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Monday, February 13, 2017

Domaine Tohani: A "New World" of Romanian wine

Domeniile Tohani, a key player in "New World" of Romanian wine, is located in the heart of Dealu Mare. This very special wine area, the Dealu Mare, in Muntenia Wine Region, is one of the most important regions in the country. Fortunately for this Spaswinefood enthusiast our Southern Romanian adventure included a visit to Domeniile Tohani. 
Touring Tohani Estate, Dealu Mare © Spaswinefood

Dealu Mare's Domeniile Tohani
Just in case you are wondering where Domeniile Tohani in Muntenia’s wine region fits within Romania's wine producing areas. First, Romania has seven wine regions: (1) Transylvania (center of the country), (2) Moldova (north east), (3) Crisana and Maramures (west central and north), (4) Muntenia and Oltenia (south), (5) Banat (west), (6) Southern Sands and Danube Terraces (south) and (7) Dobrogea (south east). Each of these regions containing a number of sub regions, such as the Muntenia's Dealu Mare.
Domeniile Tohani Estate, Dealu Mare © Spaswinefood

Romania's Muntenia wine regionor as it sometimes described the Muntenia hills (Greater Wallachia), is home to Dealu Mare (Big Hill) Vineyards, one of the best known vineyard areas. It stretches for 90 km. from Valea Calugareasca (near Ploiesti) to Merei/Vernestin (near Buzau), covering the counties of Buzau and Prahova. Our stops within the Dealu Mare vineyards included Licorna Winehouse and Domeniile Tohani wineries. 
Tohani Estate, Dealu Mare © Spaswinefood
We drove from Bucharest to Prahova County to visit Domeniile Tohani. Our drive to wine country was indeed pleasant. It was indeed a beautiful day in late August, as we headed down the road, stopping first at Licorna Winehouse, then onto Domeniile Tohani.

Touring Domeniile Tohani Estate
When we arrived at Domeniile Tohani in Gura Vadului we toured the winery, their historic cellars, and the stunning Domeniile Tohani Estate/ Tohani Vineyard with our host, Marina Samoila. 
Marina Samoila (right)Domeniile Tohani © Spaswinefood
While touring the winery we were introduced to some of its history.
Marina Samoila, Domeniile Tohani Estate © Spaswinefood
Domeniile Tohani Estate History © Spaswinefood

Next, we drove to their historic wine cellar. It is always fascinating for me to visit wine cellars. 
Wine Cellar, Domeniile Tohani Estate © Spaswinefood
Domeniile Tohani Estate Vintage Wines © Spaswinefood
Domeniile Tohani Estate Cellar © Spaswinefood
Yes, I did take a few pictures of the wines being stored.
Domeniile Tohani Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 © Spaswinefood
Domeniile Tohani Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 © Spaswinefood
Domeniile Tohani Estate, Pinot Noir Reserve 2001 © Spaswinefood
It is always exciting to see what is stored in the wine cellars.
Domeniile Tohani Estate Barrel Room © Spaswinefood
YES, while in the barrel room we also tasted some barrel samples.
Barrel Sampling, Domeniile Tohani Estate © Spaswinefood
It was indeed delightful to see some of the wines stored there. All too soon it was time to leave this historic cellar.
Barrel Room, Domeniile Tohani Estate © Spaswinefood
Next, it was onto the vineyards. Tohani Estate vineyards are stunning, with great views.
Tohani Estate Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Driving through Tohani Estate vineyards, with its such stunning views, was inspiring.

Our last stop was at nearby Ferma Dacilor for lunch. There we were treated to a fabulous wine tasting of Domeniile Tohani wines over lunch. The winery describes its wines as "New World" Romanian Wine. The wines lived up to this description. 
Wine Tasting, Ferma Dacilor © Spaswinefood
Ferma Dacilor is located within Tohani Wine Village, Prahova County. The restaurant serves delicious traditional food made from natural ingredients from the farm. Here are some of the tempting food offerings that we were served during lunch.
Food Offerings, Ferma Dacilor © Spaswinefood
Tempting Platter, Ferma Dacilor © Spaswinefood
Veggie Plate, Ferma Dacilor © Spaswinefood
With such tempting offerings it was not hard for me to select a delicious lunch.
Dining at Ferma Dacilor © Spaswinefood
Indeed, our day in Muntenia wine country was an awesome adventure. Yes, Muntenia is must visit wine region. I was indeed very fortunate to visit Domeniile Tohani. Also, while in Romania I was introduced to Crama Davino, Serve, and Vinarte wines from Muntenia. Moreover, throughout Muntenia you will discover both traditional and recently built wineries. The area is quickly becoming a place for enotourism, with wineries offering accommodations in the vineyards. Domeniile Tohani will be opening a new hotel and restaurant in the near future. This will add to the enotourism activities already available in this area.

All Wine Roads in Romania Lead to Bucharest
After an exciting wine country day in Muntenia’s Dealu Mare region we returned to Bucharest. Yes, #Winelovers touring Southern Romania will soon discover that all roads lead back to Bucharest. Next day, our last day in Romania, was filled with awesome #winelover activities at the Bucharest #Winelover Hangout. To meet so many Romanian #winelovers during our travels was indeed inspiring. 
#Winelovers, Ferma Dacilor, Tohani Wine Village © Spaswinefood
Without doubt visiting Domeniile Tohani, a "New World" of Romanian wine, with #winelover friends was a very special treat. I invite you to join me in my travels in Romania and elsewhere at Spaswinefood. Special thanks to Razvan Stoenescu, George Wine, and all our Romanian friends for being such wonderful hosts during Spaswinefood’s vine-filled explorations. 

Sharon
August 2016
Romania
© Spaswinefood


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