Summer Wines & Hikes: Liviu Popescu’s Favorites from Europe

This summer, Liviu Popescu crisscrossed Europe, exploring coastlines, mountains, and vineyards. From Sicily’s volcanic soils to Portugal’s Atlantic breezes, from the prestige of Champagne to the crisp air of the Dolomites, each stop came with a story in a glass. Along the way, he discovered local wines that didn’t just complement the landscapes—they defined them. Some were classics he revisited, others were new revelations, but all became part of a journey where taste and travel blended seamlessly. From crisp whites in the Alps to bold reds in Spain and refined bubbles in France, Liviu’s summer was marked by bottles that turned into memories.

Italy – Sicily: Planeta & Marsala

Q: Liviu, let’s start in Sicily. What caught your attention there?

Liviu Popescu: Sicily never disappoints. I visited Planeta, a winery that perfectly balances tradition and modernity. Their wines are always expressive of the land. And of course, I couldn’t leave without tasting Marsala—a fortified wine that people often underestimate. It’s rich, complex, and perfect either on its own or with dessert.

Q: Portugal was also on your itinerary. What stood out in Lisbon and Comporta?

Liviu Popescu: Portugal surprised me. At Quinta da Bacalhôa, I discovered two very different but equally memorable wines. The Moscatel de Setúbal—sweet, aromatic, spicy—was pure pleasure. On the other side, the Antão Vaz was a revelation: tropical notes, freshness, minerality. Together, they showed me how diverse Portugal’s wines can be.

France – Champagne: Taittinger

 Q: Champagne is always special. Did you revisit any favorites?

Liviu Popescu: Absolutely. For me, Champagne means celebration, and this summer I went back to Reims and visited Taittinger. Their wines are elegant, bright, full of finesse, and their Comtes is truly one of the finest exclusive champagnes. Whether on a sunny terrace or shared over dinner, it was my sparkling companion of the season.

Spain – Marbella: Chinchilla Doble Doce & Botani Blanco

Q: Spain—Marbella in particular—offered some strong choices. Tell us about them.

Liviu Popescu: Marbella gave me two very different experiences. The first was Chinchilla Doble Doce, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Ronda, crafted by Bodega Doña Felisa. It’s a structured, powerful red, and its 2014 vintage even won Best Cabernet Sauvignon in the World in Paris. On the other hand, I had Botani Blanco, a dry Moscatel de Alejandría made by the Jorge Ordóñez Group. It’s crisp, fresh, and modern—yet rooted in Málaga’s winemaking tradition.

Q: And what about the Dolomites? The alpine region is so unique.

Liviu Popescu: Exactly—wine tastes different in the mountains, maybe because of the fresh CO2. I had two standouts. The Lagrein Riserva Porphyr 2022 from Terlan—deep, structured, and with real aging potential. Then, from Elena Walch, the Gewürztraminer Alto Adige DOC—aromatic, floral, with that spicy finish that stays with you. Both wines matched the crisp air and slow pace of the Dolomites perfectly.

Romania – Fratelli & Poiana

Q: Finally, back home in Romania, what wines, or maybe something else in your glass, marked the close of summer?

Liviu Popescu: Coming home is always special, and this year two wineries stood out. From Purcari, I enjoyed elegant, structured wines that reflect both history and innovation—they’ve really become an ambassador for our region. And from Carassia, I discovered refined sparkling wines, crafted with patience and precision, that bring a fresh and contemporary touch to Romanian winemaking. These bottles reminded me that sometimes the best way to end a journey is to return to your roots, but with a new perspective. Also, a homemade plums Horinca is a true temptation while visiting Maramureș county. Before or after a traditional meal, Horinca becomes a loyal companion, opening both senses and memories.

For Liviu, this summer’s wines weren’t just drinks—they were bookmarks to memories, reflections of landscapes, people, and fleeting moments. Whether alpine or coastal, sweet or dry, each glass carried the mood of the place it came from.