Image: Wine with Margaret

Being part of the jury at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, I will travel to different countries, judge wines there that were send in by many winegrowers from all over the world. In this case, I was part of the Rosé contest held in Constanta, Romania in March 2025.

In the shadow of the Carpathians and along the whispering and stormy shores of the Black Sea, a quiet revolution is uncorking. Black Sea’s stormy shores it where when I visited the Dobrogea region that lies alongside the coast of the Black Sea. Romania—long a land of ancestral vineyards and untamed terroir—is stepping back into the global spotlight, not with fanfare, but with craft, care, and a fierce respect for its roots. Here, ancient grape varieties like Fetească Neagră and Crâmpoșie Selecționată share cellar space with international stars, interpreted through a distinctly Romanian lens. Driven by a new generation of vintners—curious, creative, and deeply connected to the land—Romania’s wine culture is blossoming with fresh energy while honouring centuries of tradition. This is not just a revival; it’s a renaissance that can be discovered in every glass.

This article will be more of a general overview about Romania as a winegrowing country, I will explain its main terroir, climate and geography, as well as mentioning its main local grape varieties, and of course talk about its different growing regions the country is known for. If you want to discover more about the Dobrogea region of Romania, you can read my article “Dobrogea and the Fog over Murfatlar” or read my article “Whispers from the Land Beyond the Forest” when you want to know more about Romania’s Transylvania.

Geography & Climate

Romania is located between the 44° - 47° parallel of the Northern Hemisphere, at the crossroad of Eastern and Southeastern Europe, neighbouring the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine to the north and northeast, and Hungary to the west, Bulgaria and Serbia to the South. On the east Romania borders the Black Sea.

Romania has a diverse landscape where in the mid and western parts of the country are hosting the Carpathian mountains and going along further towards the Black Sea the countryside’s flatten and you will find quite the agricultural lands that stretch as far as the eyes can see.

Its geography is roughly evenly divided between:

• Mountains - 31%, with elevations greater than 2,400 metres,
• Hills - 33%, with elevations between 200 and 800 metres,
• And the plains - 36%, mainly found on the east side of Romania.

The landscape is centred on the arc of the Carpathian Mountains, to which the region of Transylvania is in de midst of the arc.

The overall climate in Romania can be said to be moderate continental climate, with warm summers of an average of 23.5°C to relatively harsh winters. The climate is heavily influenced by the Carpathian mountains that covers about 31% of the country's land area. It blocks the polar and Siberian air masses that come in from the Norther and North-Eastern territories. The lack of rainfall in the regions can cause extreme periods of drought during the summer, it is as low as 540mm.

Growing Regions of Romania

The country has quite the history when we look back into the old wine producing countries, Romania is one of them. Romania has three distinct climate zones:

• The Intra-Carpathian Plateau (central Romania)
• The Carpathian Foothills (southern Romania)
• The Pontic-Danubian Area (northern Romania)

In these distinct climate zones are divided into 8 growing regions:

• Transylvanian Plateau,
• Crișana and Maramureș,
• Moldovan Hills,
• Muntenian and Oltenia Hills,
• Hills of Banat,
• Hills of Dobrogea,
• Danube Terraces,
• Sands and other Favourable lands.

Which uphold in total 33 registered DOC’s and 12 IGTs, which cover a total of 177,000 hectares of total vineyard area in 2024. It upholds the 6th place of wine production in Europe and is the 13th largest producer of wine in the world. This all with about 356 registered producers.

Image source: Wine with Margaret – Left Crama Rasova Winery and Right the Alira Winery.

Winemaking & Grape Varieties

Winemaking in Romania has seen an insurge of money sponsored by the European Union, to which the wineries are able to afford all the latest and newest technologies there are in winemaking technology. Wines are being made in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness of the variety or can be fermented and aged in oak barrels, new or used oak. Often using Romanian oak, since they believe that it is ‘the best’ oak for their native varieties.

At first red wines that are aged on Romanian oak, are almost undrinkable for the first six months, since the oak is to persuasive, but after that period, the oak becomes well integrated in the wine, smoothing things over and it can take the wines to a whole new level of experience when it comes to tasting the reds of Romania.

