Embark on an unforgettable two-day journey through Crisana and Maramures, two of Romania's most authentic wine regions. Our carefully curated itineraries blend wine tastings at family-owned wineries with visits to cultural and historical landmarks, offering you a deep and rewarding experience.
1st - Historic Wineries and Legendary Fortresses - Balla Geza Winery, Pivnitele Birauas Winery, Daiconi Winery, Siria Fortress , and Mures Natural Park
Visit Balla Geza Winery, Pivnitele Birauas Winery and Daiconi Winery, explore the medieval Siria Fortress and Mures Natural Park, and enjoy traditional dining experiences over a two-day immersive journey.
Morning: Departure from Oradea - Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.
Nestled on the sun-drenched slopes of Minis, Balla Geza Winery is both a historic landmark and a living expression of terroir. Tastings take place in an old stone cellar, where thick walls and aging barrels set the mood. You'll explore signature wines such as the spicy Cadarca – with its Hungarian heritage – and the floral, mineral-rich Mustoasa de Maderat. Each glass is paired with traditional bites: smoked pork, hard cheese, and warm bread baked in clay ovens.
Lunch Stop: Castelul Siria Restaurant - Travel Time: 45 minutes.
Savor traditional dishes at the restaurant near the historic Siria Fortress. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Afternoon: Visit Siria Fortress - Travel Time: 10 minutes.
Explore the medieval ruins of Siria Fortress with panoramic views of the vineyards and plains. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Late Afternoon: Pivnitele Birauas Winery Visit - Travel Time: 30 minutes.
Discover Pivnitele Birauas, one of the most historic and atmospheric wine cellars in the region. Nestled in the village of Biharia, the winery offers a memorable tasting experience combining traditional craftsmanship with authentic local hospitality. The tasting unfolds inside the historic stone cellar, where thick walls and arched ceilings preserve both temperature and tradition. You'll explore a curated selection of local wines – from aromatic whites like Feteasca Regala to elegant reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The winemaker or a knowledgeable guide will introduce each variety, pairing it with local cheese or smoked meats for an authentic Crisana tasting ritual. Duration: 2 hours.
Evening: Dinner and Accommodation
Enjoy a traditional Romanian dinner and overnight stay at Hanul Moara cu Noroc, known for its warm hospitality. Duration: Dinner and relaxation.
Day 2
Daiconi Winery and Mures Natural Park
Morning: Breakfast at Hanul Moara cu Noroc
Start your day with a hearty traditional breakfast before your next adventure.
Visit Daiconi Winery - Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Tucked in a quiet countryside setting, Daiconi Winery offers a cellar-to-glass journey guided by the winemaker himself. You’ll taste bold reds and crisp whites such as Feteasca Alba and Merlot. The experience includes homemade bread, smoked lard, and seasonal vegetables served with local charm.
Explore Mures Natural Park - Travel Time: 30 minutes.
Stretching along the Mures River near Arad, the Mures Natural Park is one of Romania’s richest river ecosystems. Home to over 200 bird species, ancient oak forests, and floodplain meadows, the park offers peaceful trails, birdwatching towers, and canoe routes. A guided walk through the nature reserve reveals the quiet beauty of riparian landscapes shaped by water, reeds, and slow rhythm. Duration: 1.5–2 hours.
Lunch Stop: Restaurant Chief Arad, Arad - Travel Time: 20 minutes.
Enjoy a fine lunch with local specialties and wines at one of Arad’s most charming restaurants. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Return to Oradea - Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.
Relax and reflect on the beautiful journey through Crisana’s historic vineyards and cultural gems as you return to Oradea.
2nd - Boutique Wineries and Satu Mare Traditions - Hetei Family Winery, Nachbil Winery, Dobra Winery, Karolyi Castle, and Merry Cemetery
Discover the heritage of Satu Mare and Maramures through exclusive wine tastings at Hetei Family and Nachbil Wineries, combined with visits to historic sites and vibrant local culture.
Morning: Departure from Oradea - Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
In the heart of Satu Mare’s rolling hills, Hetei Family Winery offers an intimate tasting set in a rustic cellar surrounded by vineyards. Discover expressive wines crafted with care, such as Feteasca Regala and Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting includes house-made cold cuts and pickled vegetables for a full regional experience. Duration: 2 hours.
Visit Karolyi Castle in Carei - Travel Time: 15 minutes.
Located in the heart of Carei, Károlyi Castle is a fully restored aristocratic residence surrounded by a romantic English-style park. Originally built in the 15th century and redesigned in the 19th century in neo-Gothic style, the castle now hosts a museum, art galleries, and a collection of historical arms and costumes. Guided visits offer a deep dive into the noble heritage of the region and the Károlyi family. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Lunch Stop: La Moara Restaurant, Carei - Travel Time: 5 minutes.
Enjoy a traditional Transylvanian meal in a cozy setting. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Afternoon: Visit Nachbil Winery - Travel Time: 30 minutes.
