The Story of Transylvanian Wine: From Grape to Glass in Mures
When you think of wine, you think of joy, friendship, and stories shared over a glass. In the heart of Transylvania, in Mures County, wine is more than just a drink, it’s an experience that takes you from the vineyard to moments shared with loved ones. Rolling hills, carefully preserved traditions, and the locals’ passion for the vine create authentic wines with a true Transylvanian soul. Every grape has a story, and every glass is a small taste adventure. Come and discover the magic of Transylvanian wine with us!
1. Villa Vinèa
On the hills of the Tarnave Valley, among endless rows of vines, you’ll find Villa Vinèa, a winery that impresses from the first step. It all started in 2004, when Heiner Oberrauch discovered this part of Transylvania and felt he could build something truly special here. The first hectares of vines were planted between 2006 and 2010, laying the foundation for a unique winemaking
vision. Today, the winery has about 70 hectares, growing 12 different grape varieties, from the aromatic Feteasca Regala and Feteasca Alba to Gewürztraminer, Kerner, Rhin Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zweigelt, and Feteasca Neagra.
The soil, exposure, and climate all contribute to a distinctive terroir, and the winemakers’ attention to every detail is reflected in the fresh, complex, and characterful wines they produce. The winery building, designed like a tower with three levels, allows the
grapes to be processed through a natural flow: from destemming, to pressing, and fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the authentic flavors of each variety.
The wines are divided into three categories: Classic wines for everyday drinking, Premium, and Selection, the top-tier range with a gold label, which includes the sparkling Cuvee Celest and the dessert wine Contessa.
2. Liliac Winery
As soon as you reach the hills of Batos, you might feel like you’ve stepped into a corner of Tuscany, only with the authentic charm of Transylvania. This is where you’ll find Liliac Winery, a family-run business that since 2012 has combined centuries-old winemaking traditions with modern techniques, all while preserving the character of the land and the care given to each vine.
The road takes you through 38 hectares of vineyards in Batos, where the deep, water-rich soil provides ideal conditions for the vines. The sharp contrast between warm days and cool nights gives the grapes intensity and character, resulting in complex, well-balanced wines such as Feteasca Regala, Feteasca Alba, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc, each reflecting the
unique terroir of the region.
Wine tastings are held right in the middle of the vineyards, at the winery’s lodge, a charming Tyrolean-style building perched on the hilltop. From here, the view stretches across the vine rows down to the village and every glass, whether it’s Neuburger, Traminer, or Chardonnay, captures the connection between the land and the winemakers’ passion. In addition to Batos, the winery also owns 14 hectares in Lechinta, where a distinctive microclimate (warm summers, cool nights, and late-summer fog)
slows grape ripening and helps preserve fresh aromas, perfect for expressive white wines like Muscat Ottonel or Pinot Gris.
The grapes are harvested by hand, and every stage of the winemaking process is carried out with the same dedication as the work in the vineyards.
The winery’s symbol, the bat, is no coincidence: just as bats fly over the vineyards and help protect them, Liliac Winery creates wines that embrace the balance and respect for nature, whether it’s a delicate red, an aromatic white, or a refined rosé.
3. Petry Estate Winery
Just a few steps away from Targu Mures, Petry Estate Winery invites you to explore a world where passion for wine blends harmoniously with respect for tradition and nature. The story began in 2004, when two enthusiasts, Balogh Gyula and Péterfi Sándor, transformed the cellar of the old Simén manor into a vibrant place full of character. Here, organic wines are crafted, made both from the estate’s own vineyards and in collaboration with local growers. Among the most representative wines are Feteasca Regala, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zweigelt, and Feteasca Neagra. Tastings allow visitors to discover these flavors in an authentic setting, with old stone walls that preserve the atmosphere of the manor while new stories unfold with every glass. The experience is complemented by Petry’s traditional products, including artisanal cured meats prepared according to local recipes. What might start as a simple visit often turns into a true feast for the senses.
For those looking for something more exclusive, the winery also offers special Selection wines and limited editions, ideal for unique occasions or thoughtful gifts.
4. Provincia Kulpen
Located in Mures County, on the hills of Culpiu, Provincia Kulpen Winery is part of the Lechinta wine-growing region, an area with a long-standing and respected viticultural tradition. Founded in 2003, the winery covers about 68 hectares of vineyards, where grape varieties such as Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regală, Sauvignon Blanc, Italian Riesling, Neuburger, and Muscat Ottonel are cultivated.
The mild climate, fertile soil, and careful cultivation combine to produce wines of exceptional quality. Each bottle reflects not only the terroir of Culpiu but also the dedication, precision, and desire to preserve the authentic character of the wines. One of the winery’s most renowned labels is “Blazon de Lechinta,” a blend of Feteasca Regala and Muscat Ottonel, which brings
together freshness and the floral aromas typical of these varieties.
Visitors to Provincia Kulpen have the chance to discover the winemaking process and enjoy tastings that carry the imprint of centuries-old traditions, where every glass reveals the unique character shaped by history and heritage.
