RO-Wine 2025: A Festival of Autumn Discoveries
Traditionally, wine festivals are meant to showcase white wines in spring – just in time for summer – and reds in autumn, from the previous year’s harvest. But Romanian producers have quickly realized that festivals attract a much broader audience: from HoReCa professionals interested in unique wines, to passionate consumers seeking bottles for their collections, for special evenings with friends, or for slow, mindful enjoyment.
- RO-Wine 2025: A Festival of Autumn Discoveries
- Jidvei – The Spirit Collection and Award-Winning Romanian Wines
- Domeniul Bogdan – Biodynamic Wines and New Experiences for Wine Lovers
- Domeniile Averești – The Golden Cabernet and the Stars of Moldova
- Syrah from Vrancea by Beciul Domnesc
- Gramofon Wine – A Warm Cabernet for Cold Days
- Vintruvian Estates – Four Romanian Wineries United by Quality
- SERVE – Guillaume 2024 and a New Cuvée Guy de Poix
- Crama Teodor – Steady Growth and Consistent Quality
- Pandora – Kudos to Florin Manoliu!
- Lechburg – A Riesling and a Delicate Frizzante
- HB Wine – Experiments and Established Recipes
- Carrefour – The “Deschidem Vinul Românesc” Program Keeps Surprising
- Asociația Dealu Mare – Romanian Wineries United at RO-Wine 2025
- General Impression – A Festival Not to Be Missed!
As a result, the tradition of presenting only “fresh” wines has begun to fade. The offerings now often include, alongside new releases, older vintages – some not yet officially launched – that still need time to “settle.”
In short, here’s a look at what you can expect in the coming months: excellent wines that bring honor to their producers, represent Romania proudly anywhere in the world, and, in some cases, have already been awarded at major international competitions.
Jidvei – The Spirit Collection and Award-Winning Romanian Wines
Spirit – Three Special Wines
Jidvei introduced, for the first time, the Spirit range – a collection of three distinctive wines: Chardonnay 2023 (aged six months in oak), Fetească Regală 2023 (also six months, but in second-use barrels), and a rosé blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. If the Chardonnay is somewhat predictable, showing the well-known classic style – flavorful, rounded, and with perfectly integrated oak notes – the Fetească Regală is a delightful and elegant surprise.
The choice of gently used barrels, which impart fewer external aromas, proved inspired: the wine developed subtle nuances while amplifying its natural aromatic complexity through the light micro-oxidation that occurs during oak aging. The result is both charming and promising, with serious aging potential.
Jidvei XO Vinars – Elegance and Refinement
Visitors also had the chance to taste the limited edition Jidvei XO Vinars, a spirit few have encountered before, produced in just 5,000 bottles. Made exclusively from Fetească Regală grapes and aged for more than ten years in oak barrels, this vinars displays rich notes of caramel, fine wood, and spices, with hints of tobacco and cinnamon – a sweet-spicy, utterly delicious experience.
Owner’s Reserve Ana Fetească Regală + Mysterium Bubbles
Also new to the market is Owner’s Reserve Ana Fetească Regală, which won a gold medal at Mundus Vini this summer – even before its official release.
And for sparkling wine enthusiasts, Jidvei has also launched Mysterium 2021, a classic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a touch of Fetească Regală to give it a distinctly local accent.
Domeniul Bogdan – Biodynamic Wines and New Experiences for Wine Lovers
Trufaș – Cabernet Sauvignon with a Subtle Truffle Aroma
The star at Domeniul Bogdan’s stand was, predictably, Trufaș – a Cabernet Sauvignon infused with black truffles, even though it’s not an entirely new release. With the truffle aromas discreetly lingering in the background, the wine is dominated by dark fruit and chocolate, with spicy undertones – a truly top-tier creation.
Cuvée Experience Red 2022 and Fetească Neagră Pătrar 2020
Eager to explore new releases, we focused on the Cuvée Experience Red 2022, a perfectly balanced blend of Fetească Neagră and Merlot – juicy, full of cherry and dark fruit notes, with dried plum nuances on the finish and a healthy acidity that promises excellent aging potential in the years ahead.
