinner at Savri House. The next day, after breakfast, we head for another wine tasting at Jidvei wine cellar and we will visit the Bethlen-Haller Castle. The next stop will be in Alba Iulia where we will visit the Cathedral of Coronation and the Roamn Castrum.

After lunch, we head to the Țelna wine cellar where we visit the vineyard and have a tasting, and as a last stop, it will be the tasting from the Boieru Domains from where we head to the hotel.

Route for a day (▬)

Hotel Ramada (Sibiu) – Villa Vinea wine cellar – La Salina wine cellar – Boieru Domains – Logos vintry – Telna wine cellar – Jidvei wine cellar – Hotel Ramada (Sibiu)

The route starts from Ramada Hotel from Sibiu, on the route to Târnăveni and the first stop is at Villa Vinea wine cellar where you can visit the vineyard, the wine cellar and there will be a tasting of 4-5 assortments. The route continues with La Salina wine cellar , the Boieru Domains, then the lunch is served and the visit will continue to Logos vintry, Țelna wine cellar and the three wine cellars belonging to Jidvei. On the route, there are stops at tourist attractions such as the Turda Saline, the Castle from the Balta Citadel, and the Fortified Church from Biertan.

Route for a day (▬)

Hotel President (Târgu Mureș) – Culpiu Wine Cellar – Liliac wine cellar – Zaig Wine House – Teaca wine cellar – Lechburg wine cellar – Lechința wine cellar – Jelna wine cellar – Vatra Roșie wine cellar – La Salina wine cellar – Hotel President (Târgu Mureș).

The route begins at Hotel President and we head to Culpiu, vineyard and wine cellar visiting and wine tasting of 4-5 assortments at: Culpiu wine cellar, Liliac wine cellar, Zaig Wine House, Teaca wine cellar, Lechburg wine cellar, and then we will serve lunch. We continue to visit the Lechința wine cellar, the Jelna wine cellar, and the Vatra Roșie Domains – La Salina wine cellar and then we go back to the hotel.

The tasting is done under the guidance of specialists, explaining the stages of the process, from serving, visual appreciation to tasting sensations. The tasting does not actually mean drinking the beverage, the excess wine is spitted out, and then the mouth and tongue are cleaned with water and with water and with unprimed appetizers: bread, cheese or unsalted cheeses, a little chocolate if there were served red wines, or possibly fruits are served. Many other details are to be taken into account at the tasting, from the time of tasting – not too early or too late – to the temperature at which each wine and wine tasting order is served: the sweet and/or savory are the last one to taste.

Figure 3.2. Steps of tasting wine

(Source: https://ro.pinterest.com/pin/341288477983266383/)

Why visit the Wine Route in Transylvania?

-because you will have a beautiful experience in “the wine country”

– here you will have the chance to taste the most famous white wines in Romania

– here you will have the opportunity to know more about the Saxons’ life

– you can find legends and stories about wines

– you can buy the wines that you liked at the tasting and as well souvenirs

Where will you go?

In the Târnave, Alba, Aiud Sebeș – Apold and Lechința vineyards, in Transylvania, Romania

When can you go?

From March until October.

How will you go?

Reservations can be made at the following phone number 0756510566.

What will you visit?

We currently offer the following wine cellars: La Salina wine cellar, Boieru Domains, Țelna wine cellar, Jidvei wine cellar, Villa Vinea wine cellar, Liliac wine cellar, Jelna wine cellar, Logos vintry, Culpiu wine cellar, Lechburg wine cellar, Lechința wine cellar, Vatra Roșie Domains.

The main touristic objectives that will be visited: the Turda Saline, Cathedral of the Coronation of Alba Iulia, Roman Castrum, Bethlen-Haller Castle from Jidvei, Sighișoara Citadel, the Fortified Church from Biertan.

4. CONCLUSIONS

After analyzing the region of Transylvania, we found that there is a great potential in the viticulture, there are numerous wineries and wine cellar, renovated or built from the foundations, whose owners are willing to be cross their threshold by as many tourists as possible. Here, too, we find many varieties of grapes, especially white, native or imported from abroad.

A valorification viticulture point of view would lead to the growth of the economy in this area, it would make the wine cellar, grapes varieties, wines and land known, would not lose the traditions and the anthropic touristic resources of the Saxon villages. Through this valorification, people would have the opportunity to learn more about the therapeutic qualities of wine. In Transylvania are still places where the vineyard is waiting to be brought back to life and put to good use after being left in the cradle. If it will happen the number of jobs and tourist potential would increase.

The wine route , the specific trails of vineyard tourism, should not be absent from this area because it is a way to promote the richness and beauty of this region from the wine-growing point of view and would combine this potential with the anthropic potential of Transylvania.

This can be done by developing a tourism development strategy, but also with the help of local authorities and local people.

5. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tudose, A., Coatu, L., Tudose, L., Dima, T.,(1994), Via și vinul în literatură, Editura Garamond, București,

Popa D. (2011), Vinul pentru o piață futures, Millésime – Revista de cultura și civilizația vinului, nr. 1, Exeget Consulting SRS, pag. 24-26.

Charles, J., Chartes, S., (2006), GLOBAL WINE TOURISM: RESEARCH, MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING, Columns Design Ltd, UK

#WinesofTransylvania ziua 2 – Domeniile Boieru

http://www.bistriteanul.ro/fotoprodus-in-bistritanasaud-producem-iar-vin-de-jelna-fratii-moldovan-rescriu-povestea-unui-vinde-poveste-1497599688047.html

http://www.crameromania.ro/galerie-foto/domeniile-boieru-cimbrud-crama-ardeal-306.html

http://www.gustarte.ro/gustory/povestea-vinului-de-teaca-candva-recunoscut-in-toata-lumea-sasii-vor-sa-reinvie-o-traditie-de-sute-de-ani-15787136

http://www.revino.ro/en/bethlen-haller-castle-symbol-of-jidvei-wines-a259.html#prettyPhoto/13/

http://www.revino.ro/feteasca-alba-strugure-soi-romanesc-vin-turism-viticol-a34.html#prettyPhoto

http://www.revino.ro/turism-viticol/crame/crama-villa-vinea-vin-degustare-mures-sighisoara-turism-viticol-enoturism-romania-transilvania.html

http://www.robersonwine.com/explore/grape-varieties/pinot-gris-pinot-grigio/

http://www.romanian-explorer.com/Obiective%20categorii/Podgorii/index.html

http://www.taravinului.ro/vinificatori/114-papp-peter.html

http://www.zdravan.ro/muscat-ottonel

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