5. Y Wine
Located in the village of Bagaciu, Mures County, Y Wine Winery is a family project that combines winemaking tradition with the vision of young entrepreneurs.
The story of YWine begins in 2023 with a simple dream: to create a winery where quality, passion, and uniqueness blend into an honest product. The three founders, symbolized by the letter Y, started their journey united by the same values, and in 2024 they managed to acquire a 20-hectare vineyard with remarkable potential. The vineyard grows varieties like Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat Ottonel. The grapes are hand-harvested, and the winemaking process is carried out carefully, preserving the unique character of each variety while respecting the principles of organic viticulture.
6.Iszlai Winery
In Balauseri, in the heart of the Tarnava Mica Valley, Crama Iszlai blends winemaking tradition with innovation and respect for the terroir. Founded in 2007 by oenologist Jenő Iszlai, the winery stands out with its unique underground “bunker” architecture, built directly beneath the vineyard and covered with earth. This design provides ideal conditions for winemaking and aging, while the cool, secluded atmosphere of the cellar also makes it a perfect setting for tastings.
Iszlai Winery cultivates white varieties such as Feteasca Regala, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, and Neuburger, alongside red wines like Feteasca Neagra, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The winery’s symbol is Solaris, a hardy German grape harvested early, which adds freshness and originality to the range. While much of the production is sold in bulk for accessibility, Iszlai Winery also offers bottled selections, perfect as gifts or for special occasions.
7. Sântu Winery
Along the route connecting Reghin to Bistrita, in a region of gentle landscapes, Sântu Winery tells its story as a passion project born from a love for the founder’s native land. Vasile Costea, a lawyer originally from the village of Sântu, established the winery in 2019 with the goal of reviving the area’s winemaking traditions. The 1.2 hectare vineyard is tended entirely by hand and the wines are crafted with care, with every step guided by respect for nature and the terroir. Located near the former Dumbrăvița Monastery, the winery is a place where wine is connected to history, identity, and local heritage.
Sântu’s Winery collection features refined wines produced in small batches to highlight the unique character of the Luț Valley. Notable varieties include White Cuvée (Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Gris), Feteasca Regala, Red Cuvée (Merlot, Fetească Neagră), and Purpura (Merlot, Feteasca Neagra, Cabernet Sauvignon). Visits are reserved for organized groups and offer
personalized experiences, including guided tours, tastings, as well as receptions or cultural events.
Exploring the wineries of Mures means discovering more than just quality wines, it’s about uncovering stories, age-old traditions, and the passion of the people who bring them to life. Each winery has its own charm, and each glass of wine takes you on a journey through different landscapes and flavors. So, let yourself be guided by the aromas of Transylvanian wines and enjoy a
true journey of the senses in Mures!
1. Villa Vinèa
On the hills of the Tarnave Valley, among endless rows of vines, you’ll find Villa Vinèa, a winery that impresses from the first step. It all started in 2004, when Heiner Oberrauch discovered this part of Transylvania and felt he could build something truly special here. The first hectares of vines were planted between 2006 and 2010, laying the foundation for a unique winemaking
vision. Today, the winery has about 70 hectares, growing 12 different grape varieties, from the aromatic Feteasca Regala and Feteasca Alba to Gewürztraminer, Kerner, Rhin Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zweigelt, and Feteasca Neagra.
The soil, exposure, and climate all contribute to a distinctive terroir, and the winemakers’ attention to every detail is reflected in the fresh, complex, and characterful wines they produce. The winery building, designed like a tower with three levels, allows the
grapes to be processed through a natural flow: from destemming, to pressing, and fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the authentic flavors of each variety.
The wines are divided into three categories: Classic wines for everyday drinking, Premium, and Selection, the top-tier range with a gold label, which includes the sparkling Cuvee Celest and the dessert wine Contessa.
2. Liliac Winery
As soon as you reach the hills of Batos, you might feel like you’ve stepped into a corner of Tuscany, only with the authentic charm of Transylvania. This is where you’ll find Liliac Winery, a family-run business that since 2012 has combined centuries-old winemaking traditions with modern techniques, all while preserving the character of the land and the care given to each vine.
The road takes you through 38 hectares of vineyards in Batos, where the deep, water-rich soil provides ideal conditions for the vines. The sharp contrast between warm days and cool nights gives the grapes intensity and character, resulting in complex, well-balanced wines such as Feteasca Regala, Feteasca Alba, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc, each reflecting the
unique terroir of the region.
Wine tastings are held right in the middle of the vineyards, at the winery’s lodge, a charming Tyrolean-style building perched on the hilltop. From here, the view stretches across the vine rows down to the village and every glass, whether it’s Neuburger, Traminer, or Chardonnay, captures the connection between the land and the winemakers’ passion. In addition to Batos, the winery also owns 14 hectares in Lechinta, where a distinctive microclimate (warm summers, cool nights, and late-summer fog)
slows grape ripening and helps preserve fresh aromas, perfect for expressive white wines like Muscat Ottonel or Pinot Gris.