Equally remarkable is the Fetească Neagră Pătrar 2020, which is just entering its maturation phase. Although it already shows touches of overripe fruit, these are beautifully balanced by layers of cocoa, bitter cherry, and plum preserve – an expressive and refined wine that will continue to evolve gracefully.
Domeniile Averești – The Golden Cabernet and the Stars of Moldova
A Cool-Climate Cabernet
Although Moldova is traditionally seen as better suited for white wines, the Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum Diamond Selection 2019 is a true gem. Silky and dark, with notes of damp earth, blueberries, blackcurrants, and blackberries, plus a hint of sour cherry jam – everything perfectly integrated, with a rare, irresistible drinkability.
It’s no surprise that it won a gold medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles last year, though it’s only now beginning to reveal its full potential.
Zghihara 2024 – A Versatile Romanian Wine Full of Freshness and Balance
The main novelty, however, was Zghihara 2024, also in the Magnum Diamond Selection range – probably one of the most versatile wines of the festival. A wine fit for every occasion: refreshing and easy-drinking, yet complex enough to hold your attention without demanding it – the perfect companion for fine food, long evenings, and good conversation.
Syrah from Vrancea by Beciul Domnesc
Romania’s Oldest Vinars (brandy)
At Beciul Domnesc, the spotlight was shared between Jad and Miorița XO, two aged vinars that can stand proudly beside any wine distillate in the world. The Verité range also impressed, with an exceptional Blanc and Rosé offering excellent value for money. Once again, Cuvée 49 confirmed its very good evolution.
Syrah Grand Reserve – A Promising Debut with Collector Potential
The real surprise, however, was the Syrah Grand Reserve, the first wine of this variety introduced into the producer’s top range. Well-balanced and full of fruit, with the region’s trademark acidity nicely integrated and an elegant finish, this Syrah promises to become not only a constant presence in the portfolio but also a collector’s choice for true connoisseurs. It’s still young for now but clearly full of potential – one worth watching over the coming years.
Gramofon Wine – A Warm Cabernet for Cold Days
The Gramofon Distillate Release Postponed
At Gramofon, the eagerly anticipated preview of their first wine distillate has been delayed. A last-minute adjustment – right as the labels were being printed – led to a rethinking of the brand. In essence, this only means the launch will happen as planned, toward the end of the year. The curious, however, have already had the chance to taste Gramofon Vinars during the winery’s famous parties.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 – The Autumn Premiere
Alongside the already well-known Sonorum and Cuvée Red, Gramofon Wine presented a single new wine – but an outstanding one: Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, a true showcase of elegance, eloquence, and craftsmanship. Perfectly balanced and rounded, playful, dancing between fruity notes, spices, and hints of cocoa, chocolate, and vanilla, it’s a wine that can easily play both roles – a daily indulgence for enthusiasts or a bottle for special occasions for more casual drinkers.
Vintruvian Estates – Four Romanian Wineries United by Quality
The Most Visited Stands
The Vintruvian Estates group – bringing together four wineries: Caii de la Letea Sarica Niculițel and Crama Histria in Dobrogea, Crama DeMatei in Dealu Mare, and Oenoterra in Drăgășani – consistently drew some of the largest crowds at the festival.
Their lineup offered something for every palate: from fresh and youthful wines to mature, complex bottles; from approachable, everyday choices to rare collector’s items. Highlights included DeMatei wines rated 90–95 points by James Suckling and the new Scoarțe range from Oenoterra – a Crâmpoșie and a Negru de Drăgășani perfectly suited for any occasion.
The Return of “Trilogies”
Focusing on new releases, one must mention the return of the Trilogies – white, rosé, and red – to the Caii de la Letea range after a brief hiatus. A special mention goes to the Red Trilogy, made from wines sourced from different regions: Negru de Drăgășani, Băbească Neagră, and Fetească Neagră.
It’s an excellent, nuanced wine – perfect for sharing over a meal or with a friend, offering an outstanding price-to-quality ratio.
