Panciu is well known in Romania as the place where sparkling wine is produced by natural fermentation method, the Champenoise method. As it’s classified as a historic monument placed under the protection of UNESCO, ‘Stephen the Great’s Cellars’ is the place where bottles containing sparkling wine are left to filter.
Located on Valea Cerbului (The Stag’s Valley), Panciu cellars include a central corridor with 36 ramifying lateral galleries stretching over more than 3,000 meters, built in clayish soil. Historians date the cellars back to Stephen the Great period (1457 — 1504), but a document mentioning their use as wine storage place was issued on August 19, 1700, also noting the owner of the cellars, cavalry commander Ion Costin, son of the great chancellor Miron Costin.
The legend has it that Stephen the Great visited the galleries twice; this is where the ruler, together with his soldiers, celebrated every battle he won.
There is no evidence that the cellars were dug upon the great ruler’ request, but everyone in Panciu not only associates his name but they also engraved Stephen’ portrait on the entrance gate. Later on, during the World War I the cellars had military role, serving as storage for ammunition. Even if bombed and covered with dirt, they were later rediscovered and valorized.
Since 1949 the cellars turned into spaces for wine storing. Starting 1968 they began populating them with bottles of champagne for aging. Since 1997, the cellars have been declared national heritage and a historic monument, thus turning into an important attraction, being part of the touristic circuit.
According to Adevarul, the cellars are under repairs for now, so they are closed for visitors. The price for visiting the cellars is symbolically set for EUR 1, but visitors can also take part in wine tasting.