Bucharest may be known for its grand boulevards and historic architecture, but it’s also a surprisingly good base for wine tours. The city’s proximity to Romania’s renowned wine regions and unique underground attractions makes it a perfect starting point for exploring local flavors. One standout experience is the private tour that takes you into the largest salt mine in Europe, combined with a visit to a traditional winery and the Dracula grave site—an unusual blend that offers culture, history, and spirits in one day. For a more relaxed option, the Bucharest: Private Wine Tasting Experience offers a curated sampling of Romania’s best wines in a cozy Old Town setting.
What’s especially appealing about Bucharest is the variety of tours that cater to different interests. You’ll find full-day excursions, small-group experiences, and private tastings. Some focus on historic castles and monasteries, like Peles and Cantacuzino, while others highlight local wine culture through tastings at boutique wineries or in atmospheric wine bars. Whichever you choose, these tours provide genuine insights into Romanian wine, culture, and history, often with expert guides and authentic experiences.
Below, you’ll find our list of the 15 best wine tours in Bucharest, each with its own unique appeal. Whether you’re after a deep dive into Romania’s underground salt mines, a scenic journey through the Dealu Mare vineyards, or a relaxed tasting in the city, there’s something here for every wine lover.
1. Salt Mine, Lunch at Winery and Dracula Grave – Private Tour
This private day trip combines Romania’s underground marvels with its legendary stories. You’ll explore the largest salt mine in Europe, the Slanic Prahova Salt Mine, at a depth of 208 meters, where massive caverns and the mine’s sanatorium are both fascinating. The tour then visits a country winery with wine tastings and delicious Romanian foods. Finally, it visits Snagov Monastery, the reputed resting place of Vlad the Impaler, which is linked to the Dracula legend.
What makes this tour special is its mix of history, natural wonder, and local flavors. The private guide and transport ensure a tailored experience, and reviews praise the tour’s depth and the guide’s knowledge. At around $208, it’s an immersive and unique way to experience Romania beyond Bucharest’s city limits. Perfect for history buffs and underground enthusiasts alike.
Bottom line: A comprehensive, personalized day trip full of surprises and authentic experiences.
2. Bucharest: Private Wine Tasting Experience
This intimate tasting takes place in Bucharest’s charming Old Town, where you can discover over 6,000 years of Romanian winemaking. Guided by friendly staff at Abel’s Wine Bar, you’ll sample premium Romanian wines in a relaxing environment. The focus here is on local varieties and the stories behind them, with tastings of five distinct wines, cheese, and meats.
Guests love the informative guides and the cozy atmosphere. At just $58, it offers a great introduction to Romania’s wine culture without leaving the city. It’s ideal for travelers who want to enjoy good wine and local ambiance in a short time.
Bottom line: An excellent, budget-friendly way to taste Romania’s wine fare in an authentic setting.
3. Wine Tasting in Bucharest
This 2-hour experience dives into Romania’s 6,000-year viticulture tradition right in the heart of Bucharest. At an authentic winery, you’ll taste a selection of reds, whites, and rosés while hearing stories about the country’s long-standing wine culture. The 100-label menu includes wines from various regions, offering a broad perspective on Romanian wine.
Reviews highlight the quality of the wines and the knowledgeable host. For around $55, it’s a rich sampling that includes the chance to buy bottles at discounts. It’s perfect if you’re looking to learn more about local wines without straying too far from the city.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, educational wine tasting that showcases Romania’s diverse wine heritage.
4. Traditions in Bucharest: Village Museum and Wine Tasting Tour
This private tour combines a walk through the open-air Village Museum with a wine tasting at a historic Bucharest wine bar. You’ll explore traditional Romanian folk architecture and get insight into regional styles from all across Romania. The visit then continues with a relaxed tasting of four Romanian wines, paired with local cheeses and sausages.
The tour’s strength is its combination of cultural history and wine, guided by a knowledgeable host. It’s suitable for those wanting an immersive cultural experience with a wine twist, at $142.24 per person.
