A wine lover’s guide to Bucharest: vineyards, shops and bars

Clink glasses at the best wine bars in Bucharest

A Bucharest wine tour must start with a panoramic city view at the Nomad Skybar. Located on a spacious terrace high above the Old Town at 30th Smardan Street, Nomad welcomes travellers with open skies and an outstanding wine list. And it's more than a wine bar, becoming an exclusive nightclub until the early hours.

Elsewhere, we love tasting the latest arrivals at Le Manoir - an authentically French bar à vin that offers fine coverage of Romanian wines. 1,000 de Chipuri (1,000 Faces) is another highlight, matching a friendly welcome with a serious passion for underrated vineyards.

More than places to socialise and taste luxury wines in Bucharest, these wine bars are sources of knowledge and expertise. Ask sommeliers for their recommendations and wineries to visit, and unfold the subtleties of Romania's wine culture.

Arrange a luxury tour of the Dealu Mare wine region

After sampling some local favourites in the city, Bucharest's wine-producing hinterland beckons. And the best place to head is the Dealu Mare wine region.

Often dubbed Romania's Napa Valley or Bordeaux, Dealu Mare is a few hours' drive north of the capital. The distance is easily manageable for day trips (although you can stay overnight at some wineries), and we will help you organise tours, encompassing the finest producers and gastronomic hotspots.

For those who haven't visited before, Dealu Mare is very special. Local wineries skilfully use the chalk and clay soils and the area's high iron oxide concentrations. Consistent sunlight and optimal rainfall are ideal for organic varieties and experimental approaches. The result is a diverse portfolio of vineyards and wines matching almost any comparable wine region.

Visit elite wineries within touching distance of central Bucharest

Although we highly recommend a tour, you could also curate your schedule during a sophisticated wine experience near Bucharest (and we can make the necessary bookings).

Head north from the capital for Lacerta Winery tours. Known for the sustainable values and the purity of its wines, Lacerta has won countless medals worldwide. The vineyard has also created a dazzling modernist centre to receive visitors - the ideal setting for an afternoon of tasting.

Not far away, make time for a Budureasca Winery visit as well. Focused on innovation, Budureasca has made a name with wonderfully crisp whites and full-bodied organic reds.

Other essential tastes include the refined selection at Gramofon Wines and the diverse wine list created by oenologist Aurelia Visinescu.

Almost every Dealu Mare winery offers wine tastings near Bucharest where visitors can take their time to sip wines and relax in opulent surroundings. We keep track of the seasonal schedule and can point you toward the week's events. Just ask our concierge team.

Enjoy a regal wine experience with Domeniile Știrbey tastings

We have another seductive suggestion. This time, away from Dealu Mare and central Bucharest. The Domeniile Știrbey mansion is a short drive north-west of the city and it's an essential stop for wine lovers.

Regular Domeniile Știrbey tastings showcase wines that are barely known elsewhere. For instance, the historical vineyard produces some astonishing Fetească Regală varieties, with their distinctive notes of citrus and acacia. Expect delicate Tamaioasa Romaneasca wines too, communicating hints of almond and pear.

Round off your trip by shopping for premium wines in Bucharest

You've tried Romanian boutique wineries and noted the most impressive vintages, but there's no need to leave empty-handed. Now is the time to stock up at the top wine shops in Bucharest.

The first place we'd head is the Comtesse du Barry. Home to the finest high-end wine selection in the city, this classic delicatessen always has its pulse on developments from regional and international producers. Whether you want a gift to take home or a fine wine for a Bucharest party, in-house sommeliers will provide plenty of suggestions.

Alternatively, Le Manoir never dissatisfies clients in their quest for exceptional wines. Vinexpert-Bucuresti also has a comprehensive but discerning collection. It's always a good bet for tracking down hard-to-find Romanian varieties.

World-class vineyards, welcoming wine bars and high-quality shopping experiences make Bucharest a truly immersive destination for wine lovers. Staying at Corinthia Bucharest places you at the heart of this vibrant wine culture, with easy access to the city’s finest wine bars and the renowned Dealu Mare wine region.