During the communism era, wineries in the Dobrogea region were advised to plant a lot of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon because these were the “premium” varieties that make good wine, and so a lot of wineries are still today producing a lot of wines from international varieties. As of quite recently the wineries are turning their heads and are more and more focussing on their own local varieties, since that will make their wines unique, looking back at their own heritage in wine, which goes back a long time.

At the heart of Romania’s winemaking renaissance lies its deep respect for tradition. Centuries-old grape varieties—once nearly extinct by imported vines and industrialization—are now proudly reclaiming their place in the vineyards again, as they should in my opinion. We can drink a Chardonnay from anywhere in the world, but it is those indigenous varieties that are way more exciting to discover. Indigenous grapes like Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, and Băbească Neagră are being nurtured with fresh intention, often grown in the same plots their ancestors once clung to. Winemakers are turning back to time-honoured methods: spontaneous fermentation, aging in local oak, and hand-harvesting in small lots. But this reverence for the past isn’t nostalgia—it’s a recalibration, where the soul of Romanian wine is preserved, even as the techniques evolve.

Leading Varieties are:

• 1. Fetească Regală – 12,037 ha
• 2. Fetească Albă – 11,776 ha
• 3. Merlot – 10,866 ha
• 4. Riesling Italico – 5,557 ha
• 6. Cabernet Sauvignon – 5,282 ha
• 9. Fetească Neagră – 3,405 ha

The Fetească varieties are the most known Romanian varieties and to which the country is famous for. I’ve tasted quite a lot of different wines from all the three Fetească varieties during my time spent in Romania. If you want more detailed information about the Fetească varieties then read my article "Fetească, the Vinebound Sisters" here.

Image Source: Wine with Margaret

Romania’s winegrowing regions explained

If you want to discover more about the Dobrogea region of Romania, you can read my article “Dobrogea and the Fog over Murfatlar” or read my article “Transylvania Whispers from the Land Beyond the Forest” when you want to know more about Romania’s Transylvania.

Terroir, too, plays a pivotal role in Romania’s transformation as we look at Romania today. With its diverse geography—ranging from the windswept plateaus of Moldavia to the mineral-rich soils of Dobrogea—the country offers a mosaic of microclimates few regions can rival. Each glass becomes a portrait of place: crisp whites shaped by the cool mists of Transylvania, robust reds nurtured by the heat of Oltenia, delicate aromatics from the Danube Delta. Rather than compete with global styles, Romanian winemakers are leaning into the uniqueness of their landscapes, allowing nature to guide expression. Combined with an unrelenting spirit—tenacity forged through decades of political upheaval, economic hardship, and climatic unpredictability—this new generation of vintners is crafting wines that speak not just of place, but of perseverance.

Below you will find some more detailed information on all the wine growing regions of Romania.

Image Source: Virgin Wines UK

Crișana and Maramureș Hills

Located northwest of Transylvania, the region has seen centuries of cultural interchange with neighbouring Hungary. The Crișana and Maramureș wine region covers the territory of Satu Mare, Salaj, Bihor and Arad counties (north of Mures). Crișana - historical province of Romania, was part of the Partium region, together with Maramureș and Satmar. The Partium land meant the "parts" of Hungary, joined after 1526 to the historical core of the Transylvanian Podis, constituting together the Principality of Transylvania. In this context, the wines produced in this area became the favourite of the Austro-Hungarian Imperial meals.

It hosts 2 PDOs of which DOP Crișana; also having three sub-regions (Biharia, Simleu Silvaniei and Diosig), the other is DOP Minis. The region also has 3 registered IGP’s Dealurile Satmarului, Dealurile Crisanei, Dealurile Zarandului.

The climate is more continental, with long and warm autumns. Soils range from volcanic to shale, limestone, gravel, clay, and iron oxide.

The main grape varieties that are grown here are: Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, Furmint, Cadarcă, Mustoasă de Maderat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.

