Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ Wine Tourism in Transylvania [621677]

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

1

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………… 2
2. THE WINE -GROWING POTENTIAL OF TRANSYLVANIA ………………………….. ………… 4
3. V ALO RIFICATION OF THE TOURISM POTENTIAL WINE -GROWING OF
TRANSYLVANIA ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………. 33
4. CONCLUSIONS ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………… 39
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 40

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

2

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 a s well. In
traditional symbolism the grapevine and de wine were considered the body of the Savior,
namely His Blood, in on e word the Holy Communion
(https://apareeu.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/proprietati -si-simbolistica -a-vitei-de-vie/). In
ancient Greece, wine was considered an elite drink and the Romans included it in their diet,
thus leading to the emergence and development of the wine industry. It is indeed an enviable
fact for even the idols and the gods have lost their faithful , while the vine and the wine is kept
firmly on all the meridians of the globe. (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, an absence, far more
frightening than all the exces ses that is made accountable will occur in the hea lth and
intelligence of the inha bitants of the planet” .Baudelaire (Popa, 2011, p. 33) .
This drink accompanied the man both in spiri ted parties but also in solitary meditations
and often had a primary or se condary role in artistic creations and fascinated artists from
different fields. We can say that this d rink has al ways 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.
In modern medicine, the benefits of drinking wine in moderate amounts are mentioned
and why it is better to replace beer and spirits with wine. The one that helps assimilate protein
in the food, and better digestion of the stomach is t he wine itself. By the 6th century wine was
described as a tonic for body and mind, an antidote against insomnia, annoyance and
fatigue. (https://apareeu.wor dpress.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

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

3 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 special form of tourist intere st, the interest of tourists
to visit vineyards, wineries, participation in various wine festivals, wine -themed shows, wine
tasting. It involves destination planning and marketing strategy that defines wine tourism as a
journey in order to experience winem aking and wine regions and their link to lifestyle. (Charles,
2006, p. 7) .
People have hardly understood that wine is not just a simple drink, it is about the art of
wine making, the vineyard, the methodology used in manufacturing about the wine cellar, bu t
also about the story, every bottle of wine having its own story.
Romania ranks 13th in the world's top wine producers and ranked 6th in the European
rankings. Our country has a very high potential for wine tourism and this is what wine growers
are invest ing in arranging accommodation , tasting rooms, guide for visitors. The vineyard has
well-defined areas and in within them, are as within which wines with a right of controlled origin
can be produced.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

4

2. THE WINE -GROWING POTENTIAL OF TRANSYLV ANIA

The Romanian wine -growing units are:
The wine -growing region is 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 obta ined.
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 vine yard 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 win e 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 -grow ing center an d 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 foll ows:
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

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

5 Sebe ș-Apold vineyard:
 Sebeș Wine Center
 Apold Wine Center
Aiud vineyard :
 Aiud Wine Center
 Turda Wine Center
 Triteni Wine Center
Lechin ța vineyard:
 Lechinț a Wine Center
 Teaca Wine Center
 Bistriț a Wine Center
 Batoș Wine Center
Independent Wine Center Dej
The Tran sylvanian 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/)

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

6 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 Navicell a 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 Cella r is the only one in the Lechi nța 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 R uja, names inspired by the legends of
“sânziene” and “iele” of Tr ansylvania 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)

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

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

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

8 The wine cellar organizes tastings, but also events that include visiting the wine cellar
and vineyard with specialists. In addition to the wine c ellar, 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://ww w.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 Cium brud, 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 ar e 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

9
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 Otton el 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

10
Figure 2.6. Harvesting grapes in the Teaca area
(Source: http://ww w.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 w ine cellar is located in Lechinț a in a hilly region of the Transylvanian Plateau and
was es tablished 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, L echinț a 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 natura l 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 flo or 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 f amous

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

11 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 ce llar 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 th e
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 la rgest single -owner
vineyard in Europe.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

12 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 me ets these conditions are the wine cellar of the fortress
of Cetatea de Balt ă 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/)

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

13
Figure 2.9. Jidvei wine cellar
(Source: https://www.jidvei.ro/ro/crama -jidvei)

Liliac Wine Cellar
The Batoș Vineyard in the Lechi nța region is characterized by large daytime and night –
time differences, li ght, sandy soils and a low percentage of clay , that is the best conditions for
wines, especially white ones. From the 38 hectares of the Ba toș vineyard, the Liliac Wine Cellar
is harvested to produce white, red or rose wines.
The name of the wine cellar co mes 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
micro climate 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 p roduction 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

14 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 dur ing 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 we re very well listed in the Duchy
of Vineyard so that in 1293, 15 ships were bu ilt to transport he wines from Ț elna to the Duchy
of Venice.
The wine cellar dates back to 1784 and is built in the medieval Transylvanian style. The
architectural complex includ es the mansion and the annexes, but they suffered in the uprising
led by Horia, Cloșca and Criș an and during the revolution of 1848.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

15 The mansion is included in the historical monuments list as an architectural monument.
The Ț elna Wine Cellar is locate d on the right side of the Mureș to the hills of the Apuseni
Mountains the wonderful lands of Șard, Șelna, Criă u and Ighiu fo rming the ” heart of the
vineyard”.
The vine is cultivated on an area of 43 hectares and the cultivat ed varieties are Feteasca
Regală , Mu scat 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 t he 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 h ave 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 )

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

16 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 f avorable 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 hec tares 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 result s, 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 Tr ansylvania.

