Let's Go Where We've Never Been Before! Romania

Dear friend, I know you've been in a slump lately, maybe bored? The daily grind over whelming right now? Okay, hear me out — we have to go to Romania! Not just because it’s completely underrated (which it is), but because it might honestly be one of the most unexpectedly magical wine destinations in all of Europe. Let Porron Cellars take you there this weekend starting tomorrow! Friday August 22nd! Romania has been making wine for over 6,000 years — that’s older than France’s wine history — and yet barely anyone talks about it. That means no crowds, no touristy wine trails, just authentic experiences and incredible local wines we’d never find at home.

And the scenery? It’s straight out of a fairytale. Picture rolling green hills, sleepy medieval villages, vineyards stretching out as far as you can see, and the occasional ancient castle rising in the distance. In regions like Dealu Mare or Transylvania, it actually feels like stepping into another world — only in this one, there’s wine tasting. And not just any wine — we're talking bold reds, crisp whites, and fascinating local grapes like Fetească Neagră and Fetească Albă that we’ve probably never heard of, but will absolutely fall in love with. We can taste these this weekend!

I met this winemaker a while back at a portfolio tasting, Roberto di Filippo. Roberto was one of the kindest people I've met in the industry! Roberto is a passionate winemaker. Natural viticulture is his life, and he has made his dream into reality. He spends his time with the horses who help him cultivate the vineyards. You are unlikely to find him in a jacket and tie, but in boots and clothes more suitable for the vineyard. The man has broken his leg twice cultivating his dreams. He now has vineyards in Umbria, Italy! Maybe he'll have a taste of one of those wines while we are gallavanting through Romania this weekend.

The wine is amazing and ridiculously affordable in Romania. But it’s not just about the wine — it’s the vibe. In Romania, wine culture feels real and personal. Many of the vineyards are family-run, and the winemakers often come out to pour the wine themselves and share stories passed down through generations. It's not just a tasting — it's a conversation, a connection. And where else can you sip wine in the shadow of Dracula’s Castle? I mean, touring Bran Castle by day, then sipping wine in a cozy mountain lodge by night? That’s the kind of contrast you don’t get in Bordeaux.

It’s also the perfect country for a road trip. We could rent a car, cruise through the countryside with music playing, and stop in colorful villages, medieval towns like Sighișoara, and the wild beauty of the Carpathians. Every stop is a new adventure — and yes, there’s always wine waiting at the end of the road. The food is another hidden gem: rustic, comforting, and perfect with wine. Think slow-cooked meats, local cheeses, wild mushrooms, and rich polenta, all served in candle-lit cellars or cozy mountain inns.

But maybe the best part? When we come back, we won’t just have pretty photos — we’ll have discovered something real. While everyone else is posting about Tuscany or Napa, we’ll have this wild, beautiful, soulful Romanian wine story that’s completely our own. So, what do you say? Let’s go somewhere different, somewhere authentic, and toast to life in a place where the wine flows, the hills roll, and the stories are just waiting for us. What are you waiting for? Get packed! Tomorrow we begin our trip!