Romania is the world’s 12th largest wine producer and is known for its delicious natural products, be it fruits, vegetables, cheeses or smoked meat and fish.
Since 2018, it has dedicated a special day in October to honor its tasty gastronomy and top-class wines, in celebrations at home and this year abroad too.
Romanian embassies and representatives around the world used the occasion to promote the best of Romanian food and wines following a law signed off by President Nicusor Dan in June, shortly after he entered office.
The Romanian Embassy to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta sent Universul.net news of the event which was celebrated Thursday at the residence of H.E. Ambassador George Bologan.
It coincided with the visit of the Romanian Senate speaker, Mircea Abrudean to the Vatican.
Representatives of the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, academics and ecclesiastics, religious organizations, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and journalists attended the reception.
Mr. Abrudean highlighted the spiritual and symbolic sides to gastronomy and wine. The joy of sharing food and wine is an expression of Christian communion and hospitality, providing a good opportunity to encourage knowledge of diversity and closeness between people, he said.
The promotion of Romanian wines in an international context, such as that of the Holy See, is essential for capitalizing on winemaking traditions, supporting local producers and strengthening an authentic culture of respect for creation.
Ambassador Bologan underlined Romania’s gastronomic and wine-making traditions, pointing out that the respect for the land and its fruits reflects an ethic of responsibility and continuity passed down through generations.
Wine and food are the outcome of the bond and “cooperation” between man and nature and tell the story of a people.
“Wine is a national symbol with universal value. Culture and knowledge of a people also means gastronomy, and gastronomy and wine have played an important role in promoting dialogue, social cohesion, peace, the conclusion of alliances and the bond of lasting friendships,” the Ambassador said.
Guests tasted traditional products and dishes and sampled a selection of wines from some of Romania’s most prestigious wineries, including Avincis Winery, Recaș Winery and Corbuț Winery.
Prof. Dr. Dorin Popa, an expert wine taster presented the wines, offering them a glimpse into the art of oenology.
Romania has a rich gastronomic and viticultural heritage, and is twelfth most important country in the world for wine production, thanks to an array of vineyards spread over the country and a mixture of international and native grape varieties such as: Fetească Albă, Grasă de Cotnari, Fetească Regală and Băbească Neagră.