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 )

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

17 Boieru Domains
The Boieru Domains are located in Ciumbrud, Alba count ry, in the vicinity of the Mureș
River, a favorable area to be occupied by a vine plantatio n. 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 tw o
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 combine d 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 )

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

18
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 Lechinț a
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 wi nes that are marketed as wines under the name
of controlled origin. On the vineyards are also cultivated old tr aditional Romanian varieties
such as Iordovana, Feteasca Regală or Feteasca Albă . Other varieties that are grown are Blazon
de Lechința, a mixtur e of Feteasca Neagră and Muscat Ottonel, as well as Neuburger, Riesling
Italian.

Other Wine Cellars in Transylvania : Zaig Wine House , Petra Fami ly Wine Cellar , Vatra
Roșie Domains , Sallai Wine Cellar , Gorgandin Wine Cellar , Riviera Wine Cellar – Dorel Pop a,
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 q uality of the wines. In the vineyards of Transylvania
are grown especially white vari eties 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 Alb a County for this reason it is also called the “Wine Coun try”.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

19 Târnave Vineyard
The Tâ rnave vineyard is the vineyard with the largest surface in Transylvania and
extends across the valleys of the Târnava Mică and Tâ rnava Mare rivers th at 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 th is vineyard are: Blaj, Bălcaciu ,
Jidvei, Cetatea de Baltă, Valea Lungă, Sona, Cră ciunelul de Jos, Cenade, Ohaba, Roș ia de Seca ș
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 Ș tefan 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 eas t to west. The climate of this area is characteri zed 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 t he
preservation of grain flavors and the obliteration of higher acidity.
In the Tâ rnave 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
fermen tation in bottles.
The wine varieties grown on the Tâ rnave vineyard are: Feteasca Regală , Riesling,
Savignon Blan c, Muscat Ottonel, Feteasca Albă , Traminer, Cha rdonay, Pinot Gris.

Aiud Vineyard
Aiud vineyard alongside with the other vineyards in Transylva nia form the “Wine
Country”, is situated o n both sides of the Middle Mureș and Lower Aries, over 700 hectares.
This vin eyard sums up the communes of Rădești, Lopadea Nouă, Hoparta, Fărău, Miraslău,
Ciumbrud, Ocna Mureșului, Livezile and Cuguzel and include s 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

20 This area has been occupied by the vineyard since the Dacian -Roman period, and along
these cultures were visited by different personalitie s such a s Evlia Celebi, a Turkish writer, and
Mathyas Istvan, a medical practitioner, recommended that the wines from this vineyard be
beneficial to the h ealth because of their healing properties.
In present, the soils in the Aiud vineyard area are favora ble 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: Fe teasca 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, benefit ing from bio -pedo -climati c conditions,
concentrating in Șibot, Săliște, Pianu, Săsciori, Câlnic, Gârbova, Ludoș , Mier curea Sibiului,
Apoldu de Sus and Săliș te.
The vineyards are located on the southern, south -eastern, and south -western slopes and
on the va lleys 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 g rown
in this vineyard are: Traminer Roz, Pinot Gris, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon, Chardonnay,
Neuburger, Rhin R iesling, Ita lian Riesling, Feteasca Regală and Feteasca Albă .

Alba Vineyard
This vineyard extends along Mureș , comprising the villag es of Vintul de Jos, Paclisa,
Bărăbant, Șard, Ighiu, Ighiel, Țelna, Bucerdea Vinoasă, Cricău, Gâ lda de Jos, Craiva, Tiber and
Stremț and exceedes 470 hectares. In 2007 in A lba County was established the “Wine County”
Association, whose purpose was to promote the county and to make the wines known in this

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

21 area. The wine cellar of Ț elna 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 Co rvin’s wedding would have served wines frim the villages of Bucer dea Vinoasă, Țelna,
Ighiu and Ș ard. 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 var ieties as follows: Fet easca
Albă , Italian Riesling, Furmit, Savignon Blanc, Grasa de Cotnari, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer,
Pinot Gris.

Lechinț a Vineyard
The Lechinț a vineyard is located în the northeast of the Transylvanian Plateau and
extend s into the hilly region of Someșul Ma re and Mureș. The main localities are Vermeș,
Sâniob, Sângeorzu Nou, Teaca, Urmeniș, Dumitra, Viișoara, Batoș, Culpiu, Saulia and
Sărmaș u.
The grapevine was created in Lechinț a 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 vi neyards were left in
the cave. In the recent years, the situation has begun to change for the better when more
investors h ave 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 win es produced here are made from F eteasca Albă ,
Italian Riesl ing, 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 name s 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 t o hand when picking. The

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

22 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 prepare d 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 Tâ rnave 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 count ry 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.
Wine s obtained from Feteasca Regală are of high quality, but can also result in
exceptional sparkling wines.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

23
Figure 2.16. Feteasca Regală
(Source: http://www.revino.ro/f eteasca -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 to lerance 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

24
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 Fra nce, 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

25
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 s uggests.
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 varie ty, 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

26
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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

27
Figure 2.20. Chardonnay
(Source: https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chardonnay )

Traminer
This grape variety comes from the Italian Tir ol.
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 area s 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

28
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 re sistance 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

29
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 th e 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 s ensitive to the hand, but it is very
sensitive to the gray rot of grapes.
This variety produces red wines with high alcoholic strength, balanced, inten sely
colored and fine. This wine combines very well with lamb , pita, pheasant and pasta.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

30
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 Roma nian 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

31
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 regi on. 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 Sau vignon 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.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

32
Figure 2.25. Merlot
(Source: https://www.stiriagricole.ro/anunturi/vand -struguri -de-vin-soiul -merlot -28302.html )

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

33

3. V ALORIFICATION OF THE TOURISM POTENTIAL WINE –
GROWING OF TRANSYLV ANIA

The wine road is actually a touristic route in a wine -growing area, but also with natural
and anthropic tourist attractions that can b e 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 no t 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 anothe r.
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 ab road, due to the
airports that are located here.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

34
Figure 3.1. Transylvania Wine Cellar
1. 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 Domain s, 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. Ț elna wine cellar, 23. Gorgandin wine cellar

1. 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 – Sighiș oara Citadel – Jidvei Wine Cellar –
Bethlen -Haller Castle – Cathedral of th e 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 assortm ent 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

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

35 Villa Vinea wine cellar and t he last stop for the first day is the Sighiș oara 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 Ț elna 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 w e head
to the hotel.

2. 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 S ibiu, 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 Fortif ied Church from
Biertan.

3. Route for a day (▬)
Hotel President (Târgu Mureș ) – Culpiu Wine Cellar – Liliac wine cellar – Zaig Wine
House – Teaca wine cellar – Lechburg wine cellar – Lechinț a wine cellar – Jelna wine cellar –
Vatra Roș ie 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 c ellar, Lechburg wine cellar, and then we will serve lunch. We continue to
visit the Lechin ța 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 o f 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

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

36 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 to o 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/ )

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

37 The Transylvanian Vineyards
Wine Country from Romania

Why Transylvania?
Where will you go?
When will you go?
What will you experience?
Where will you taste?

Why visit the Wine Route in Transy lvania?
– 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 T ârnave, Alba, Aiud Sebeș – Apold and Lechința vineyards , in Transy lvania,
Romania

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

38
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, Sighi șoara
Citadel, the Fortified Church from Biertan.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

39

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 touri sts 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 varieti es, 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 Tr ansylvania 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 t ourism development strategy, but also with the help of local
authorities and local people.

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

40

5. BIBLIO GRAPHY

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: R ESEARCH, MANAGEMENT
AND MARKETING , Columns Design Ltd, UK

http://printrevinuri.ro/2015/09/winesoftransylvania -ziua-2-domeniile -boieru.html
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 -transilvan ia.html
http://www.robersonwine.com/explore/grape -varieties/pinot -gris-pinot -grigio/
http://www.romanian -explorer.com/Obiective%20categorii/Podgorii/index.html
http://www.taravi nului.ro/vinificatori/114 -papp -peter.html
http://www.zdravan.ro/muscat -ottonel
https://apareeu.wordpre ss.com/2014/10/06/proprietati -si-simbolistica -a-vitei-de-vie/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauvignon_blanc#/media/File:Sauvignon_blanc_grapes.jpg

Roxana Andrea LOBONȚ – Wine Tourism in Transylvania

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

https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chardonnay
https://www.agropost.ro/feteasca -neagra -struguri -aromati -si-vinuri -viguroase/
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ro/pensi une-restaurant -sarea -n-bucate -wineyard -crama -la-
salina -turda.ro.html
https://www.jidvei.ro/ro/crama -jidvei
https://www.onvpv.ro/sites/default/files/pdfs/caiet_de_sarcini_doc_sebes_apold_253ro.pdf
https://www.paradisverde.ro/crame/pivnita -takacs -borpince
https://www.paradisverde.ro/vita -de-vie/soiuri -de-struguri/riesling -italian
https://w ww.pomi -ciumbrud.ro/products/struguri -de-vin/struguri -de-vin-traminer -roz.html
https://www.stiriagricole.ro/anunturi/vand -struguri -de-vin-soiul -merlot -28302. html
https://www.unvinpezi.ro/oferte/sauvignon -organic -wine -2016 -lechburg -numai -astazi -la-
doar-39-ron-in-loc-de-44-ron-7881
https://www.vitadeviedemasa.ro/produs/butasi -vita-de-vie-pinot -noir-soi-pentru -vin-rosu/
https://www1.agerpres.ro/flux -documentare/2015/11/04/viticultura -romaneasca -podgoria –
tarnave -09-59-58
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/ )