Image Source: Virgin Wines UK

Banat

In the west of the country, bordering Serbia and Hungary, you’ll find the region of Banat. One of the smallest wine regions of Romania dispersed and cultivated on narrow surfaces. Located in the south-west of Romania. The term "banat" refers to a border province governed by a ban (in Hungarian Bánság). Here live together in harmony Romanians, Serbs, Hungarians and Schwabians. A moderate continental climate influencing this part of Romania’s vineyards, with Mediterranean and Adriatic influences, cooler than the rest of the country.

The region of Banat hosts 2 PDOs Recas and Banat of which DOP Banat; also has 3 sub-regions (Moldova Noua, Dealurile Tirolului and Silagiu). The region also has 2 registered IGP’s Viile Timisului, Viile Carasului.

The main grape varieties that are grown here are: Fetească Regală, Cadarcă, Mustoasă de Măderat, Furmint, Fetească Neagră, Merlot, Riesling Italico, Cabernet Sauvignon.

Transylvanian Plateau

During our stay in Dobrogea, several producers from Transylvania were also represented. Which gave us quite the understanding in diversity Romania has to offer in terms of wine. The last tasting day we had several producers from Transylvania hosted our lunch and presented their wines to the judges.

A region that is likely to be more known for its darker parts of its history, read all about it in my article “Whispers from the Land Beyond the Forest”. Before you get swept away in a story that is as blood red coloured as some of the wines, let me share some more insight about the Transylvanian Plateau wine-growing region first.

It is a high central plateau surrounded by the Carpathian mountains, reaching up to 500m above sea level. So, you can imagine that the wines here have more distinct acidity and more fresh fruit characteristics, than those further down the eastern coast. The region covers over 6,000 hectares of vineyards. A cooler climate that historically favours white grape varieties. Unique winemaking styles, with saxon-hungarian influences.

The climatic changes of the last decades have also favoured the elaboration of particularly expressive and recognizable red wines, which have already been awarded at various national and international competitions. An area where we find the famous fortified churches, countless castles that once belonged to the groves, ruins of medieval fortresses and even fortresses inhabited today, such as Sighișoara and the Cetatea de Balta, Transylvania brings along with its history a plethora of remarkable wines.

The region of Transylvania hosts 6 DOP’s – DOP Aiud, DOP Alba-Iulia, DOP Sebeş – Apold, DOP Lechinţa, DOP Jidvei, DOP Târnave (sub-regions Blaj or Medias. It also hosts two designated wine centers: the Zagăr and Valea Nirajului). And 1 IGP - IGP Dealurile Transilvaniei

The region of Transylvania has seen German influences over the centuries and that is why you’ll find a lot of German (related) varieties still grown here, as well as the Hungarian Furmint. Main varieties: Chardonnay, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, Furmint, Iordana, Kerner, Muscat Ottonel, Neuburger, Petit Manseng, Pinot Gris, Rhein Riesling, Riesling Italico, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer Aromat, Traminer roz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Neagră, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zweigelt.

Image Source: Virgin Wines UK

Moldovan Hills

Moldova is the largest wine-growing region in Romania and one of the largest in Europe even. The nine vineyards and the eight independent wine-growing centres occupy the predominantly hilly area between the Subcarpathians of Moldavia, the curving Carpathians, the Prut valley and the lower Siret valley. Moldova's vineyards produce a wide range of wine products, from still and sparkling wines to ageing wines.

It hosts 9 PDOs of which DOP Husi; also has a sub-region (Vutcani), the other is DOPs are Iasi, Bohotin, Cotnari, Dealu Bujorului, Panciu, Odobesti, Cotesti, and Iana. The region also has 2 registered IGP’s Dealurile Moldovei and Dealurile Vrancei

The Moldovan Hills cover about 70,000 hectares, the region extends east of the Eastern Carpathians, across hundreds of kilometres. Vineyards are strategically planted on south- and southwest-facing terraces, to shield them from harsh northerly winds. Elevations ranging from 200 to 500 meters. One of the sunniest regions having over 2,000 hours annually, and rainfall of around 500mm per year.

The main grape varieties that are grown here are: Grasă de Cotnari, Frâncușă, Șarbă,Plăvaie, Fetească Neagră, and Busuioacă de Bohotin.