A Tamed Nikolaos
A small yet pleasant surprise came from Nikolaos Red by Crama Histria – a wine that behaved like a wild mustang earlier this spring, but has since mellowed. It’s still a touch untamed, but now more rounded and well-integrated – a clear sign it’s leaving its youth behind and heading gracefully toward maturity.
SERVE – Guillaume 2024 and a New Cuvée Guy de Poix
Re:vivre – A Range Dedicated to Young Wine Lovers
At SERVE, the crowd’s youthful energy was reflected in the popularity of the re:vivre range, launched this spring – a wine designed for the younger audience and one that successfully captures their attention.
A Pinot Noir with Local Character
For the autumn edition of RO-Wine, SERVE presented two premieres: the 2024 vintage of Cuvée Guillaume and a new benchmark wine in the Cuvée Guy de Poix range, from the 2020 harvest. Though young, Guillaume benefited from an exceptionally favorable year – the drought that hit much of the country was less severe in Ceptura, where the clay soil and well-exposed Pinot Noir slopes (85% of the blend, alongside 15% Fetească Neagră) produced an outstanding wine, vibrant and already delicious just a year after harvest. A wine full of promise – and pleasure.
Cuvée Guy de Poix 2020 – A Timeless Benchmark
As for Cuvée Guy de Poix 2020 – by now, it’s well established that every vintage of this Fetească Neagră represents a reference point for Romanian winemaking.
Any praise seems redundant; suffice it to say that this edition counts 6,800 bottles, about 2,000 more than the previous release – yet still worth acting quickly to complete your collection.
Juicy, well-integrated, and balanced, it retains that slightly wild, herbal edge that once convinced Guy de Poix to stay and invest in Romania, becoming the country’s first private investor in the modern wine industry. A wonderful legacy shared with Aurel Rotărescu, the oenologist who has guided SERVE’s vision since its founding in 1994.
Crama Teodor – Steady Growth and Consistent Quality
For regular RO-Wine visitors, it seems that with every edition they attend, Crama Teodor grows a little more – in both quality and diversity. This year was no exception: every wine was impeccably presented, from a cheerful and light Rhein Riesling 2023, full of promise for the future, to the Gewürztraminer–Pinot Gris blend, a true case study in balance – the roundness of the Pinot Gris beautifully lifted by the Traminer’s intense aromas and fine texture.
We also revisited a 2021 Pinot Noir of remarkable class – reminiscent of top French wines – showing early maturity, yet with enough depth to warrant re-evaluation in another two or three years.
Fetească Neagră 2024 – Natural Complexity
The surprise came from the Teodor Fetească Neagră 2024, released to celebrate the owner’s 70th anniversary. Hard to believe, but this wine was made without any oak aging, which makes its aromatic complexity even more spectacular. The finish is excellent – rich in cocoa, dark chocolate, dried plums, and dehydrated black fruits.
A stunning wine that stands as a clear example of Fetească Neagră’s potential as Romania’s flagship grape variety.
Pandora – Kudos to Florin Manoliu!
Throughout all three days of the festival, Crama Pandora was one of the most talked-about names – visitors enthusiastically recommending a stop at their stand to one another.
For sparkling wine lovers, there was Mon Azur, a friendly extra-dry 100% Chardonnay made by the Charmat method.
The real surprise, however, came from the newly launched Cuvée Pandora (Red) – a blend crafted by the winery’s oenologist, Florin Manoliu. It’s a wine full of life and joy – fresh yet complex, with red and black fruit, spicy undertones, soft, well-integrated tannins, and lively acidity.
Lechburg – A Riesling and a Delicate Frizzante
A Fresh White – From 2019
From Lechința, a region already known for its distinctive wines, two new releases stood out at the festival.
First, the Rhein Riesling 2019 (yes, a six-year-old white just launched!), codenamed Cru la Sorgente – slightly rounded, still full of freshness, and with a long life ahead. It fully lives up to the noble origin of the grape and to the German winemaking traditions rooted in the region.
