Wines and places in southern Romania

It’s been two years. Many things changed while others didn’t. The second half of summer 2022 was the roughest period of our lives because we lost Peticel, the kitten who was like our child.

I can talk and write about it now, but I struggled with it for a long time. Marcel and I had travelled almost our entire relationship, yet we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave the house for 1 month.

This was something we tried back then – a weekend getaway that would help us go through a change of scenery!

 

The end of summer in southern Romania has the marks of heat embedded in the landscape. That year, however, autumn did not seem too close.

 

Our friend Ermin had worked that season as a guide for Green Camp. We knew the owners, so we went for a visit. We’d only met him once that summer and he was returning to Chile. I must say that they serve delicious food at the camp!

 

We knew beforehand that everything was booked at Green Camp, so we drove to Orange Valley Glamping in Valea Scheilor to rest. It has been closed since, but we enjoyed our first glamping experience in Romania, the food we brought for a slow breakfast, and even the hot beginning of our day.

 

Our hosts sent us to the village [drive down the road and turn left; ask around once there] to get grapes. We were invited to taste; the people were sweet to us! Ask if they have any Tămâioasă – Marcel’s favourite grape variety.

 

One of my all-time dreams was to cycle around a vineyard. We had seen the ‘La Migdali’ domain [closed], but we cycled in the surroundings. We then headed to Ghinoaica.

Chance made us meet a kind lady who was visiting her childhood home. She invited us to go almond picking for free. I had become aware in 2021 that almonds grew in Romania. In this region of Prahova County – and the neighbouring areas in Buzău County, almonds are like walnuts. Almost every family has at least an almond tree in their yard. Just ask. Many people sell them.

 

A stop I’ve had on my mind for ages was Pietroasele, where ‘Cloşca cu puii de aur’ – thought to be the greatest treasure in the world for a century until the discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb – was found. The walk up the hill brings along a beautiful view.

 

Naturally, we got a bit hungry, so we ended our trip at Crama de Piatră – a winery, a restaurant, and a B&B. The people working there are superb! The chef is very talented! We relaxed so much on the terrace! As the heat faded a bit, we set off towards home. They were making zacuscă, so they wouldn’t let us leave without tasting it. Finger-licking good!

 

P.S. Siriu Reservoir looks stunning at the end of August/beginning of September.