4 mins
Movin Hungary

MEET THE WINEMAKER Series: Romania’s Elegant Ambassador of Terroir and Taste

An Inside Look at Vinarte: A Conversation with Ciprian Dondea, Export manager From the historic hills of Sâmburești to the sun-drenched vineyards of Mehedinți, Romanian wine is quietly making its mark on the global stage. Behind this growing momentum stands a new generation of wine professionals dedicated to telling the story of their terroir. One of them is Ciprian Dondea, Export Manager at Vinarte, a pioneering Romanian winery that combines deep respect for tradition with a forward-looking vision. In this edition of MEET THE WINEMAKER, we sit down with Ciprian to explore the philosophy behind Vinarte, the unique character of Romanian grape varieties, and the excitement of taking local excellence to the world.
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An Inside Look at Vinarte: A Conversation with Ciprian Dondea, Export manager

From the historic hills of Sâmburești to the sun-drenched vineyards of Mehedinți, Romanian wine is quietly making its mark on the global stage. Behind this growing momentum stands a new generation of wine professionals dedicated to telling the story of their terroir. One of them is Ciprian Dondea, Export Manager at Vinarte, a pioneering Romanian winery that combines deep respect for tradition with a forward-looking vision.

In this edition of MEET THE WINEMAKER, we sit down with Ciprian to explore the philosophy behind Vinarte, the unique character of Romanian grape varieties, and the excitement of taking local excellence to the world.

MOVIN: Ciprian, thank you for joining us. Let’s begin with a broad question—how would you describe the philosophy that guides Vinarte?

Ciprian Dondea: Thank you for having me. At Vinarte, our philosophy is grounded in respect—for the land, for the vine, and for the people who enjoy our wines. We believe in creating wines that are true to their origin, expressive of Romania’s diverse terroirs, and elegant in style. Since our founding, we’ve invested in both modern technology and historical vineyard sites to produce wines that can compete on the world stage without losing their local soul.

MOVIN: Vinarte has become one of Romania’s best-known producers abroad. Could you tell us more about your vineyards and how they shape your wines?

Ciprian: Our vineyards span two major regions—Mehedinți and Samburesti—which offer ideal conditions for both indigenous and international grape varieties. Samburesti, for example, with its rolling hills and temperate continental climate, is perfect for growing red grapes with character and structure. Meanwhile, the Mehedinți region, with its southern exposure and clay-illuviated soils, produces whites that are aromatic and fresh. This diversity allows us to craft a wide portfolio of wines, each rooted in a specific place.

Let’s talk about grape varieties. Vinarte works with both international and indigenous grapes. What are some of the Romanian varieties you're particularly proud of?

Ciprian: Absolutely—we’re very proud of our native grapes. Wines like Fetească Regală, Fetească Albă, and Tămâioasă Românească represent the aromatic and stylistic richness of Romanian whites. On the red side, we work with Fetească Neagră, Novac and Negru de Drăgăşani, varieties with a strong connection to our heritage. Fetească Neagră, in particular, is a star—it’s elegant, spicy, and age-worthy. These grapes are the backbone of our most expressive and authentic wines.

MOVIN: Can you share a bit more about some of your flagship wines?

Ciprian: Of course. One of our most iconic wines is Soare, which means “Sun” in Romanian. It's a premium wine, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the warmth and intensity of our best vineyard parcels. As a recognition of this wine's quality, Soare 2017 was awarded 93 points by The Wine Advocate – Robert Parker, making it the highest-rated Romanian wine according to RP scores. Another important label is SIRENA DUNĂRII (The Danube’s Siren), a wine that beautifully captures the influence of the Danube River on our terroir—fresh, mineral, and full of charm. Each of these wines is crafted to reflect a sense of place and tell a story.

MOVIN: Vinarte is present in many international markets. What has the export journey been like?

Ciprian: Export is a key pillar of our strategy. Romanian wine still faces the challenge of recognition abroad, but we’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic partners in countries like Japan, China, Taiwan, the USA, and the Netherlands. Japan, for instance, has been an especially receptive market—they appreciate precision, balance, and authenticity, which fits our wines perfectly. The Asian markets represent a major attraction for us, but we are always looking to open new doors where there's curiosity for new terroirs. In the near future, we aim to strengthen our presence in Central and Western Europe, where we are confident that Vinarte wines can make a strong and positive impression among consumers.

MOVIN: What’s next for Vinarte? Are there new projects or directions you’re particularly excited about?

Ciprian: We’re constantly evolving. One of our key priorities is to further strengthen the Vinarte brand in international markets. Over the years, we’ve built a solid presence, and now we’re focusing on deepening our brand identity and recognition—not just selling wines, but telling a consistent and compelling story that resonates globally. Alongside this, we’re also exploring new distribution channels and strategic partnerships that align with our long-term vision. Of course, sustainability and quality remain at the heart of what we do, and we continue to refine our winemaking approach to highlight the authenticity of Romanian terroir.

MOVIN: Finally, what would you say to someone discovering Romanian wine for the first time?

Ciprian: I’d say: come with an open mind. Romanian wine is still a hidden gem, but what you'll find is diversity, character, and a deep sense of place. Whether it’s a crisp Tămâioasă Românească or a brooding Fetească Neagră, there’s something for every palate—and a lot to be surprised by.

Don't forget to check out the products from Vinarte.

#MeetTheWinemaker #RomanianWine #Vinarte #EasternEuropeanWines #TerroirDriven #MOVINagency

Written by
Movin Hungary
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