Frizzante from Chardonnay and Fetească Regală
The big surprise, however, was a Frizzante (bottled at 1.6–1.8 atmospheres) made from Chardonnay and Fetească Regală – absolutely delightful. Perfectly balanced between fruit and floral notes, with bubbles so fine they barely awaken the palate, smooth-flowing and with an excellent texture. A wine to note, to buy, and to enjoy – inevitably with a smile on your face.
HB Wine – Experiments and Established Recipes
Judicious Use of Oak
From western Romania, in the Miniș–Măderat region, HB Wine brought to the festival a lineup that confirms what many already suspected after their first wave of international medals: this is a winery to watch.
Three classic, terroir-driven wines – Fetească Neagră 2024 (six months in oak), Cuvée Bordignon 2023, and Cabernet Privilegio 2023 – all showcased refinement and elegance.
Merlot 2024 – A Successful Experiment
For the “wine geeks,” however, just as much attention went to the Merlot 2024, a wine fermented with thiolic yeasts – typically used to highlight the aromas of more neutral white grape varieties.
The result is spectacular: complex yet approachable, rounded yet full of surprises. It’s bound to be one of the wines to follow in the coming years – as are the others from HB Wine – but perhaps now seen in a new light.
Carrefour – The “Deschidem Vinul Românesc” Program Keeps Surprising
DVR: Always Close to Romanian Varieties
Among the wines in Carrefour Romania’s “Deschidem Vinul Românesc” selection, there’s always something remarkable – a delicately barrel-aged Șarbă from Crama Gîrboiu, a Cuvée Matei from Crama DeMatei, or a brand-new sparkling wine from Domeniile Averești. This program likely includes the widest range of Romanian grape varieties, expressed in their most diverse interpretations.
A Retail First: Alutus Primus
Because one of the program’s ambitions is to feature every significant Romanian grape variety, this year the selection welcomed Alutus Primus from Avincis. Produced in small quantities, due to the still limited area cultivated with this recently introduced variety (its first commercial harvest was in 2020, released in 2023), the wine belongs to a category aimed not at high-end HoReCa, but rather at true wine enthusiasts – whether budding or advanced.
A must-try as soon as it reaches the shelves!
Asociația Dealu Mare – Romanian Wineries United at RO-Wine 2025
Thanks to its glassware partner Rubin, RO-Wine marked a first that paves the way for similarly interesting events in the future: the participation of a winemakers’ association, this time representing Dealu Mare – and likely, in future editions, other regions as well.
The selection was impressive, featuring wines from both producers with their own stands and those absent – for various reasons. From the sparkling wines of Domeniile Alexandrion–Rhein 1892 to the well-known Negru de Drăgășani Via Marchizului and Cabernet Sauvignon Cantus Primus from Viile Metamorfosis, Dealu Mare once again proved rich in memorable wines. A particularly rare and precious presence stood out – Clearstone from Crama Dagon – a wine and a producer impossible to refuse, no matter the occasion.
General Impression – A Festival Not to Be Missed!
The Lesson of RO-Wine: Wine Has Its Own Time
Many producers didn’t bring new releases to the autumn edition of RO-Wine – and rightly so. Domaine Dumetrier, Domeniile Sâmburești, and Crama Rasova, for example, presented largely the same wines as before. At Davino, the new Iacob Red continues, without surprises, the established line.
Drăgaica Roșie and Fetească Neagră from Oprișor remain a delight.Because wine has its own rhythm – one that no festival can rush when producers truly love and respect their consumers. Some choose to bring tank samples or unlabeled bottles to keep public interest alive and gather valuable feedback; others prefer to offer only the final, polished versions for tasting.
RO-Wine – More Than Wine
Add to all this the well-known wines, the gourmet salon, and the importers’ section – in other words, far more than what any article can fully describe – and you’ll get a sense of what makes this festival so special.
RO-Wine offers knowledge, connections, access to the latest releases, and the joy of reuniting with “old friends,” whether bottled or human.
But above all, it offers the feeling of a community united by a shared passion for wine.
