Uncovering the Past: The Rich History of Winemaking at Wine Garden Inn
The historic Wine Garden Inn has a storied legacy of winemaking stretching back over a century, with deep roots in the artisanal traditions and indigenous grapes of the region. Today, the inn continues to honor its viticultural heritage through sustainably-farmed estate vineyards, innovative culinary pairings, and immersive educational experiences for guests.
Artisanal Winemaking Practices
The wine program at Wine Garden Inn is a true labor of love, guided by a commitment to time-honored techniques and minimal intervention. Winemaker Oliver Bauer, who hails from a long line of German vintners, brings a reverence for the land and unwavering focus on quality to every bottle produced on the estate. From painstaking hand-harvesting to extended lees aging, each step of the winemaking process is meticulously managed to coax out the full potential of the fruit.
“I think of myself more as a wine guide than a winemaker,” Bauer says. “My wines are like kids – normally they’re good kids, but sometimes we have to give them a bit of discipline.” This nuanced approach results in a portfolio of distinctive, terroir-driven wines that showcase the depth and complexity of the region’s indigenous grape varieties, such as the aromatic Cramposie Selectionata and the tannic Feteasca Regala.
Preserving Architectural Heritage
The historic winery building at Wine Garden Inn is a testament to the property’s enduring legacy. Originally constructed in the 1920s by Prince Barbu Alexandru Stirbey, the stately structure was carefully restored and reimagined by the current owners, the Kripp family, who acquired the estate in the early 2000s.
“We demolished the old winery and went about rebuilding and meticulously reconstructing the original architecture,” explains Bauer. “The only thing different is the shade cover on the outdoor terraces that look over the vineyards and the Olt River – making the outdoors more comfortable during the heat of the summers.”
The preservation of this historic winery, with its striking barrel-vaulted ceilings and stone masonry, not only honors the property’s past but also provides a breathtaking backdrop for Wine Garden Inn’s tasting experiences. Guests can sip the estate’s acclaimed wines while admiring the craftsmanship of the bygone era.
Farm-to-Table Culinary Offerings
Woven throughout the Wine Garden Inn experience is a deep commitment to showcasing the bounty of the local landscape. Executive Chef Shane McAnelly sources a majority of the inn’s produce, herbs, and other ingredients directly from the on-site gardens and orchards, ensuring each dish is a celebration of seasonality and terroir.
“A wonderful meal is only half as good if you don’t have a glass of wine,” muses Bauer. “Or two or three.” The inn’s culinary team works closely with Bauer to develop food and wine pairings that highlight the harmony between the estate’s sustainably-grown offerings and its award-winning vintages.
From Zinfandel-braised short ribs paired with estate-grown root vegetables to a Feteasca Regala-poached pear salad, the menus at Wine Garden Inn are a true expression of the local ecosystem. Guests can even participate in hands-on cooking classes to learn the secrets behind these elevated farm-to-table creations.
Innovative Viticulture Techniques
While honoring the time-tested methods of the past, Wine Garden Inn also embraces a forward-thinking approach to viticulture. Bauer and his team are constantly experimenting with biodynamic farming practices, exploring the use of cover crops, and trialing heritage grape varietals to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the region.
The estate’s microclimate, shaped by the cooling influence of the nearby Olt River and the high-altitude Carpathian Mountains, provides an ideal canvas for these innovative viticultural techniques. “We’re always fighting too much sugar,” Bauer says. “We don’t want to add water to the must like it’s possible in other regions – it’s illegal in Romania, anyway. Our wine should not exceed 14.5 or 15 percent alcohol.”
This meticulous attention to detail, combined with a deep understanding of the local terroir, allows the winemaking team to craft wines of remarkable balance and complexity – a true reflection of the past, present, and future of winemaking at Wine Garden Inn.
Immersive Wine Education
Beyond the stellar wines and culinary experiences, Wine Garden Inn is committed to sharing its rich viticultural heritage with guests through immersive educational offerings. Bauer and his team lead tastings and workshops that delve into the history and production methods of the estate’s vintages, as well as the significance of the region’s indigenous grape varieties.
Visitors can also explore the property’s biodynamic gardens, learning about the inn’s sustainable farming practices and the role of these thoughtfully cultivated crops in the overall wine ecosystem. For a truly hands-on experience, guests can even participate in grape harvesting and winemaking activities, gaining a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
“The best thing about winemaking is I don’t know one ugly wine region, has terrible people, anything brutal,” Bauer reflects. “Where there’s wine, there is always excellent food, relaxed and laid-back people, and a rich culture with history. That’s what for me is pretty cool. And this is my job. It’s a lifestyle, it really is a lifestyle.”
The legacy of winemaking at Wine Garden Inn is one of passion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future. From the estate’s artisanal production methods to its immersive educational experiences, every aspect of the Wine Garden Inn winemaking journey celebrates the rich history and vibrant potential of this remarkable property.