At Nachbil Winery, biodynamic principles meet bold creativity. Located near Beltiug, the estate specializes in natural winemaking and spontaneous fermentation. You’ll taste complex, unfiltered expressions of Syrah, Pinot Noir and Feteasca Regala. Tastings take place in the airy, wood-lined tasting room, with organic cheeses from local producers. Duration: 2 hours.
Evening: Dinner and Accommodation in Satu Mare
Traditional dinner at Paprika,la Dana La Ceaun followed by overnight stay. Relax and enjoy the charm of Satu Mare.
Day 2
Dobra Winery and Merry Cemetery of Sapanta
Morning: Breakfast at Hotel Cardinal
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off towards Maramures.
Visit Dobra Winery - Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.
Dobra Winery brings a fresh, modern approach to winemaking in the Satu Mare region. Inside their clean-lined cellar and tasting lounge, you’ll explore well-crafted varietals such as Merlot and Chardonnay. Their flights include artisanal snacks and a short presentation on their vineyard's environmental sustainability efforts.
Duration: 2 hours.
Drive to Merry Cemetery, Sapanta - Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
One of Romania’s most iconic and unusual landmarks, the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta redefines the way we look at life and death. Each wooden cross is hand-carved and brightly painted, featuring poetic epitaphs and naïve-style portraits that capture the essence, humor, and story of the person buried beneath. This UNESCO-recognized site is more than a cemetery — it is a folk chronicle, a museum of memory, and a celebration of humanity. Duration: 2 hours.
Lunch: Hanul lui Ignat, Maramures - Travel Time: 15 minutes.
Traditional Maramuresean lunch featuring hearty dishes and local specialties. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Return to Oradea - Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.
Conclude your journey through Crisana and Maramures with a comfortable drive back to Oradea.
3rd - Rare Aromas and Spectacular Landscapes - Ratesti Winery, Vinca Winery, Podgoria Silvania Winery, Wooden Churches of Salaj and the city of Oradea
Explore the charm of Crisana and northern Transylvania through wine tastings at Ratesti, Vinca, and Simleu Silvaniei Wineries, paired with visits to UNESCO wooden churches and traditional rural landscapes.
Morning: Departure from Oradea - Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Hidden among the peaceful slopes near Satu Mare, Ratesti Winery invites visitors to a deep and personal experience. The tasting takes place in a cozy vaulted cellar lined with oak barrels, where the cool air carries the aroma of ageing wines. You'll be guided through a flight that includes the fresh Feteasca Alba, the vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, and a structured Merlot, each telling the story of Crișana's generous soils. Tasting is paired with traditional cold platters featuring cured meats, palinca-marinated vegetables, and warm bread from the oven. Duration: 2 hours.
Lunch Stop: Conacul Grigorescu - Travel Time: 10–15 minutes.
After the tasting, enjoy a relaxing lunch at Conacul Grigorescu, an elegant rural mansion offering refined local cuisine. The menu includes seasonal dishes rooted in regional tradition, served with care in a charming setting surrounded by orchards and gardens. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Visit VincaWinery - Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.
Nestled at the base of the Șimleu hills, Carastelec Winery is Romania’s first sparkling wine estate fully dedicated to méthode traditionnelle. The tasting takes place in an elegant salon facing the vineyard, with guided introductions to their award-winning sparkling wines like Feteasca Alba Brut and Pinot Noir Rosé. Served alongside fine cheese, nuts, and local pâté, the experience reflects both precision and finesse.
Evening: Dinner and Accommodation in Zalau - Travel Time: 40 minutes.
After your visit at Carastelec Winery, head to Zalau for dinner and rest. We recommend Restaurant Severus for a modern twist on traditional dishes, followed by overnight accommodation at Hotel Griff or Grand Hotel Baroc. Duration: dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2
Podgoria Silvania Winery and Wooden Churches of Salaj
Morning: Visit Podgoria Silvania Winery - Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Podgoria Silvania Winery is a historic vineyard reborn in the hills of aălaj. Known for its sparkling wine heritage and quiet charm, the estate offers guided tastings of delicate brut cuvées, elegant whites, and fruity rosés. Tastings take place in a light-filled room overlooking the vines, accompanied by cheese aged in salt caves and freshly baked rustic bread.
Visit Wooden Churches of Salaj (UNESCO) - Travel Time: 30 minutes.
Hidden among the hills and forests of Salaj, the region’s wooden churches are some of the most exquisite examples of traditional rural architecture in Romania. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries using oak and fir, these UNESCO-listed sanctuaries reflect centuries of local craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. Their tall, slender spires, hand-carved iconostases, and painted interiors tell silent stories of faith and identity. A short walking tour includes churches from Valcau, Lozna, and Sanmihaiu Almasului. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Lunch Stop: Casa Morarilor (Salaj) - Travel Time: 15 minutes.
Delight in rustic Maramuresean cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Afternoon and Evening: Oradea City Tour - Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Return to Oradea and explore the historical Art Nouveau quarter, Vulturul Negru Passage, and the Citadel. Enjoy a coffee break in Piata Unirii and a farewell dinner at Restaurant Corsarul. Duration: ~4 hours.