Starting today, for three days, Romania is participating in one of the most important wine fairs in the world – ProWein Düsseldorf. After last year’s discussions surrounding Romania’s presence, this year the organizers have opted for an open space and a more general slogan – "Yes, Romania!", followed by a postscript: "Discover the Unexpected." Visitors can experience the taste of Romanian wine in Hall 9, Stand 130. Best of luck to the Romanian producers!
Romania, in a New Attire at ProWein Düsseldorf
Last year marked a revival—albeit not without its fair share of controversies, as often happens when something new is attempted in the prematurely rigid world of Romanian wine—of the Association of Wine Producers and Exporters of Romania (APEV). A new leadership, a fresh attitude, and, most importantly, a desire to inject energy into how Romania presents itself to the world.
Both the 2024 slogan, "Yes, Romania Makes Wine!", and the presentation of the stand in a nearly enclosed space polarized the Romanian wine audience. On the other hand, the new leadership of APEV had only been established in September 2023, and Romania’s participation at ProWein in March 2024 remained uncertain until late in the process—state funding was withdrawn in January, leaving producers with just four weeks to prepare.
This year, Romania benefits from a new stand design, including updated décor—from furniture to lighting—and a more neutral slogan, which remains to be seen whether it will capture attendees’ attention, but will certainly generate fewer reactions back home.
Participants at ProWein
This year, 21 APEV members are showcasing their wines, stories, and philosophy at ProWein: Amb Wine Company (Liliac), Avincis, Carl Reh Winery (Crama Oprișor), Casa de Vinuri Cotnari, Crama Ceptura, Crama DeMatei, Davino Production, Domeniile Dropia, Domeniile Franco-Române, Domeniile Săhăteni, Domeniul Strehan, Jidvei, Rasova Wine, Rebound MBA / Le Mat, Sadelli Prodcom (Familia Darabont), Velvet Winery, Viile Budureasca, Vinicola Averești, Viticola Sarica Niculițel (Caii de la Letea), Viti-Pomicola Sâmburești (Domeniile Sâmburești) and Viile Metamorfosis.
ARICE – The Romanian Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade has returned as a partner in organizing and funding Romania’s participation at ProWein, after being absent last year.
Easier Networking at ProWein
Major wine fairs offer much more than just access to the host country’s market – although Germany remains an important destination for Romanian wine exports. These events bring together the key players in the global wine industry – from distributors and retail chains to hotel networks and some of the world’s most influential wine critics. It is here that contracts are signed, future partners are met, and relationships are built – relationships that can transform a local producer into a global star (in an extremely lucky scenario) or at least ensure access to new markets.
However, to reach these potential partners, a well-structured calendar of meetings, tastings, and negotiations is essential.
Starting this year, ProWein introduces a new tool – Fair Match – available to all participants, whether exhibitors or visitors. This virtual space facilitates connections and exchanges of information between wine producers and potential partners, so that the fair itself becomes the moment of in-person meetings, rather than a series of random encounters with visitors who happen to stop by the stand.
Wines of Romania wishes the best of luck to all partners and Romanian wine producers representing the country at ProWein Düsseldorf 2025!
