As part of our Summer Blog Series, Tierra Luna Cellars is taking you on a journey around the world to explore how different cultures celebrate wine. This week, we travel to Romania—an enchanting country where vineyards stretch across ancient hillsides and wine has been cherished for millennia.

A Legacy Carved in Vine

Romania may not always be the first country you think of when it comes to wine, but it deserves a place on your list. Wine production here dates back more than 6,000 years, making Romania one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world.

The Carpathian Mountains, rich soils, and a unique climate create ideal conditions for both native and international grape varietals. From the crisp whites of Transylvania to the robust reds of Moldova, Romanian wine is deeply woven into the country’s history and daily life.

Wine at the Romanian Table

In Romania, wine is rarely enjoyed alone. It is meant to be shared with food, family, and friends. Traditional meals are long and hearty, often paired with generous pours of wine. Classic dishes such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), grilled meats, and rustic cheeses all find perfect partners in local varietals.

Hospitality is central to Romanian culture. Guests are always welcomed with wine, often vin de casă (house wine) made by local families. For many, wine is not a luxury but a natural part of everyday life.

The Toasting Tradition

Toasting in Romania is more than a ritual—it’s a sacred act of connection. When you raise your glass, you look your companions in the eyes and say “Noroc!” (meaning “Good luck!”). Maintaining eye contact is essential, and breaking it is considered rude—or even unlucky.

At weddings, birthdays, or holidays, a designated speaker often delivers a heartfelt toast before everyone drinks. These moments can be poetic, funny, or deeply moving. Multiple toasts in one evening are common, each one honoring relationships and shared joy.

And one rule always applies: when you toast with wine in Romania, you drink after the clink. Leaving your glass untouched is frowned upon.

Romania’s Native Grapes

Romania is home to several unique grape varietals that make its wine culture stand out:

• Fetească Neagră – A bold, spicy red with notes of dark berries and plum.

• Fetească Albă – A delicate floral white, often semi-sweet and refreshing for summer.

• Grasă de Cotnari – A golden dessert wine cherished since medieval times.

• Tămâioasă Românească – A highly aromatic white, often compared to Muscat.

These native grapes give Romanian wine its distinctive character and charm, offering something new to wine lovers around the world.

A Shared Passion for Wine

At Tierra Luna Cellars, we believe wine is more than just the grape—it’s the people, the stories, and the memories created around the table. Romanian wine culture reminds us of that truth. With a glass in hand, people often find the courage to share words and feelings they might otherwise keep hidden.

So this summer, whether you’re clinking glasses with loved ones under the California sun or exploring a new varietal from afar, we invite you to raise your glass in the spirit of Noroc!

Stay tuned for more global wine adventures in our Summer Blog Series.