With rolling vineyards, reinvigorated traditions and one of Europe’s most quietly exciting culinary scenes, Romania is a dream destination for foodies and wine lovers - especially when explored with the expert curators at Rolandia Bespoke Luxury DMC…

What’s in this Article?

The best of Romania’s food scene; from rustic recipes to cutting-edge fine dining.
The ancient grapes, bold reds and elegant whites putting Romania's vineyards on the map.
Tours, tastings and unique, immersive gastronomy experiences your clients will never forget.
How Rolandia Bespoke crafts tailored itineraries with flavour and finesse at their heart.
A Destination with Depth and Flavour - and without the Crowds

For those well-travelled clients who’ve already ticked off Tuscany’s wine trails and dined their way across Provence, Romania offers something both unexpected and exciting - a food and wine journey that feels entirely new, and entirely theirs.

Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, misty mountains and cityscapes that blend Belle Epoque elegance with contemporary cool, this is a setting that elevates every bite and every glass; from the vibrant streets of Bucharest and Cluj to the tranquil charm of Transylvanian villages.

Better still, this is a country where vineyard lunches don’t come with busloads of tourists, and storied landmarks can still be seen without the queues or the crowds.

Romania is still flying under the radar - a place of genuine hospitality, undiscovered richness and a culinary identity that’s only just beginning to capture international attention.

What makes it so special for gastronomes and oenophiles alike? It’s the sheer diversity of what’s on offer: rooted in deep tradition, yet constantly surprising in its range and creativity.

Here, dinner and drinks can mean anything from fire-cooked delicacies in a mountain village through Michelin-level fine dining to a sommelier-led tasting in a 19th-century palace.

And here, indigenous grape varietals (which rival the best of Bordeaux and Tuscany) meet a contemporary food culture in a way that feels thrillingly personal, with just the right amount of wild.

Rolandia Bespoke’s deep local insight and beautifully tailored itineraries are a peerless way for your guests to discover this whole new side of Europe - one where flavour is just the beginning of the story.

Calling all Foodies…

It’s not hard to see why the Michelin Guide has Romania in its sights…

The food scene is as diverse as its landscapes, with centuries-old recipes still alive in the countryside and an urban dining culture that’s dynamic, experimental and increasingly acclaimed. Rolandia Bespoke cannot wait to help you and your clients delve deep.

Out in the villages, food is about seasonality, tradition and generosity.

Here, guests might truffle hunt in the hills before sitting down to a hearty meal cooked on an open fire, or share a rustic farm lunch near Brasov where every dish - from the sour cherry compote to the handmade dumplings - comes from the surrounding land.

In contrast, the cities are buzzing with new energy.

In Bucharest, restaurants like Soro Lume are reinventing Romanian classics using ancient fire-cooking techniques, while the conceptual approach of Kaiamo, recognised in the “World’s Best 50” restaurants, offers a more experimental take on modern Romanian cuisine.

And the fine culinary discovery isn’t limited to the capital - in Brasov, One Soul has earned a reputation for beautifully plated dishes that still honour local flavours, while Kupaj in Cluj-Napoca is one of several rising stars combining seasonal ingredients with smart, contemporary technique.

Deeply Rooted, Wildly Delicious

And how do you define Romanian cuisine?

Shaped by millennia of history and its position at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, the food here is a melting pot of Dacian, Ottoman, Slavic and Austro-Hungarian influences - with its own unmistakable character.

Think delicious rich stews, sour broths and smoked meats; tart pickled vegetables, fluffy cheeses and honey-drenched pastries; dishes fermented, baked and slow-cooked in traditional clay ovens.

And with a Rolandia Bespoke itinerary, guests don’t just eat these dishes - they help make them too.

From hands-on cooking classes to baking sessions with Saxon grandmothers, these are meals woven with memory, hospitality and cultural connection.

Exclusive Experiences to savour with Rolandia Bespoke

With Rolandia Bespoke, food and wine experiences go far beyond the table; becoming immersive, one-of-a-kind moments that connect guests to Romania’s land, people and flavours and turn every bite into a memory.

Some of Rolandia Bespoke's all-time favourites?