Image: created by Wine with Margaret Image Source: Virgin Wines UK

Muntenia and Oltenia Hills

Covers a large area south of Carpathians. The climate is temperate continental, with hot summers and pleasant autumns. Favourable sun exposure, abundant mineral resources, and a low annual rainfall average. Region driven by small, independent estates, producing both red and white still wines with wide international acclaim.

Muntenia viticola brings together the hilly area of the Getic Subcarpathians and the curving Subcarpathians, with the more gentle slopes exposed to the sun all day long and along the rivers that spring from the mountains or cross the Carpathians: Olt, Arges, Dambovita, Prahova and Buzau. The Dealu Mare area is and will continue to be, for the foreseeable future, the epicentre of quality wines in Romania.

Oltenia, a region known for its island vineyards, is known for its diversity in grape varieties of national and international varieties. Both hybrids as well as ancestral Romanian varieties, which have survived the phylloxera infestation, because of the sandy soils, that the vineyards have here.

The PDO’s of Muntenia and Oltenia Hills

• Muntenia hosts 3 PDOs Pietroasa, Stefanesti and Dealu Mare, of which DOP Dealu Mare; also has 8 sub-regions (Boldesti, Valea Calugareasca, Urlati, Ceptura, Tohani, Breaza, Merei, Zoresti).

• Oltenia hosts 5 PDOs Dragasani, Samburesti, Banu Maracine, Segarcea and Mehedinti. Of which DOP Mehedinti; also has 5 sub-regions (Severin, Corcova, Golul Drincei, Vanju Mare, Orevita). The region also has 1 registered IGP Dealurile Olteniei.

The main grape varieties that are grown here are: Chardonnay, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, Tămâioasă Românească, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Neagră, Negru de Drăgăşani, Nova and Pinot Noir.

Dobrogea

The region that hosted the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Rosé Competition in March 2025. We flew over Bucharest and drove about 1,5 hours on long, endless highways all the way to Constanta. A harbour city that is on the coast of the Black Sea. A few from our tasting table every morning looking at the rough seas the first days we were there. The Dobrogea region can be found in the south-eastern part of Romania.

The region of Dobrogea, Sands and Danube Terraces, overall has a warm climate, with moderating maritime influences. Deficient rainfall and up to 300 days of sunshine/year, except for the days we were attending the region apparently. Hardly any sun to be detected, haha. It is bordered by the Macin Mountains. With areas of alluvial hills, Dobrogea is a true treasure trove of microclimates, hence the multitude of designations of origin that define the particularities of each geographical indication. The region hosts:

• 6 DOP’s - DOP Adamclisi, DOP Babadag, DOP Murfatlar, DOP Oltina, DOP Sarica Niculitel, DOP Insuratei

• 2 IGP’s - IGP Colinele Dobrogei, IGP Terasele Dunarii

Tradionally the region is known for its dry white wines, rose and sweet whites. It has a broad variety of grapes grown within the region: Aligoté, Chardonnay, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Gris, Băbească Neagră, Fetească Neagră, Pinot Noir, Syrah.

Danube Terraces

Being the smallest wine region of Romania, covering just under 400 hectares. It extends like a ribbon along the lower banks of the Danube river. Due to its terroir and unique landscape, grape varieties, and winemaking methods, it is becoming a region known for one of the most diverse.

Its main grape varieties are: Aligoté, Chardonnay, Fetească Albă, Fetească Regală, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Gris, Băbească Neagră, Fetească Neagră.

The New Voice of Romanian Wine

As Romania’s vines dig deeper into the soil, so too does its wine culture root itself in a bold new identity—one shaped by tradition, terroir, and tenacity. From hand-tended hillside plots in Transylvania to sea-kissed vineyards in Dobrogea, winemakers are not just reviving old practices—they’re reshaping them, blending ancestral knowledge with modern innovation. The result is a wine scene that feels both ancient and awakening, steeped in history yet alive with possibility.

Romanian wine is no longer a quiet whisper from the past—it’s a voice gaining volume, clarity, and confidence on the world stage. And for those willing to listen (or sip), it’s telling a story worth savouring—one bottle at a time.