Bucharest might be famous for its wide boulevards and historic buildings, but it’s also a surprisingly good base for exploring Romania’s wine scene. With a mix of ancient traditions, modern wineries, and unique experiences like a trip to Europe’s largest salt mine, the city offers something for every wine enthusiast. We particularly love the private Salt Mine, Lunch at Winery and Dracula Grave tour for its blend of history, local flavor, and exclusivity. Imagine exploring underground salt caverns, sampling local wines at a country cellar, and visiting Dracula’s legendary resting place—all in one day.
Romania’s wine scene is growing fast, and whether you want a quick tasting experience or a full-day adventure, Bucharest has options. Below, we’ve outlined the best wine tours in Bucharest, highlighting what makes each special, practical details, and who they’re best suited for.
1. Salt Mine, Lunch at Winery and Dracula Grave – Private Tour
This private day trip is a standout for those wanting a multi-layered experience outside the city. It combines a visit to Europe’s largest salt mine in Slanic Prahova—a place that’s as impressive underground as it sounds—with a stop at Snagov Monastery, home to Dracula’s supposed grave. The highlight? Tasting Romanian wines at a carefully selected country cellar, making it a full sensory immersion.
What elevates this tour is the private guide and transport, allowing for a personalized experience. The salt mine, at 208 meters underground and with its vast carved chambers, is a true marvel, and the story behind it—including its use as a sanatorium—adds a fascinating layer. The visit to Dracula’s tomb on an island makes this tour ideal for history fans or those looking for a story-rich day. Expect to combine sightseeing, wine tasting, and some legends, all in about 9 hours. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide and the “incredible salt mine,” with many calling it their best experience in Romania.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice if you want a private, comprehensive day blending history, underground adventures, and local wine.
2. Bucharest: Romanian Wine Tasting Experience at Corks
For those short on time but eager to taste Romania’s best native grapes, this cozy wine bar experience at Corks offers a curated tasting of five wines, including two whites, one rosé, and two reds. It’s a great way to get an overview of Romanian wine without leaving the city.
The host, Ovi, is praised for his warmth and depth of knowledge, making this a relaxing and educational experience. The focus on local varieties like Busuioacă de Bohotin, Romania’s acclaimed rosé, adds a regional flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. At about 1.5 hours, it’s perfect for an afternoon break or a quick intro for first-time visitors. Guests love the “great wines and friendly atmosphere,” with many recommending it as an ideal pre-dinner activity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a short, informal introduction to Romanian wines in a welcoming setting.
3. Wine Tasting and Dinner, including Sommelier
If you’re after a more indulgent experience, this wine dinner pairs Romania’s finest wines with a carefully curated menu. Led by a certified sommelier, the experience promises both educational insight and delicious local flavors. The restaurant itself is a secret spot, adding an element of discovery.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of wine tasting, regional cuisine, and expert guidance. The dinner lasts about 2.5 hours and provides a deeper understanding of Romanian wine culture. Guests mention the quality of the wines and the pairing’s thoughtful execution. It’s suited for couples, foodies, or anyone wanting an intimate taste of Romania’s wine and culinary scene.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a relaxed, immersive evening focused on pairing local wines with regional dishes.
4. Bucharest: Taste the Magic of Wine in Romania’s Tuscany
Travel approximately 100 km from Bucharest to the Dealul Mare wine region, often called Romania’s “Tuscany” for its rolling hills and vineyards. This day trip focuses on two top wineries: La Certa and Budureasca, both known for their award-winning wines and innovative approaches.
You’ll enjoy guided tours and tastings of 3 to 6 wines at each winery, with an optional traditional Romanian lunch. The entire experience showcases Romania’s modern wine scene, balancing tradition and innovation. The tour includes scenic drives and visits to quaint wineries, making it ideal for those wanting to see Romania’s countryside and taste exceptional wines.
Reviews note the opportunity to taste a range of wines and learn about the Romanian wine industry. The trip is best suited for those with a full day to spare who want a mix of sightseeing, wine tasting, and regional cuisine.
Bottom Line: For travelers looking to explore Romania’s “Tuscany” and sample award-winning wines in a scenic setting.
5. Bucharest: Tour The Wine Road, 2 Boutique Wineries in 1 Day
This full-day tour takes you through the Prahova wine region to visit two boutique wineries, each with its own character. The tour includes tastings of 10 different wines, alongside a traditional lunch in a scenic 100-year-old cellar.
What makes this tour special is the focus on small, family-owned wineries that aren’t usually on tourist routes. You’ll gain insight into the winemaking process from grape to glass, with enough variety to please both casual sippers and wine aficionados. The guide’s local knowledge is evident, and the experience offers great value for a full day out.