A Farm-to-table feast in a Saxon village: Where the only thing fresher than the ingredients is the mountain air, and the table is set with handmade plates, local wine and stories passed down through generations.

Traditional cooking classes in Apold: This fabulous day sees guests join villagers in this peaceful Transylvanian hamlet to prepare classic recipes from scratch, before sitting down together to share the meal, laughter and a little homemade tuica (Romania’s signature plum brandy).

Bucharest Street Food tours through Piata Obor Market: Tasting their way through the capital with a local guide, guests can sample everything from sizzling mici, sharp cheeses and zacusca spreads to sour cabbage rolls and warm papanasi doughnuts oozing with cream and jam - yum!

Beekeeping and honey tasting workshops: Near historic Brasov in the foothills of the Carpathians, guests get hands-on, learning traditional beekeeping methods, extracting honey straight from the comb and tasting golden spoonfuls before making their own beeswax candles.

Foraging or truffle hunting expeditions followed by a delicious rustic meal: Whether it’s mushrooms picked fresh from the forest floor or truffles unearthed in the hills, these are wild harvests turned into slow-cooked fireside feasts served with a glass of something local and red.

These are the kinds of experiences that elevate a trip from enjoyable to unforgettable - and, thanks to Rolandia Bespoke’s unbeatable connections, creativity and care, they’re made effortlessly accessible for your guests.

Why Wine Lovers Should Discover Romania Now

Romania is Europe’s best-kept secret for wine lovers — and it’s ready for the spotlight. With over 6,000 years of winemaking heritage, Romania rivals the great vineyards of France and Italy, yet still feels like a discovery. Ancient Dacian viticulture, Roman refinement, and centuries of Saxon and Hungarian tradition have shaped a culture where wine isn’t just poured, it’s celebrated. Let Rolandia Bespoke show you and your valuable clients what Romania has to offer.

Today, Romania’s boutique estates are producing exceptional vintages — from bold, ruby-red Fetească Neagră to delicate whites like Fetească Albă — that are earning international acclaim. What sets the experience apart is the setting: private tastings at Lacerta Winery in the rolling hills of Dealu Mare, elegant flights paired with lunch inside Cantacuzino Castle overlooking the Bucegi Mountains, or an intimate candlelit wine evening in the legendary halls of Bran Castle.

Pair this with Relais & Châteaux retreats, Michelin-level dining, and countryside hospitality that feels more like being welcomed into a family estate, and you have a wine journey that is at once deeply luxurious and deeply authentic. For clients who crave exclusivity and the romance of undiscovered Europe, Romania should be on their list — and the time to taste it is now, before the world takes notice.

Vineyard visits with a difference

When your guests travel with Rolandia Bespoke, wine is something experiential - not just a glass or two over dinner.

Their curated vineyard visits take wine lovers through the doors of the best in the land, weaving scenery, storytelling and taste together in perfect harmony.

Which producers and places are on the map?

Well, there’s the award-winning wines of Lacerta Winery, produced among the undulating hills of Dealu Mare, and the premium tastings paired with Transylvanian culinary traditions at the Jidvei Estate.

Or how about the sun-drenched terraces of Avincis Winery in the heart of Oltenia, the sleek, design-led cellars of Rasova, perched high above the Danube, the boutique charm of Casa Timis with its vineyard villas and spa or the elegant traditions of Tohani Winery, where history and heritage are poured into every glass?

For those who like their vintages with a view, Cantacuzino Castle offers an experience steeped in elegance and old-world charm.

Perched above the town of Busteni with panoramic views of the Bucegi Mountains, this neo-Romanian mansion was once home to one of the country’s most powerful noble families.

Today? Guests can enjoy a curated wine tasting in its ornate halls or out on the expansive stone terraces, sipping fine vintages served alongside stories of aristocrats, artists and a bygone golden age.

And for an evening your guests will never forget, how about a private, candlelit dinner and sommelier-led wine tasting inside Bran Castle (yes, that Bran Castle), where the legendary Dracula fortress is transformed into an unforgettably atmospheric, gothic gourmet setting long after the crowds have left.

With Rolandia’s help, clients don’t just eat these dishes — they help make them.

