The Huși vineyard, one of the oldest and most renowned wine regions in Romania, continues to tell its story through Via Huși 1415—a place that embodies the balance between respect for tradition and investments in modern technology. In a relaxed and friendly conversation between wine expert Marinela Ardelean, and Gabriel Stoica, the winery’s production director, details about recent transformations and the strategic vision guiding the winery’s activities were revealed.
2020: A New Beginning
The acquisition of the winery in 2020 marked a turning point, beginning a period of intensive modernization. This was strengthened by a large-scale project of over €15 million, supported by European funds, initiated in 2022 and completed this summer. As Gabriel Stoica explains: “This was not just an investment in equipment but a paradigm shift. We aimed to bring Huși wines to a higher level while respecting the heritage of this place.”
Infrastructure Modernization
The modernization project included several strategic directions:
- Revamping bottling lines for still wines – New equipment ensures faster and more efficient processes while maintaining quality standards.
- Creating a dedicated sparkling wine line – Modern technologies, including the Charmat method alongside the traditional method, have been implemented to highlight the natural acidity of wines from the Huși vineyard.
- Expanding storage capacity – The winery can now store over 4 million liters, ensuring optimal conditions for wine ageing.
- Diversifying bottling options – Via Huși will offer not only standard bottles but also magnum bottles, 200 ml miniatures for the HoReCa market, and 250 ml aluminum cans aimed at younger consumers.
Sparkling Wines: A Strategic, Terroir-Inspired Choice
A key focus of the conversation was the winery’s dedication to sparkling wines. Why this direction? The Huși vineyard is renowned for its naturally high acidity, an essential parameter for high-quality sparkling wines.
Gabriel Stoica explains: “We started with local varieties such as Zghihară de Huși, Busuioaca de Bohotin, Tămâioasa Românească, and Fetească Regală. These varieties bring character and uniqueness to our wines, and the initial tests have shown promising results.”
These sparkling wines not only expand the winery’s portfolio but also position Huși as a potential hub for sparkling wines crafted from local varieties. Gabriel emphasized that the first sparkling wines from the Extravaganzza range are set to launch soon, with the team eagerly anticipating the public’s reception.
The Wine Cellar: A Valuable Archive
Another unique aspect of the winery is its wine cellar, an impressive collection of 120,000 bottles. This includes wines from various vintages, preserving the imprint of each harvest. Like any great wine cellar, it serves not only as a collection but also as a tool for educating consumers and promoting wine culture.
“We will also introduce wines from the cellar to the market after the sparkling wine launch. These bottles are a testament to our potential and a way to celebrate tradition. Some wines from the cellar will be available for tasting for those visiting the winery,” added Gabriel Stoica.
Why Huși?
The Huși vineyard is one of the oldest wine regions in Romania, with a tradition dating back to the medieval period. Fertile soils and a favorable climate have made this area ideal for viticulture. Since its founding in the medieval era, it is said that the name Huși comes from the Hussites, who planted the vines in this vineyard.
Perspectives and Objectives
With an annual production capacity of over 2 million bottles, Via Huși aims to become a reference name not only in the Romanian market but also internationally. Upcoming launches, particularly in the sparkling wine segment, reflect this ambition.
In addition, the winery invests in its relationship with consumers by offering guided tastings and tours that showcase the entire process, from harvest to bottling. The tasting rooms can accommodate groups of 30 and 120 people, respectively.
