1000 Faces Winery – the wine’s philosophy
I said in the previous review that the visit and wine tasting at Budureasca Winery was a REAL success...and it was, but using the word REAL brought back memories of another passion!
When you say TRUE, I think of Real Madrid and of course Real Giulesti, meaning RAPID BUCHAREST, my soul team. My railway past has forever stuck me to this team. The football team dressed in ripe cherry-red, the color of high level wine, of the wine made with the soul for those who know how to respect it, RAPID was and will remain the symbol of many and passionate fans.
In the year of its centenary, Rapid becomes the first football team in Romania with an official wine. The “ White Cherry Story” wine collection is produced by Domeniile Averești and is inspired by the values and colors of the team from Giulești. For now, the collection includes two wines, a Sauvignon blanc (semi-dry) and a Cabernet Sauvignon (dry).
I made this bracket thinking that nothing in this world is accidental. Loving Rapid footbal team and at the same time cherry wine are two great gifts given to me by the good God!
As a result of the above mentioned, on a warm day in August 2020, I arrived at the 1000 Faces Winery, Urlați, Prahova. Here I hoped to discover the sour cherry liqueur and the man who created it – Ștefan Ionescu.
A philosophy graduate, this charismatic, modest man, an unique intellectual with an extremely fluent and logical speech, revealed to us the secrets of his passion for several hours.
In the winery garden, in a chic gazebo at wrought iron tables filled with tasting platters and of course wine, “ the professor” Stefan was in top form. Those who participated – about 10 people, attended an open and honest discussion with sometimes disarming, spontaneous questions and answers, which made me appreciate wine creator Stefan Ionescu once again.
It was getting late, the twilight was preparing to depart, but then Stefan decided that we should taste the wine that was maturing. In indian line, with the glasses in hand, we followed the "professor" who was opening the taps of the stainless steel tanks placed outside one by one, and the cherry wine we were looking for came to the meeting!
The Shiraz and Feteasca Neagră were the stars of the evening. I will never forget the stainless steel tank that shone in the moonlight and that read Feteasca Neagră - Sforile/Fințești.
Late, tired,both of us and Stefan retired to our rooms. Stefan to the winery's chic guesthouse - Casa Colinelor, and we to the Manor Between the Vineyards - a location not even 100 meters from the winery. Here, in a rustic, secluded setting, we spent the night daydreaming about the magical meeting that had taken place from over the day.
I must mention that Stefan had an extraordinary initiative a few years ago!
"Make your own wine from your own vineyard. Be the creator of your own wine!"
At 1000 Faces winery you can have your own vineyard and the wine from your grapes, in personalized bottles with your name. Choose the vine cuttings, and we'll take care of the rest! Your vine cuttings in the 1000 Faces vineyard will bear your nameIt's like having your own personal vineyard - but managed to the 1000 de Faces quality standard! The vine cuttings will bear your name for one year or as long as you renew your purchase annually, and you will be able to see them during the open days organized by the winery.
The price of a vinecutting is 360 RON (VAT included)* and, for one year, you have the following advantages...
*The total real value of the Your Wine from Your Vineyard benefits package is 650 RON, but we created this more accessible experience for wine lovers precisely to bring them a better understanding of the experience and joy that wine brings them, from the vine to the bottled product.
We try to capture the uniqueness of the land, the weather, the times and the people, all in a unique and very personal experience."...to remember and try for wine lovers.
Maybe now you're wondering why Stefan chose the name of the winery 1000 Faces?
He also answers you.
“Why 1000 Faces wines?
In a wine world full of chateaux, domains and other famous names, we are faces, anonymous and perhaps unconscious to those who know us, who do not want to produce millions of bottles but happiness on the faces of a few people."
Some technical data...
Year of start up: 2007
Position: Dealu Mare, The vineyard Breaza - Fințești, the winery is located 30 kilometers away in Urlați.
Vineyard surface: 64 Ha
Annually volum of wine bottled:≈60.000 L
Owner: Ionescu Ștefan
Winemaker: Tudor Hrubaru
Wine brands: 1000 Faces, White Sauvignon Blanc 2015, White Tămâioasă Românească 2015, Dei Gratia Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Cantea Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Distinctis Merlot 2011, Wild Carpathia 2014
Grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Fetească Albă( White Feteasca), Riesling Italian, Tămâioasă Românească, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Fetească Neagră( Black Feteasca), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc.
Here dears, we conclude the fascinating story at 1000 Faces Winery, I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting!