DEALU MARE & ISTRIȚA HILL – THE “KING OF WINES” AND HOME TO THE “HEN WITH GOLDEN CHICKS” TREASURE
Often rightfully called the “Tuscany of Romania,” the Dealu Mare wine region stretches for about 60–70 km between Valea Călugărească (near Ploiești) and Merei/Vernești (near Buzău), covering parts of two counties—Buzău and Prahova. Viticulture here dates back over 6,000 years, favored by a sub-Mediterranean climate (April to October) that produces high-quality grapes.
In the eastern part of this area, where it meets the Subcarpathian hills of Buzău, lies Istrița Hill—a spectacular anticline rich in history and archaeological finds (from the “Hen with Golden Chicks” treasure to the Roman fort at Pietroasele). Together, Dealu Mare and Istrița Hill offer visitors exceptional wines, unique panoramas, cultural monuments, and a tourist potential still waiting to be fully discovered.
LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
- Location:
- Dealu Mare – in northern Muntenia, south of the Carpathian Bend, spanning Prahova and Buzău counties.
- Istrița Hill – forming part of the eastern section of Dealu Mare, predominantly in Buzău County, bordered to the north by the Nișcov Valley, to the south by the piedmont plains, and to the east by the Buzău River.
- Transportation:
- DN1B (Ploiești–Buzău) follows the southern edge of the region, while DN10 (Buzău–Brașov) lies on the eastern side.
- A network of county roads (DJ 100H, DJ 203G, DJ 205, etc.) connects the wine villages and tourist sites to the main cities (Buzău, Ploiești).
- The CFR 500 railway line (Bucharest–Moldavia) and secondary rail lines pass through the southern part of the region (Buzău–Ploiești).
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND – FROM THE DACIANS TO THE GOLDEN TREASURE
Dealu Mare – Wine and Heritage
- Millennia of Viticultural Tradition: Since antiquity, Dealu Mare has been an ideal spot for grape cultivation thanks to its limestone soils and south-facing slopes.
- Wineries and Manors: Travelers can visit modern or traditional wineries in Prahova and Buzău for tastings, vineyard tours, wine brunches, or cooking classes amid the vines.
- The Zorești, Merei, Pietroasele, and Săhăteni Vineyards (in Buzău) excel in red varieties (Fetească Neagră, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon), as well as high-quality whites (Tămâioasă Românească, Fetească Regală, and more).
Istrița Hill – “Hen with Golden Chicks” and the Dacian Citadel
- “Hen with Golden Chicks” Treasure: Discovered in 1837 at Pietroasele, it captured Europe’s attention. Today, the original set is at the National History Museum in Bucharest, while Pietroasele hosts a modern amphitheater marking the find’s location.
- Roman Fort and Baths (4th century AD): Built under Constantine the Great, serving as an important frontier outpost of the Roman Empire.
- Dacian Citadel at Pietroasa Mică–Gruiu Dării: A Geto-Dacian religious and military stronghold, with Neolithic remains (Cucuteni culture) found underneath.
- “Stone Church” at Năeni: Built of local limestone, offering impressive views over the Bărăgan plains.
- Pietroasa Research Station: Known for its renowned wines (including gold-medal Tămâioasă Românească), offering vineyard tours and tastings.
LANDSCAPE AND NATURAL FEATURES
Relief
- The Dealu Mare–Istrița Ridge: Stretches 40–70 km, with a maximum altitude of 749 m (Istrița Peak), featuring sunny slopes and limestone cuestas on its southern face.
- Limestone Outcrops at Năeni: Noted for fossilized mollusks and coral, hinting at the presence of the ancient Paratethys Sea.
Climate and Vegetation
- Sub-Mediterranean Climate: Warm, relatively dry summers, mild winters, and abundant sunshine (over 2,100 hours yearly).
- Flora: Vineyards dominate the sunlit hillsides, interspersed with almond and fig orchards (Tohani, Săhăteni). Deciduous forests (oak, hornbeam, beech) and steppe grasslands flourish near the ridge.
Natural Reserves and Natura 2000 Sites
- The “Dealul Istrița” (SCI) and “Stânca Tohani” Sites: Protect species like the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), the large copper butterfly (Lycaena dispar), and the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus), along with Ponto-Sarmatic steppe habitats.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS – WINE, ADVENTURE, CULTURE
Winery Tours and Tastings
- Pietroasele: The Research and Development Station offers sweet and aromatic varieties (Tămâioasă Românească, Busuioacă de Bohotin).
- Breaza, Săhăteni, Merei: Known for red varieties such as Fetească Neagră and Cabernet Sauvignon, paired with local cuisine.
Adventure and Nature
- Hikes at Măgura and Năeni: Outdoor sculpture camps and panoramic limestone cliffs.
- Relaxation in Sărata Monteoru: Saline springs (with salt levels comparable to the Dead Sea), perfect for spa treatments.
- Truffle Hunting: In the hilly oak and beech forests.
Religious and Archaeological Sites
- Monasteries and Churches: Ciolanu (featuring Gheorghe Tattarescu’s paintings), the “Stone Church” at Năeni, Ghighiu Monastery in Prahova.
- Dacian and Roman Ruins: Tracian tombs at Năeni, the Roman fort at Pietroasele, and the Monteoru Culture around Merei–Vernești.
- Chilia lui Ambrozie (Ambrozie’s Hermitage).
Museums
- Paratethys Visitor Center at Gura Sărății: The newest visitor center in Buzău County, unveiling the story of Paratethys, Earth’s largest ancient lake.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
- Accommodation: Rural guesthouses in Sărata Monteoru, vineyard resorts in Merei and Săhăteni, offering hospitality and wine tastings.
- Specialized Tours:
- Mud Volcanoes & Dealu Mare Wine: Combine lunar-like landscapes with a tasting of Fetească Neagră.
- Archaeological Tour: Dacians, Romans, and Thracians at Pietroasele–Năeni.
- Cooking Class at the Vineyard: A wine brunch or cooking session with local ingredients.
Tip: For a complete experience, book winery visits in advance, pair them with trips to the Mud Volcanoes or Ciolanu Monastery, and don’t miss the amphitheater at Pietroasele marking the site of the treasure’s discovery.
Dealu Mare and Istrița Hill rank among Romania’s foremost destinations for wine, culture, and natural beauty. With vineyards dating back millennia, a sun-soaked sub-Mediterranean climate, and limestone landscapes steeped in history, the area offers:
- Top-quality wines, enjoyed in scenic wineries;
- Archaeological treasures (the “Hen with Golden Chicks,” Roman fort, Monteoru Culture);
- Breathtaking routes and panoramas (the “Stone Church,” outdoor sculpture camps at Năeni and Măgura);
- Culinary traditions and authentic experiences, from truffle hunting to picnics on the hilltops.
As tourism continues to flourish, the region’s renowned wines are complemented by high-quality offerings that elevate Dealu Mare–Istrița Hill to one of the country’s most attractive wine and cultural destinations—where sunshine, grapes, and history converge for travelers seeking flavor and insight.