Romania, renowned for its dramatic landscapes—from medieval castles and ancient woodlands to Black Sea coastlines and the serene Danube Delta—is poised to captivate in a different arena next week: the global wine stage. Nine Romanian wine producers are preparing to showcase the country’s rich viticultural legacy and contemporary craftsmanship at the upcoming London Wine Fair.
Despite its relatively low profile in international wine markets, Romania ranks as a significant global player. With 187,000 hectares under vine, the country boasts the eighth largest vineyard area worldwide—surpassing Australia, Chile, and Portugal. In terms of volume, it produces approximately 3.7 million hectolitres of wine annually, placing it sixth in Europe and twelfth globally.
Romania’s wines have gradually been gaining traction beyond its borders. A growing number of restaurants, wine retailers, and specialty shops are recognizing the quality and value of Romanian wines, building on the mainstream success of its approachable Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir offerings.
However, Romania’s oenological appeal extends well beyond international varietals. Its producers are increasingly drawing attention to a remarkable array of indigenous grape varieties. Visitors to the Romanian pavilion at the London Wine Fair will encounter traditional grapes such as Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, and Fetească Neagră, as well as lesser-known regional specialties like Busuioacă de Bohotin, Grasă de Cotnari, and Zghihară de Huși.
This diversity reflects the country’s deep-rooted winemaking heritage, which dates back to the Bronze Age. Over centuries, Romania’s viticulture has evolved through the influence of Roman settlers, monastic traditions, and later, French viticultural techniques introduced after the phylloxera epidemic. More recently, European Union membership has spurred industry modernization, bolstering both quality and competitiveness.
Representing various regions of the country, the nine wineries set to participate include Casa de Vinuri Cotnari, Crama Hermeziu, Domeniile Averești, and newcomer Via Huși from the Moldovan Hills; Crama La Salina from the Transylvanian Highlands; Crama Pandora of Vrancea; Corcova from the Muntenia and Oltenia Hills; Crama DeMatei from Dealu Mare; and Viticola Sarica Niculițel near the Danube Delta in Dobrogea.
Together, these producers aim to elevate Romania’s profile on the international wine map, offering visitors a taste of a nation where ancient traditions meet modern innovation—one glass at a time.
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