The grapes are harvested by hand, and every stage of the winemaking process is carried out with the same dedication as the work in the vineyards.
The winery’s symbol, the bat, is no coincidence: just as bats fly over the vineyards and help protect them, Liliac Winery creates wines that embrace the balance and respect for nature, whether it’s a delicate red, an aromatic white, or a refined rosé.
3. Petry Estate Winery
Just a few steps away from Targu Mures, Petry Estate Winery invites you to explore a world where passion for wine blends harmoniously with respect for tradition and nature. The story began in 2004, when two enthusiasts, Balogh Gyula and Péterfi Sándor, transformed the cellar of the old Simén manor into a vibrant place full of character. Here, organic wines are crafted, made both from the estate’s own vineyards and in collaboration with local growers. Among the most representative wines are Feteasca Regala, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zweigelt, and Feteasca Neagra. Tastings allow visitors to discover these flavors in an authentic setting, with old stone walls that preserve the atmosphere of the manor while new stories unfold with every glass. The experience is complemented by Petry’s traditional products, including artisanal cured meats prepared according to local recipes. What might start as a simple visit often turns into a true feast for the senses.
For those looking for something more exclusive, the winery also offers special Selection wines and limited editions, ideal for unique occasions or thoughtful gifts.
4. Provincia Kulpen
Located in Mures County, on the hills of Culpiu, Provincia Kulpen Winery is part of the Lechinta wine-growing region, an area with a long-standing and respected viticultural tradition. Founded in 2003, the winery covers about 68 hectares of vineyards, where grape varieties such as Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regală, Sauvignon Blanc, Italian Riesling, Neuburger, and Muscat Ottonel are cultivated.
The mild climate, fertile soil, and careful cultivation combine to produce wines of exceptional quality. Each bottle reflects not only the terroir of Culpiu but also the dedication, precision, and desire to preserve the authentic character of the wines. One of the winery’s most renowned labels is “Blazon de Lechinta,” a blend of Feteasca Regala and Muscat Ottonel, which brings
together freshness and the floral aromas typical of these varieties.
Visitors to Provincia Kulpen have the chance to discover the winemaking process and enjoy tastings that carry the imprint of centuries-old traditions, where every glass reveals the unique character shaped by history and heritage.
5. Y Wine
Located in the village of Bagaciu, Mures County, Y Wine Winery is a family project that combines winemaking tradition with the vision of young entrepreneurs.
The story of YWine begins in 2023 with a simple dream: to create a winery where quality, passion, and uniqueness blend into an honest product. The three founders, symbolized by the letter Y, started their journey united by the same values, and in 2024 they managed to acquire a 20-hectare vineyard with remarkable potential. The vineyard grows varieties like Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat Ottonel. The grapes are hand-harvested, and the winemaking process is carried out carefully, preserving the unique character of each variety while respecting the principles of organic viticulture.
6.Iszlai Winery
In Balauseri, in the heart of the Tarnava Mica Valley, Crama Iszlai blends winemaking tradition with innovation and respect for the terroir. Founded in 2007 by oenologist Jenő Iszlai, the winery stands out with its unique underground “bunker” architecture, built directly beneath the vineyard and covered with earth. This design provides ideal conditions for winemaking and aging, while the cool, secluded atmosphere of the cellar also makes it a perfect setting for tastings.
Iszlai Winery cultivates white varieties such as Feteasca Regala, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, and Neuburger, alongside red wines like Feteasca Neagra, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The winery’s symbol is Solaris, a hardy German grape harvested early, which adds freshness and originality to the range. While much of the production is sold in bulk for accessibility, Iszlai Winery also offers bottled selections, perfect as gifts or for special occasions.
7. Sântu Winery
Along the route connecting Reghin to Bistrita, in a region of gentle landscapes, Sântu Winery tells its story as a passion project born from a love for the founder’s native land. Vasile Costea, a lawyer originally from the village of Sântu, established the winery in 2019 with the goal of reviving the area’s winemaking traditions. The 1.2 hectare vineyard is tended entirely by hand and the wines are crafted with care, with every step guided by respect for nature and the terroir. Located near the former Dumbrăvița Monastery, the winery is a place where wine is connected to history, identity, and local heritage.
Sântu’s Winery collection features refined wines produced in small batches to highlight the unique character of the Luț Valley. Notable varieties include White Cuvée (Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot Gris), Feteasca Regala, Red Cuvée (Merlot, Fetească Neagră), and Purpura (Merlot, Feteasca Neagra, Cabernet Sauvignon). Visits are reserved for organized groups and offer
personalized experiences, including guided tours, tastings, as well as receptions or cultural events.
Exploring the wineries of Mures means discovering more than just quality wines, it’s about uncovering stories, age-old traditions, and the passion of the people who bring them to life. Each winery has its own charm, and each glass of wine takes you on a journey through different landscapes and flavors. So, let yourself be guided by the aromas of Transylvanian wines and enjoy a
true journey of the senses in Mures!