From hands-on cooking classes in Apold and Cund, to baking sessions with Saxon grandmothers in Viscri, these are meals woven with memory, hospitality, and cultural connection.

Romania’s Wine Renaissance

Romania is no newcomer to wine - once praised by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, it’s one of the world’s oldest producers, with a vinicultural tradition stretching back more than 6,000 years.

But unlike its flashier neighbours (and the fact that it’s now Europe’s 5th largest wine producer!), it’s managed to hang on to its status as one of the continent’s best kept secrets - and that makes it an absolute joy to explore.

The key to Romania’s viticultural success is that here, the vineyards span the 45th parallel north; the same latitude as Bordeaux and Tuscany.

So the terroir blends the best of those great regions with its own inimitable flavour, producing bold reds, elegant whites and aromatic dessert wines that carry the imprint of Romania’s slopes, soils and seasons.

Rolandia Bespoke's Menu...

Don’t-Miss Dishes

Sarmale: Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a rich, savoury filling of spiced minced meat and rice, slow-cooked in tomato sauce until meltingly soft. Traditionally served with a generous dollop of sour cream and a side of warm, buttery polenta.

Mici: Juicy, smoky skinless sausages made from a mix of beef, lamb, and pork, grilled over open flames and served hot with sharp mustard and crusty bread — a Romanian street food favourite that’s impossible to eat just once.

Ciorba de burta: Romania’s cult-favourite tripe (yes, tripe) soup: creamy, tangy and velvety, with a kick of vinegar and garlic and a swirl of sour cream. Loved by locals, surprisingly addictive to newcomers.

Papanasi: Crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fried cheese doughnuts, served warm and overflowing with sour cream and tangy fruit preserves — indulgent, messy, and completely irresistible.

Cozonac: A celebration bread like no other: rich, fluffy and spiralled with sweet walnut or poppy seed filling, sometimes dotted with raisins or even Turkish delight. Baked golden and best enjoyed in thick slices.

Wines to know

Feteasca Neagra: A velvety, deep red native to Romania, this signature tipple is rich with notes of blackberries, plums and warm spice. It’s bold yet refined — perfect with grilled meats or slow-cooked stews, and often compared to Syrah or Zinfandel for its depth and character.

Babeasca Neagra: Like a Pinot Noir or Gamay in terms of style, Babeasca Neagra is lighter in body but full of charm, offering juicy red berry flavours with a subtle earthy undertone. Best served slightly chilled, it’s a great companion to charcuterie, roasted vegetables or smoky sausages.

Feteasca Alba: Delicate and floral, this crisp white is all about lightness and elegance. Expect notes of white blossom, apple, and citrus - an ideal match for summer salads, grilled fish or soft cheeses.

Feteasca Regala: Fresh, bright and versatile, this popular white is a go-to for easy sipping. With green fruit aromas and a gentle mineral finish, it pairs beautifully with seafood, chicken - and is the perfect partner for a countryside picnic spread.

Tamaioasa Romaneasca: An intensely aromatic dessert wine with golden hues and layers of honey, rose and ripe apricot. Often compared to Muscat, it’s luscious and luxurious - stunning on its own, or with fruit tarts and cheese boards.

Why Rolandia Bespoke for Food and Wine Lovers?

What sets Rolandia Bespoke apart as a DMC isn’t just their access or expertise, though they’re exceptional enough - it’s their instinct.

We love them because they know just how to take a client’s interest - food, wine, history, wellness, adventure - and build itineraries that blend those passions in with Romania’s unique rhythm, revealing layers of natural beauty and cultural meaning along the way.

They pair boutique city hotels with countryside manors that have personal chefs. They know which vineyards will wow a serious collector, and which village cooks will charm even the most jaded gourmet.

Their knowledge isn’t just widespread - it’s deeply human.

So we hope this guide helps tempt your guests to sample this spectacular country because, whether they’re lifelong oenophiles or simply love a good meal with a great view, Romania is ready to surprise them with its depth, soul and a generosity that turns every taste into a memory.

To craft a food-and-wine led journey that exceeds expectations at every step, get in touch for an introduction to the Rolandia Bespoke team today.

Romania: Food & Wine Lovers Guide to Luxe Travel in Romania, with Rolandia Bespoke DMC