Braov: Romanian Wine and Cheese Tasting Experience

Romanian Wine and Cheese Tasting in Braov: A Taste of Transylvania’s Heritage

If you’re looking for a relaxing, authentically Romanian experience during your stay in Braov, the Wine and Cheese Tasting at Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel offers a delightful glimpse into the region’s viticultural and gastronomic traditions. This two-hour session combines carefully curated Romanian wines with artisanal cheeses, all set within a historic cellar that echoes centuries of local craftsmanship. The experience is led by a knowledgeable sommelier who makes the entire journey approachable and engaging.

What I particularly liked is how the tasting feels intimate yet professional — not a mass-produced tour but a curated, genuine experience. The atmosphere of the Ordo di Artis wine cellar, with its medieval stone walls and glimpses of Braov’s original city wall, adds an extra layer of authenticity that makes the wines and cheeses taste even better. Plus, the tasting includes four handpicked Romanian wines, each offering a different expression of local terroirs, which is a real treat for anyone interested in discovering lesser-known wines.

One thing worth considering is that the session is held in a cool cellar environment, so packing a light jacket or sweater is a good idea. Also, while the session is designed to be very accessible, it’s important to note that participants must be 18 or older, and the experience is in English — ideal for international visitors.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Romanian Wines: Savor four carefully selected local wines that showcase the diversity of Transylvania’s vineyards.
• Expert Guidance: A passionate sommelier makes learning about the wines engaging and approachable.
• Atmospheric Setting: The historic Ordo di Artis wine cellar offers a unique ambiance, with medieval touches and views of Braov’s original city wall.
• Complementary Cheese Platter: Enjoy a platter of Romanian artisanal cheeses, perfectly paired with each wine.
• Flexible & Accessible: The tour lasts 2 hours, with multiple starting times available, and is wheelchair accessible.
• Value & Booking: You can reserve and pay later, with full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it easy to plan.

Exploring the Experience in Detail

Setting the Scene: Braov’s Hidden Wine Gem

The Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel’s Ordo di Artis wine cellar isn’t just a fancy spot; it’s steeped in history. The cellar retains its medieval character, with stone walls and a glimpse of Braov’s ancient city wall, creating an ambiance that transports you back in time. This isn’t a sterile tasting room — it’s a place where centuries of Romanian craftsmanship in wine and cheese come alive.

The meeting point is straightforward: you check in at the hotel’s front desk, and from there, the tour begins. The guide, often a passionate sommelier, takes you down into this atmospheric space, where the cool temperature and stone surroundings immediately set the tone for a relaxed, authentic experience.

The Wines: Four Local Gems

The selection of four Romanian wines is a highlight. Each one is handpicked to showcase diverse terroirs and indigenous grape varieties. You might taste a crisp white, perhaps made from a traditional Romanian grape, alongside a bold red with local character. The sommelier doesn’t just pour and walk away — they offer insights into each wine’s history, winemaking techniques, and tasting notes. It’s both educational and a lot of fun.

Several reviews emphasize the passion of guides like “Cristina,” whose friendly yet informative style makes the entire process accessible. One guest commented, “I loved how Cristina explained the differences between the wines and how to recognize the flavors — I’ve gained a new appreciation for Romanian wines.” The wines are chosen for their quality and representing Romania’s unique wine heritage, rather than just being a standard selection.

Cheese: Artisanal & Carefully Paired

The cheese platter is more than just a snack; it’s a carefully curated experience. Romanian artisanal cheeses are paired thoughtfully with the wines, enhancing both. Expect a variety of textures and flavors — from creamy, soft cheeses to sharper aged varieties. This pairing helps you understand how local cheeses can elevate the tasting experience and provides a real taste of Romanian gastronomy.

The Atmosphere & Experience

One of the things that stands out is how the setting elevates the tasting. The medieval cellar environment, with its stone walls and subdued lighting, adds a layer of authenticity that you won’t get in a modern wine bar. Many reviewers mention how the ambiance makes the experience feel “special” and “authentic.” It’s not just about the wine and cheese but about stepping into a piece of Braov’s history.

Practicalities & Logistics

The tour lasts about 2 hours, with check-in at the hotel’s front desk. The experience is wheelchair accessible, which is helpful for some travelers. The session is held in English, making it friendly for international visitors. You’re advised to arrive 15 minutes early and to bring comfortable shoes, as exploring a cellar environment can involve some walking and standing.

Pricing is reasonable considering the quality and exclusivity of the experience — you pay for the guided tasting, the four wines, and the cheese platter. You can book in advance with a “reserve and pay later” option, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours beforehand, offering peace of mind when planning your trip.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tasting is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to explore Romanian varieties in a relaxed setting. It also suits those interested in local gastronomy and history, as the atmosphere and setting are as much a part of the experience as the wines. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or even solo travelers who want a taste of local culture without committing to a full-day tour.

If you’re curious about European wines but don’t want to spend a fortune, this offers great value — a chance to sample high-quality wines paired with local cheeses, guided by someone who genuinely loves sharing their knowledge.

However, it’s not suited for large groups or those seeking a more lively, party-style tasting. Also, because the experience is indoors in a cool cellar, be prepared with a light jacket or sweater.

The Sum Up

The Romanian Wine and Cheese Tasting in Braov delivers an engaging, authentic experience that’s perfect for curious travelers wanting to explore the country’s lesser-known culinary talents. The combination of a historic setting, expert guidance, and carefully chosen local products makes it a memorable highlight, especially for those who appreciate good wine and a sense of place.

It’s a particularly good fit for those interested in learning about Romania’s indigenous grape varieties and artisanal cheese-making traditions. The setting and knowledgeable guides turn what might seem like a simple tasting into a memorable cultural experience. Plus, the flexibility of booking and cancellation makes it easy to fit into your travel plans.

For anyone visiting Braov who appreciates quality local products and wants a refined but relaxed outing, this tasting is a true standout — a small window into Romania’s rich tradition of wine and cheese.

FAQ

Is the tasting session suitable for non-Romanian speakers?
Yes, the session is held in English, making it accessible for most international travelers.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including the guide’s explanations and the tasting.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just your comfortable shoes and perhaps a light jacket, as the cellar can be cool.

Are children allowed?
No, participants must be 18 years or older to partake in the tasting.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided tasting, four Romanian wines, an artisanal cheese platter, and access to the historic cellar.

Where does the activity start and end?
It starts at the hotel’s front desk and ends back there, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule.

Is it worth the cost?
Considering the quality of the wines, cheeses, setting, and expert guidance, it offers good value for a unique cultural experience.

Would this be good for a romantic outing or a group activity?
Definitely — it’s intimate enough for a couple but also enjoyable in a small group setting.