Last weekend we visited three wineries in Drăgășani!

Our first stop was at Casa De Vinuri Iordache where we took most of our photos. By the water lily lake, in the vineyard, with the basket of grapes prepared by our hostess, at the beautifully laid table, at the collection of folk costumes or the collection of Romanian coins and banknotes. We tasted wine, but also fresh must and learned the story of Victoria table grapes. It is one of the most consumed table grape varieties in the world and was born in Drăgășani. It was patented in 1978 and bears the name of the woman who created it, Victoria Lepădatu, who worked with horticultural engineer Gheorge Condei. The Victoria grape is sweet and resistant to frost and drought, so it is now grown all over the world.

Also from Mr Iordache, the third generation of winegrowers, I learned that this year he was able to certify the aromatic Crâmpoșia, a grape that won me over.

I was won over by the aromatic crâmpoșia made at the Bauer winery. A winery with a very beautiful story, that of Oliver Bauer, oenologist, who came in 2004 to make wines at the Stirbey and fell in love with … crâmpoșie. Yes, I too thought his wife Raluca was the reason he stayed in Romania, but it seems she had already convinced him to stay when they met. I enjoyed the atmosphere at Bauer as much as the wines which surprised me extremely pleasantly. I’m not a connoisseur, but I’m not exactly off topic either. And Oliver is passionate and quality-oriented, making wine an art and not a business.

At the end of the day, in the evening, I also stopped by Stirbey, a place I’ve been meaning to return to for a full experience. The place has a long history behind it and good taste. It was a perfect end to the day, with views of the Olt River and a glass of sparkling wine under the moonrise.

What I want to say is that when you love to explore, you find beauty both far away and close to home. I enjoyed this invitation, for which I thank Simone and Ramona the Surorile Călătoare, because these places are close to me and yet I don’t manage to visit them, because I feel like I can do it anytime.

It’s autumn, it’s busy at vineyards all over the country, and they’re doing a better and better job. It’s a good idea for a #MeetMyCountry

Dana Gonț
Text and images: Dana Gonț