From Tradition to Tomorrow: The Story of Avincis Winery in Drăgășani

In the rolling hills of Romania's Drăgășani wine region, Avincis Winery stands as a testament to tradition revived with a modern vision.

What began in 1927 with Maria and Iancu Râmniceanu's acquisition of the Vila Dobrușa estate has flourished under the care of their descendants, Cristiana and Valeriu Stoica. Today, Avincis welcomes wine lovers to experience the vibrant character of Drăgășani wines amid the beauty and cultural richness of the historic family estate.

The Terroir of Drăgășani: Perfect Harmony of Climate and Soil

The Drăgășani vineyard, extending along the Olt River’s right bank, is blessed with a unique terroir. The calcareous clay soils are rich in limestone, sand, gravel, and marl—an ideal foundation for vines. The temperate continental climate, infused with Mediterranean influences, creates balanced conditions. Summers bring warmth and moderate humidity, especially around the Olt valley, which acts as a natural buffer, making Drăgășani an exceptional location for vine cultivation. This terroir supports both indigenous and international varieties, producing wines that are fresh, vibrant, and elegant.

Celebrating Indigenous and International Varieties

Avincis Winery reflects a dedication to Romania’s indigenous varieties, blending them harmoniously with international grapes. The region’s white wines, historically celebrated, exhibit freshness and acidity, with the local Crâmpoșia Selecționată, Tămâioasa Românească, and Feteasca Regală among the most prominent. For reds, Avincis highlights the native Negru de Drăgășani alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, creating wines that reflect Drăgășani’s potential for both tradition and innovation.

Viticulture and Winemaking: A Sustainable Approach

Sustainability is a key aspect of Avincis Winery’s approach. Agronomist engineer Marius Gaidanof and the Oenological Council ensure that every stage of vineyard management is carefully controlled. The land is nurtured through manual tilling, avoiding herbicides and synthetic fertilizers, and promoting green practices. This dedication to sustainable viticulture allows each vine to convey the unique characteristics of the soil. The meticulous division of the vineyard into small parcels also ensures traceability, allowing the winery to highlight the diverse expressions of the Drăgășani terroir.

Vila Dobrușa: A Vine-Covered Sanctuary

The landscape surrounding Vila Dobrușa is as impressive as its history. Spread over 43 hectares, the vineyard covers the hill with gentle slopes that provide outstanding sun exposure from dawn until dusk. The carefully designed architecture of the Avincis winery complements the natural surroundings, embodying a blend of modern aesthetics and Romanian tradition.

Wine Tasting

We selected Sparkling Wine Crâmpoșie - Pinot Noir, Crâmpoșie Selecționată, and Fetească Regală for this tasting. These wines showcase both the vibrant freshness and complexity that the Drăgășani terroir can impart. Each wine reveals different facets of Romanian winemaking, from the sparkling elegance of Crâmpoșie blended with Pinot Noir, to the zesty, mineral-driven profile of Crâmpoșie Selecționată, and the rich, oak-aged character of Fetească Regală.

• Sparkling Wine Cramposie (75%) - Pinot Noir (25%) Extra Brut: The bouquet is refined and inviting, opening with notes of white flowers and freshly cut hay, followed by the soft warmth of brioche—a nod to its traditional method production. Upon tasting, it reveals a lively character, defined by fine, persistent bubbles that bring energy to each sip. The palate is fresh and elegant, with pronounced minerality that adds depth and balance, carrying the flavors through a crisp, clean finish.

• Cramposie Selectionata 2023: The bouquet is lively and inviting, with aromas of delicate linden flowers, crisp green apple, and juicy pear, setting the stage for a bright and refreshing experience. On the palate, this wine delivers a burst of citrus flavors, balanced by a soft, gentle minerality that provides depth and structure. Its lively acidity keeps each sip refreshing, and it finishes with a pleasant persistence, making it highly versatile.

• Fetească Regală 2023: The bouquet is layered and enticing, offering notes of delicate white blossoms, ripe pear, and dried apricot, with deeper aromas of coconut, hazelnut, and vanilla from its 8 months of aging in French oak. Each aroma weaves together to create a complex and inviting nose. On the palate, this wine is generous and full-bodied, filling the mouth with flavors of juicy peach and spiced pear. Its well-structured body and smooth oak influence add elegance and depth to every sip, making it a memorable wine with excellent balance.