The story of Sâmburești is a journey through time, where each chapter is written with noble wines and remarkable figures.
On these hills, sheltered by the Carpathians and enriched by the generosity of the Olt River, we are perfecting the art of winemaking.
The First Mentions
Sâmburești is mentioned for the first time in historical records. At the time, the village was part of the Rudeanu family's estate, a noble family with significant influence in Wallachia. Theodosie Rudeanu, a great logothete and advisor to Mihai Viteazul, was one of the most important members of this family.
Royal Decree
Sâmburești is officially documented during the reign of Mihai Viteazul. He rewarded his captain, vel-armaș Marco, for his bravery with the estate of Sâmburești through a princely decree.
Founding of the Sâmburești Monastery
Vel Armaș Marco Danovici and his wife, Rada, founded the church of Sâmburești, which remains a symbol of the place. The ruins of Marco’s palace still stand as a testament to this rich past.
Ancient Nobility
On August 1st, 1638, the village officially became the property of Marco Danovici, the grand cupbearer and founder of the Sâmburești Monastery. He purchased the estate from Vlad Rudeanu for 400 gold coins, a vast sum at the time. This era marks the beginning of a long viticulture tradition in the region, documented over the centuries.
The Brătianu Name
Constantin Crețulescu, the son of Iordache Crețulescu and son-in-law of Constantin Brâncoveanu, sold the Sâmburești estate, which later passed into the hands of the Brătianu family. Viticulture and fruit farming became central activities of the estate.
New Times
Through the land reform of 1864, parts of the Sâmburești estate were redistributed to local villagers. During this period, local wine and brandy production grew significantly, highlighting the area’s well-established viticulture potential.
August Ville
The renowned French oenologist August Joseph Ville was invited by Vintilă Brătianu to revitalize the vineyards of Sâmburești. He introduced French varieties such as Muscat Ottonel and Merlot, enhancing the quality and diversity of the wines produced.
International Recognition
The wines of Sâmburești were awarded the Gold Medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris, affirming their international prestige.
Nationalization
In 1945, through nationalization, parts of the estates were transferred to the state, forming Agricultural State Farms (A.F.S.M.).
Collectivization
In 1949, the former Brătianu estate became a State Agricultural Enterprise (G.A.S.), managing extensive vineyards, orchards, and forests. The red grapes produced the famous “Sâmburești Bordeaux,” nicknamed “The Bear’s Strength,” while the white wines were light and pleasant.
2005
A Symbol of Quality
During this period, Sâmburești wines remained a symbol of quality in Romania. They were favored by the powerful and became the official protocol wine of the Communist regime. It was said that even Stalin counted it among his favorites. After the fall of the Communist regime, Sâmburești regained its autonomy and began investing in modernizing its vineyards and winemaking technologies, marking a renaissance for the brand.
The Renaissance
In 2005, through the visionary leadership of Jean Valvis, the architect of the Dorna, LaDorna, and Aqua Carpatica brands, Sâmburești was reborn. Valvis brought a unique perspective, blending respect for ancient traditions with a relentless drive for innovation and excellence. By reviving the vineyard, he restored Sâmburești as a symbol of refinement and nobility.
Noble heritage and the people who live it
Throughout its history, Sâmburești has been guided by people who have preserved the soul and authenticity of this blessed land. One such figure was Nea Petrica, a master winemaker with rare kindness, who grew up in the vineyards of Sâmburești and kept the spirit of the estate alive even in the hardest times. His recipe, composed of three parts Cabernet Sauvignon for strength, one part Merlot for softness, and one part Malbec for color, continues to define the wines we craft today.
Tradition and Innovation
Today, Domeniile Sâmburești proudly continues this noble craft, combining traditional techniques with modern innovation. Under new leadership and vision, the vineyard has not only regained its former glory but has also entered a new era of winemaking excellence. Each bottle produced here is a tribute to the past and a commitment to the future, capturing the unique terroir of Sâmburești and the passion of those who cultivate it.
