Tohani Romania opened a new touristic complex #AcasăLaFeteascaNeagră, reaching a capacity to host up to 40 tourists. The investment of 5 million euros included the refurbishment of the Royal Mansion, keeping its spirit and vintage look. Recently, the second phase of the investment started, with a value of 1 million euros.
Continuing the strategy of placing Feteasca Neagră, the best-selling red wine variety in Romania, on the international wine map, Tohani Romania has completed the first part of a large investment project in wine tourism. Thus, starting the end of May, the accommodation capacity within the Tohani complex has increased to 20 rooms, being able to host up to 40 tourists.
The refurbishment works started in 2008, and in the autumn of 2018 the Mansion, the Apogeum winery and the cellar were opened to the public, with the launch of the Valahorum project. At the end of May, the accommodation capacity was expanded by 14 rooms, in a building attached to the mansion – bearing the name of the Small Mansion – completely refurbished.
As we took the time to find the recipe for the best Fetească Neagră, we did not want to hurry with the inauguration of this tourist complex. We want all those who step on our doorstep to feel and become part of the story of the wine produced in Tohani, on a royal estate, full of history. We are proud of a wine that has won medals worldwide, so we wanted the interaction with it to be done in a tailor-made setting, explained Virgil Mândru, CEO Tohani Romania.
Those who choose to stay #AcasăLaFeteascaNeagră can participate in wine tastings, following the course of the most appreciated label – Apogeum – from the first medal up to the most recent production. The whole experience is guided by a sommelier who manages to combine in his approach the story, the taste and the history that accompany the wines created at Tohani.
Since the opening, the occupancy rate has increased step by step: during the weekends we are 100% busy, and during the weekdays we see an increased demand for team-buildings and corporate events, added Virgil Mândru.
Phase two: Scandinavian cottages, spa & relaxation in the vineyard
The investment project initiated by Tohani Romania continues in the next period, with a new accommodation division: individual cottages, located less than 1,000 meters from the Apogeum Mansion, on a plateau overlooking the vineyard. With a Scandinavian-inspired design, each of the cottages in the heart of the vineyard will be able to accommodate up to four people. The complex, consisting of 20 accommodation units, will also include a spa and relaxation area, harmoniously integrated in the specifics of the area.
“The demand for accommodation is constantly growing. Even before we officially opened the gates of the Small Mansion, we had demands beyond our capacity. Romanians are becoming more and more interested in the local wine, but especially in the story behind it. Consumers are more and more refined, more curious, they are no longer conquered exclusively by the product, they also look for the experience it offers, and we, here, at the home of Feteasca Neagră, offer this experience. Moreover, with the increase of the notoriety of our wine abroad, foreign tourists become more and more intrigued by its story and come to visit us,” Virgil Mândru added.
The budget for the second stage of the investment is 1 million euros, and the project is in the approval phase. According to estimates, it is to be put into use in 2023.
In recent years, Tohani Romania has invested over 6 million euros in the Fetească Neagră vineyard, the dedicated winemaking line and the support of wines produced from this variety – through local marketing and international presence. Last year’s production reached a new record, 1 million bottles of wine with the label Fetească Neagră being bottled, and in 2020, it accounted for 75% of the total red wine sold by Tohani. Multiple international medalist, Apogeum Fetească Neagră, a wine produced by Crama Apogeum, was placed among the 1% best * wines in the world.
* International ranking through the Vivino app, based on reviews from consumers and wine specialists around the world