Vrancea (county)

Vrancea (county)

Vrancea county is the land of the vine and is home to the largest and most productive wine region in the entire country. You drive along the wine road, where thousands of acres of grapes cover the rolling hills in a sea of green that stretches for miles. The soil is unique and the sun is intense, which creates bold and famous flavors that are celebrated by wine lovers everywhere. You can visit massive underground cellars in towns like **Panciu** and **Odobești** that store millions of bottles in a cool, dark environment. It is a paradise for any fan of the vine, offering tours and tastings that show the deep heart of the local culture. Head toward the mountains to see the spectacular area where the **Carpathian** range makes a sharp turn toward the west. The road winds through deep, untouched woods and past rushing mountain streams that flow from the high peaks. You find the **Putna Waterfall**, where the water crashes over a massive rock ledge into a deep and narrow canyon below. The scenery is rugged and full of wild power, offering a sense of the earth being alive and active in this unique seismic zone. You can hike the trails around the falls to find the best views of the water and the surrounding pine-covered cliffs. The county is famous for its ancient legends of shepherds and the spirits of the mountains that still haunt the high ridges. You find small, isolated villages where the traditional way of life has not changed in a hundred years and the people still follow the old laws of the mountains. The residents are resilient, strong, and always ready to share their hearty food and their fascinating stories with travelers. Stop at a local village market to buy fresh mountain cheese, honey and handmade wool vests. This route is a perfect blend of golden wine and high mountain power.

Vrancea (county) highlights

Part of these road trips

Follow the routes that cross this destination

The Scenic Route
The Heritage Drive
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History of Vrancea (county)

Vrancea is the tectonic heart of the land and the historic frontier where the three provinces met. The region is home to the Mausoleum of Mărășești which was built to honor the 22000 soldiers who died in the most decisive battle of the Great War in 1917 where the national army stopped the final German offensive. The county history is defined by its position on the Vrancea Fault which has caused massive earthquakes for centuries and influenced the local architecture with low heavy timber frames. This region was also the legendary home of the Seven Shepherds whom Stephen the Great granted lands to in the 15th century for their bravery in battle. The county is the premier wine region of the east with the Panciu and Odobești vineyards dating back to the medieval era. The Panciu Cellars include the famous Great Cellar of Stephen the Great which is a network of underground tunnels used for aging sparkling wines since the 19th century. The local history is also preserved in the Putna Vrancei natural park where the landscape is a mix of wild karst formations and deep forests that served as hideouts for the local outlaws for generations. The region is famous for the Vrancea Masks which are pre Christian ritual objects used in the winter solstice ceremonies to represent the spirits of the ancestors. Driving through Vrancea offers a path through the sun drenched vineyards of the foothills and the rugged peaks of the Vrancea Mountains. You can visit the Soveja resort which is known for having the most ozone rich air in the country or explore the Unirea Museum in Focșani which marks the spot where the border between Moldova and Wallachia once stood. The local roads lead to the Tișița Gorges where you can hike through narrow stone tunnels carved by the river. Vrancea is a journey through the heroic battlefields of the modern era and the deep viticultural traditions of the eastern slopes.
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