Bottom line: Perfect for culture lovers who want to connect Romania’s folk traditions with its wines.
5. Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version
For those who want a more extensive tasting, this 2-hour private experience at Abel’s Wine Bar offers five Romanian wines—including reds, whites, and rosés—paired with a cheese platter. Plus, you get a special discount on bottles if you buy to take home.
Guests appreciate the generous tastings and the host’s knowledge. At $65, it’s a solid value for wine enthusiasts seeking a deeper experience with local wines in a lively setting.
Bottom line: An extended, informative tasting for serious wine lovers wanting a relaxed yet rundown.
6. Salt Mine, Lunch at Winery Dracula Grave – Private Tour
This full-day private adventure is a trip through Romania’s underground, cultural, and legendary sites. You’ll descend into the Unirea Salt Mine, visit a country winery for tastings, and end at Snagov Monastery, famous for its connection to Dracula. The tour includes private transportation and guides, making it both convenient and personalized.
The Salt Mine alone impresses with its massive caverns and therapeutic microclimate. The tour’s reviews praise the depth of the experience and the storytelling. Costing about $175, it’s a full-day exploration suited for those who want a mix of adventure, history, and wine.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, private day trip blending Romania’s underground wonders with its legendary tales.
7. Peles & Cantacuzino Castles: Gourmet Wine & Cultural Day trip
This small-group tour takes you to Peles Castle, a gem of German Renaissance architecture, plus the Sinaia Monastery, and ends with a wine and cheese tasting at Cantacuzino Castle. The visit offers a deep dive into Romanian history, architecture, and gastronomy, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery.
Guests praise the expert guides and the chance to explore castles and taste regional wines. At $206.28 for 8-9 hours, it’s a comprehensive day aimed at history and culture lovers who also enjoy good wine.
Bottom line: A cultural and scenic tour perfect for travelers interested in castles, history, and local wine pairings.
8. Salt Mine, the Muddy Volcanoes and Wine Tasting Private Day Tour from Bucharest!
This adventurous private day combines underground exploration, geothermal activity, and wine. You’ll go deep underground in Europe’s second-largest salt mine, see the Buzau mud volcanoes, and enjoy wine tasting at Lacerta Winery if timing allows.
The mud volcanoes are a quirky highlight, offering a lunar landscape photo opportunity. The salt mine is impressive for its size and surreal atmosphere. At around $179, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of science, nature, and wine.
Bottom line: An active, offbeat tour combining underground, geothermal, and viticultural highlights.
How to Choose the Best Bucharest Wine Tour for You
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your budget, interest in history versus relaxation, and how much time you want to spend. For instance, if you’re fascinated by Romania’s underground salt mines, Tours #1 and #6 offer immersive, private experiences. If your passion is local wine culture, Tours #2, #3, and #5 provide excellent city-based tastings. For those craving a cultural deep dive with castles and monasteries, Tours #7 and #13 fit the bill.
Booking early is wise—many tours fill up quickly, especially in peak season. Also, check the tour descriptions for the best times to go, especially for full-day adventures that might be weather-dependent or involve outdoor stops.
Final Thoughts
Bucharest’s wine scene is much richer than many travelers expect. From private underground salt mine adventures to scenic vineyard visits and city-based tastings, the options cater to diverse interests and budgets. For a romantic day, the Salt Mine, Lunch at Winery and Dracula Grave offers a mix of history, legend, and local flavors. More laid-back wine lovers will appreciate the Bucharest: Private Wine Tasting Experience or the long version, which explore Romania’s diverse wine heritage in cozy settings.
For those with limited time but a keen interest in castles and culture, the Gourmet Castle & Wine Tour offers a perfect blend of sights and tastings. And if you’re after the full Romanian experience, the full-day Dealu Mare tour will take you through award-winning wineries in Romania’s premium red wine region.
Whichever you choose, expect authentic encounters, expert guides, and plenty of local flavor. Remember to book early, especially during high season, to secure your spot in these memorable wine adventures in and around Bucharest.