After its public debut in Venice and an official gala-style launch hosted at the CEC Palace in Bucharest, "50 Wines and Dishes from Romania," the latest book by Marinela Ardelean, was officially launched in Cluj. The exceptional event took place at Wonderland Resort, a haven of beauty nestled on the Feleac Hill.
Details in the press release below:
Cluj: Marinela Ardelean Launched “50 Wines and Dishes from Romania,” the First Trilingual Volume Dedicated to Promoting Romanian Wine, at Wonderland Resort in Front of Over 300 Guests
Marinela Ardelean, wine expert, founder of the Wines of Romania platform, and co-organizer of the RO-Wine Festival, has launched her new volume, “50 Wines and Dishes from Romania,” in Cluj. The trilingual book (Romanian, Italian, and English) is a commemorative edition marking 10 years of the author’s dedication to promoting Romanian wine on an international level.
“50 Wines and Dishes from Romania” was first launched in Venice on November 28, then on December 4 at the CEC Palace in Bucharest, in the presence of over 150 Romanian personalities. The journey continued in Cluj, at the invitation of Wonderland Resort’s owner, Darius Mârza. The event was held in the Grande Vista hall of the luxury resort on the Feleac Hill, during a special evening attended by 300 guests.
“I was thrilled by Darius’s invitation. I wanted, of course, to launch this book in Cluj, but I was even more impressed when I arrived here to launch it in one of the most beautiful places not just in Romania but in Europe, I dare say. It’s a place full of heart and soul, evident to anyone who steps into this resort, where everything is done with passion, love, and no compromises.
Cluj is a gastronomic capital and one of the most important points on Romania’s wine map. It has educated consumers and a spectacular offering. The very fact that the only RO-Wine Festival edition outside Bucharest has been held here for several years speaks volumes. And I don’t say this because my roots are nearby, in Maramureș, but because every time I come here, I enjoy how people understand taste as part of civilization, culture, and daily life. It’s delightful! This was even more evident during this impeccably organized event by Wonderland Resort, with special moments, a fairytale setting, and warm, welcoming people,” said Marinela Ardelean from the Wonderland stage.
“This book is extraordinary. Even for a wine ‘layman’ like me, the value of this volume is evident: it’s the beautiful connection an extraordinary person has created between Romania and the world. I read what Marinela wrote and resonated with it: indeed, while wine tourism in Romania is still in its infancy, there are already significant, easily accessible destinations that can satisfy the most demanding tastes. These destinations provide foreign tourists, especially, the opportunity to discover Romania, its beauty, and its people. One such place is, unsurprisingly, Wonderland Resort, in the heart of Transylvania, surrounded by nature. Marinela’s principles are also mine: hard work, dedication, ambition, integrity, faith, and love for God and others,” said Darius Mârza, founder and owner of Wonderland Resort. , said Darius Mârza, founder and owner of Wonderland Resort.
“I am grateful to Darius Mârza and the wonderful team at Wonderland for turning this event into an unforgettable moment. The organization was impeccable, and the atmosphere was sensational! Special thanks to our partner wineries from
Wines Of Romaniawhich provided 20 exceptional wines for tasting, highly appreciated by everyone present: Crama Apogeum,, Avincis, Domeniile Averești, Domeniul Bogdan, Gramofon Wine, Jidvei, SERVE, Tohani România and Vintruvian Estates with two of their wineries, Viticola Sarica Niculițel and Crama DeMatei,” added Marinela Ardelean.
More Than a Book on Food and Wine Pairing
The volume “50 Wines and Dishes from Romania” was launched on November 28 during a press conference in Venice. The book was published by Antiga Publishing at the same high standards as her first volume, “50 Romanian Wines Meet 50 Italian Dishes,” the only Romanian book in the “Drinks” category nominated for the Gourmet Cookbook Awards for Excellence.
„This is a book I’ve wanted to write since publishing my first volume 10 years ago, where I paired Romanian wines with Italian dishes, creating a bridge between the two countries I call ‘home.’ In recent years, I’ve witnessed a spectacular renaissance and reinvention of Romanian gastronomy. Chefs who have traveled the world are returning home, using their experiences to elevate Romanian cuisine to a new level, sparking widespread enthusiasm.
I wanted to show that Romanian gastronomy has earned its place in the world. That’s why I chose to make this a trilingual volume. We already had outstanding wines – I’m thrilled that this time, I selected 50 wines from 50 wineries, many made from native grape varieties – but 10 years ago, we were behind in the gourmet market. We’ve since caught up, and this is the central theme of the book
”, explained Marinela Ardelean.
„50 Wines and Dishes from Romania” is more than just a book about food and wine. For enthusiasts and those seeking to understand the deep relationship between Romanians and wine, a special chapter is dedicated to the history of wine in Romania, addressing legends and myths about the ancient tradition of winemaking. Another chapter focuses on wine tourism, highlighting 12 top destinations in Romania, either owned by wineries or located in the heart of wine regions.
„I was born in Maramureș, where hospitality is a way of life, and I want the world to discover at least a part of what we, as a people, have to offer. Wine tourism will be crucial in turning this dream into reality. There’s no better place to forge friendships and open hearts than around a table, with a glass of wine ”, added Marinela Ardelean.
The event was supported by AQUA Carpatica, Carrefour Romania (through its programs Deschidem Vinul Românesc and Poftim Brânză Românească), and Wines of Romania.
The book is available for purchase in select Carrefour stores, Cărturești bookstores, and the shops of participating wineries. More details are available at www.winesofromania.com.
