Olimp: Clos des Colombes Winery Tour and Wine Tasting

When you’re exploring Romania’s Constanta County, finding a wine experience that combines history, scenery, and good wine can sometimes feel like a challenge. That’s why I’m glad to share this detailed look at the Clos des Colombes Winery Tour and Tasting — a unique experience that’s worth considering if you’re interested in discovering a boutique winery with a truly inspiring story.

What really draws us in about this tour is how it blends personal storytelling with a chance to sip some exceptional wines amid scenic vineyards. Plus, the chance to explore restored stone cellars and learn about the artisanal process adds a layer of authenticity you don’t often find on typical wine tours.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour lasts about 2 hours, which is manageable but might feel a tad rushed if you’re the type who loves lingering at every stop. Also, the price of $42 per person offers good value, especially given that it includes three wine tastings and light bites — but it’s a more intimate experience, so try to book ahead.

This tour suits those curious about wine, history, or women-led enterprises. It’s especially appealing if you’re into stories of bold women making their mark or simply want a peaceful escape by the sea with a glass in hand.

Key Points

• Authentic Storytelling: The winery’s founder left France to build her dream in Romania, making the experience inspiring and personal.
• Beautiful Setting: Enjoy scenic vineyards and old stone cellars, with the possibility of a horse-drawn carriage ride.
• Quality Wines: Recognized for high-quality, signature wines guided by Romania’s only female certified sommelier.
• Comprehensive Tour: Walk through the restored production areas, learn about artisanal winemaking, and get insider insights.
• Inclusive Experience: Includes a guided tour, three wine tastings, light bites, and live commentary in English or Romanian.
• Suitability: Perfect for curious travelers, wine lovers, and those interested in women-led businesses — but not ideal for children or pregnant women.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Clos des Colombes Experience

The Setting and First Impressions

The Clos des Colombes winery is located in the peaceful, scenic region of Olimp, Romania. When you arrive, you’re greeted by a quiet landscape of vineyards and a charming, restored estate that was once an abandoned communist-era farm. The story of transformation here is quite compelling — a woman from France, born into a family of winemakers, left her homeland to start anew.

This background immediately sets the tone for the visit: it’s about dedication, innovation, and passion. The winery is now recognized for its exceptional quality wines, a notable achievement given the humble beginnings of the estate.

Guided Tour of the Cellars and Production Area

The tour kicks off with a walk through the stone cellars and fermentation areas. Here, the guide shares the history of the estate and insights into the artisanal process of winemaking. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of each step — from fermentation to aging — making it accessible even for those new to wine.

The fact that the winery restored the original cellars adds a tangible sense of history. Walking through these cool, stone corridors felt like stepping back in time, but with a clear focus on modern quality standards.

The Vineyard Stroll and Scenic Views

Next, you’ll likely get to walk through the sun-drenched vines and enjoy the sea breeze, which is said to influence the flavor profile of the wines. Depending on the season, you’ll see the lush, carefully cultivated grape varieties that make the winery special.

Most reviews note that the peaceful atmosphere makes this part of the experience especially relaxing — a rare chance to slow down and appreciate the landscape. A horse-drawn carriage ride might be available if the weather permits, adding a charming, old-world touch to the visit.

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The Wine Tasting — Bold Flavors and Expert Guidance

The tasting includes three of Clos des Colombes’ signature wines, guided by Romania’s only female certified sommelier. The wines are praised for their exceptional quality, often described as bold yet balanced. The guide walks you through each glass, explaining their nuances and what makes these wines stand out.

Light bites and pairing snacks are served alongside, including homemade bread and small regional bites. Travelers have said that the pairings enhance the tasting experience without overshadowing the wines themselves.

The Story Behind the Winery

What makes this tour special isn’t just the wine but the story of the founder. Leaving behind the Champagne region, she found a dormant, abandoned estate by the sea and transformed it into a poetic winery. Her journey shows dedication and a willingness to innovate, which makes for great storytelling and adds a layer of depth to the tasting.

Many reviews praise her vision and the way she has created a boutique winery that embodies passion and resilience. This is especially compelling if you’re someone who appreciates stories of women breaking barriers and forging new paths.

Price and Value

At around 160 RON ($42) per person, the experience offers good value considering it includes the tour, three tastings, and light bites. If you’re into smaller, more intimate experiences rather than large group tours, this one fits the bill. The personalized guidance and the focus on quality make it worth the price.

Practical Tips and What to Expect

• Dress comfortably — some parts of the tour are outdoors, and you’ll walk through vineyards and cellar areas.
• Bring your camera — the scenery and the winery’s aesthetic are very picture-worthy.
• Book in advance — the tour is limited in size, and spots tend to fill up, especially in high season.
• Timing — check availability as the tour lasts about 2 hours, so plan your day accordingly.
• Language options — tours are offered in Romanian and English, with French on request.

Considerations

This experience isn’t suitable for children or pregnant women, mainly because of the alcohol tastings and the nature of the tour. Also, if you’re not fond of outdoor walking or if you prefer large, commercial wineries, this might feel a bit intimate or rustic for your taste.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a wine lover looking for something more than just a tasting at a big winery, this is a gem. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy stories of women entrepreneurs or are interested in boutique wineries that focus on artisanal methods.

History buffs and scenery seekers will also appreciate the blend of sea views, vineyards, and old cellars. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want a peaceful, authentic, and inspiring experience away from crowded tourist spots.

Final Thoughts

The Olimp: Clos des Colombes Winery Tour and Wine Tasting offers a genuine, well-rounded look at Romanian boutique winemaking with a twist of storytelling that’s rare to find. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that celebrates dedication, craftsmanship, and bold women.

While it’s not a tour for everyone—especially if you’re traveling with kids or not into wine—it’s perfect for curious travelers, foodies, and those seeking a peaceful escape by the sea. The combination of beautiful scenery, engaging stories, and high-quality wines makes it a worthwhile stop on your Romania itinerary.

For those wanting to learn more about the local wine scene while enjoying a scenic, tranquil setting, this tour hits the right notes. Just remember to book ahead and set aside enough time to truly savor the experience.

FAQ

Is there a specific dress code for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended because part of the tour is outdoors, and you’ll be walking through vineyards and cellar areas. Casual, clean attire suited for walking is ideal.

How long does the entire experience last?
The tour takes about 2 hours in total, including the guided walk, wine tasting, and light bites.

Are the wines available for purchase after the tour?
While the tour includes tasting three wines, many visitors find they want to bring some bottles home. It’s best to ask the winery directly if they sell bottles for take-home.

Can I request a French or Romanian guide?
Tours are offered in Romanian and English, with French available on request. Be sure to specify your language preference when booking.

Is the tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The guide explains each wine’s nuances clearly, making it accessible for those new to wine tasting.

Are there any additional costs?
The price covers the tour, three tastings, and light bites. Extra items like artisan cheese platters or additional glasses are not included and might cost extra if available.

Can I join the tour if I don’t speak English?
Yes, tours are available in Romanian and English, and French upon request. Check with the supplier to confirm language availability when booking.

This experience is a lovely blend of history, scenery, and good wine, wrapped in a story of boldness and resilience. It’s a great pick for anyone wanting a memorable, authentic taste of Romania’s lesser-known wine scene.

You can check availability for your dates here: