Casa Timiș
Circuit of the wineries
Budureasca, Tohani, Lacerta (80 km round trip)
We are on the parallel 45°, the wine parallel, a wine-growing region with a special terroir, reminiscent of Toscana or Bordeaux. Dealu Mare is more than the name of a geographical area, being also a symbol for the fertile mixture between Chernozem and limestone and the temperate-continental climate, with strong Mediterranean influences, which renders the grapes qualities that are almost impossible to find elsewhere in Romania. The result? Exquisite wines and a high concentration of wineries, all within minutes of each other.
We suggest you visit 3 of them. They all share the same special terroir, Dealu Mare, and the same interest to offer the highest quality wines.
Budureasca Winery, a reference for wineries
More than 300 medals, obtained at the biggest wine competitions in the world, many for the first time in Romania, certify the efforts of the Budureasca winemakers and oenologists.
With an area of 2,500 sqm, Budureasca Winery is one of the newest and largest wineries in the Dealu Mare region. The modern design, state-of-the-art technology, interior temperature control, enhanced by the buried structure of the building, on 3 sides, which integrates it into the landscape and contributes to the high-quality wines for which the winery is famous for, both nationally and internationally.
The production and storage capacity amounts to around 3 million litres. The tasting area offers 50 seats and a panoramic view of the barrel room. There is also a shop there.
Together with the house oenologist, Stephen Donnelly, who is active in this field for over 30 years and internationally known as ‘The Flying Winemaker’ or ‘Wine Trouble Shooter’, we indulge ourselves with assortments from the different ranges of Budureasca Winery: Origini, Prima Stilla, Budureasca Shine, The Dark Count of Transylvania, Maidens of Transylvania, Vine in Flames etc.
From here we continue our journey to…
Tohani Winery, the passion of a Romanian Prince
Stretching over seven quiet and sun-drenched hills, the Tohani Estates brought love to Prince Nicolae’s heart, the only brother of King Charles II, once regent to the young King Michael.
Falling in love with Prahova’s nature, but also with Ioana Doletti, daughter of a landowner from
Tohani, Prince Nicolae bought the estate, married his chosen one and gave up his royal title to lead a bohemian life, in the quaint hills of Tohani.
The Tohani Estates, which had been under state administration for 52 years, returned to private ownership in 2000 and, since 2012, have resumed their connection with the Royal House of Romania, being declared royal suppliers.
Performance and passion, the ingredients of selected wines
With privatisation, the company underwent a thorough modernisation process. A new factory was built, fitted to the highest standards, vines were replanted over large areas, roads built and strategies redesigned. The Romanian oenologist, Ion Marin and South African Albertus Van Der Merwe make an extraordinary team that has created and continues to create renowned wines: Apogeum, Principele Radu, Valahorum, Arum, Cuvée Nicolae, Cuvée Dolette, Flori de Gheață, Siel, Moșia de la Tohani – Special Reserve, Princiar.
We are surrounded by the noble nature of vineyards. We leave behind the prince’s domain and enter the…
…Lacerta Winery
Bordering two counties, the commune of Năieni, where the winery is located, is also known for its shell limestone and chert quarry that was used in the Palace of the Parliament and the Bucharest Subway. However, the star of the area is the special soil. It seems that the large population of green lizards which you can easily see here is both a contributor and a proof of its qualities. It’s also the winery’s godmother, the name originating from the Latin name of a small reptile.
A second youth
A house built at the beginning of the 20th century, by architect Ion Mincu, was renovated by the current owner, in 2005, according to the original plans. On the vineyard, neo-Romanesque architecture merges with the modern style of the 2000s. Just like in an embrace by nature, you’ll see 82 hectares of noble vines, which have led to medal-winning wines, both in Romania and abroad. This landscape of hills covered in vines caresses the air with grape scents.
The new world of wines
The six white and six red varieties grown here are delicately processed, under the influence of gravity, to limit mechanical interventions that could alter fermentation. Later, with the help of time and under computer supervision, sophisticated liqueurs come to life.
The House Wines are kept in special (oak) barrels from France, US, Russia, Hungary and Romania, which add personality, aromas and fruity nuances, as well as vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cocoa or cinnamon flavours.
After tasting so many precious elixirs, life will start to look quite pink. We return home, to Casa Timiș, and we end the day with Casa Timiș wines and haute cuisine prepared by Casa Timiș Restaurants.