Guests appreciate the delicious food pairing and the chance to learn about Romanian wine culture in an intimate setting. It’s best suited for those wanting a comprehensive, relaxed day combining wine, food, and country scenery.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for serious wine lovers wanting to explore Romania’s boutique wine scene.
6. Wine tasting tour – Bucharest
This 2.5-hour tasting tour introduces you to five distinctive Romanian wines complemented by a cheese platter. It’s hosted in a highly-rated local restaurant, providing a relaxed environment to explore Romania’s wine diversity.
The experience is ideal for those new to Romanian wine or looking for a short, engaging activity. The guide emphasizes the story behind each wine, making it both educational and enjoyable. The emphasis on pairing wine with cheese creates a tasteful introduction to Romania’s wine culture.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, friendly overview of Romanian wines with a focus on local pairing.
7. Winery visit & Wine Tasting: half-day tour
For those with limited time but eager to dive into Romania’s Dealu Mare wine region, this half-day tour visits a top winery. Expect a tour of the estate, tasting five Romanian wines, and some insights into local winemaking traditions.
It’s a good choice for travelers wanting an intimate winery experience without committing a full day. The reviews highlight the quality of the wines and the knowledgeable guide. The tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts wanting a quick but meaningful look at Romania’s Dealu Mare.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a shorter, quality-focused winery experience.
8. Bucharest: Dracula’s Food & Wine Tasting Experience
This themed experience combines legendary Dracula tales with a dark culinary journey. It features eerie dishes, Romanian wines, and the chance to try native grape varieties in a fun, theatrical setting. Expect garlic cream soup, brain à la Hannibal, and other spooky bites.
The experience is as much about storytelling and atmosphere as it is about wine. It’s perfect for fans of dark history and folklore, or those wanting a memorable, themed night out. The inclusion of a shot of Red Pálinka caps off the evening, adding a daring twist.
Bottom Line: A unique blend of myth, history, and wine for those looking for a fun, theatrical evening.
9. Bucharest: Romanian Lunch Offer & Sparkling Wine
For a casual yet flavorful experience, this local wine bar offers a 5-course tasting menu paired with a glass of sparkling wine. Reinterpreting traditional Romanian dishes in a modern way, it’s a relaxed way to taste local cuisine.
Ideal for lunch or a light meal, it allows you to experience modern Romanian flavors in a cozy setting. The focus on local ingredients and fresh preparations makes it accessible and satisfying. Perfect if you want a low-key, delicious introduction to Romanian culinary culture.
Bottom Line: Excellent for a quick, authentic tasting experience paired with bubbly and local dishes.
10. Day Trip from Bucharest to Wine Region: Tour & Wine Tasting
This guided day trip takes you to the southern Romanian wine country, with visits to local vineyards and a guided tasting of regional wines. The itinerary includes village visits and insights into local life.
Ideal for those seeking a combination of wine and countryside, it’s suited for travelers wanting an authentic experience beyond Bucharest. The 7-hour duration makes it manageable and informative, providing a taste of rural Romania’s wine and culture.
Bottom Line: A good pick for those wanting a full day of wine, scenery, and local traditions.
11. Salt Mine, Lunch at Winery & Dracula’s Tomb – Small Group 7p
This small-group tour is similar to the private version but limited to only seven travelers, fostering a more intimate atmosphere. It includes a visit to the salt mine, regional wine tasting, and a stop at Dracula’s tomb.
Traveling in a small group often means more personal attention and flexibility, making it ideal for those who prefer a social vibe with less crowding. The highlight is the chance to explore the salt mine and experience local wines paired with regional foods, all within about 9 hours.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a small-group experience with a mix of history, wine, and legend.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Bucharest
When selecting a wine tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and particular interests. For a full immersive experience that combines history, underground adventures, and wine tasting, the private Salt Mine, Lunch at Winery and Dracula Grave is hard to beat. If you’re short on time but want a solid introduction, the Romanian Wine Tasting at Corks offers a quick, enjoyable experience.
For those seeking a full-day outing with scenic drives and multiple wineries, the Tour The Wine Road or the Day Trip to Wine Region are excellent. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for shorter tastings like the Wine Tasting Tour or enjoy an evening dinner with local wines.
Timing your trip also matters—spring and fall are ideal for vineyard visits, but many wineries operate year-round. Booking early, especially for private or small-group tours, ensures availability.
Final Thoughts
Bucharest offers a surprisingly diverse range of wine experiences that cater to different interests and schedules. Whether you prefer a private underground salt mine adventure, a quick city tasting, or a leisurely full-day winery tour, there’s something for you. For a truly memorable trip, consider combining a wine tour with local sights or cultural experiences, and book well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
To make the most of your trip, think about what you enjoy most—be it history, scenery, or food—and pick a tour that aligns with that. With so many options, your Romanian wine journey will surely be a highlight of your time in Bucharest. Cheers to discovering new flavors and stories in this fascinating country!