The Vrancea Hills & Nature's Pace

The story of Velo Winery begins in 2017, when Bogdan Mitu looked out across the gentle terraces of Vârteșcoiu, in the Cotești wine region of Vrancea County, Romania, and saw not just a landscape of extraordinary potential, but a mission. Vrancea is one of Romania's most historic and diverse wine regions — a land where viticulture has existed for millennia, where the Milcov River winds through hills that have known the footsteps of Dacians, Romans, and generations of Romanian winegrowers. Bogdan founded Velo with a clear purpose: to merge traditional Romanian viticulture with modern organic and sustainable practices, to create wines that respect both the land and the environment, and to prove that Romania's indigenous varieties — so often overlooked in favour of international grapes — deserve a place on the global stage.

The name "Velo" reflects this philosophy of movement and natural energy. It is not merely a brand; it is a statement — an alignment between vineyard vitality, ecological awareness, and artisanal craftsmanship. The winery operates under the company name Winebiofire SRL, a reflection of its commitment to biological (organic) farming and the fire of passion that drives every decision. From the very beginning, Bogdan Mitu understood that the best wines come from the healthiest vineyards, and that the path to quality lies not in technological intervention but in patience, observation, and respect for natural rhythms. "Nature sets the pace" — this is the guiding principle that defines every aspect of the Velo project.

The first vineyards were planted and converted to certified organic farming — no synthetic pesticides, no herbicides, no chemical fertilisers. The 35 hectares were tended with manual pruning and harvesting, inter-row grassing to support soil biodiversity, and controlled yields to ensure balance and concentration. The climate of Vrancea — continental with warm summers and moderate rainfall, influenced by the protective embrace of the Carpathian foothills — provided the perfect conditions for grapes of purity and character. The soils, a mix of brown forest soils, clay, and sand, offered good drainage and mineral structure, forcing vines to dig deep and concentrate their flavours.

Since its establishment, Velo Winery has grown steadily, building a reputation for wines that are vibrant, natural, and authentic. The portfolio expanded to include both indigenous Romanian varieties — Fetească Regală, Plăvaie, Fetească Neagră, Busuioacă de Bohotin, Tămâioasă Românească — and international grapes — Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon — all vinified with the same commitment to minimal intervention and honest flavour. The winery has become known not just for the quality of its wines, but for its creative, contemporary approach to packaging and brand storytelling, as well as for limited-edition wines that highlight craftsmanship: orange wines, natural sparkling (pét-nat), and barrel-aged selections. Today, Velo Winery is a hidden gem — a boutique producer that stands out with its commitment to sustainability and wild fermentation processes, attracting wine lovers who seek authenticity, purity, and the unmistakable voice of the Vrancea hills.

At Velo Winery, the winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention and maximum authenticity. The goal is not to dominate the grape but to guide it — to allow the natural character of the Vrancea hills to express itself through clean fermentation, honest flavour profiles, and a clear sense of origin. All wines are made with a focus on authenticity, freshness, purity, and varietal character. The fermentation is predominantly spontaneous, using native yeasts that capture the microbial fingerprint of the Cotești terroir. Temperature-controlled fermentations are employed where needed, but the guiding principle is always to follow the grape's natural rhythm rather than impose an industrial schedule.

The vinification style is low-intervention and pragmatic. Sulphur additions are minimal, primarily at bottling to ensure stability. Fining and filtration are limited or absent, depending on the wine — the goal is to preserve the natural texture, aroma, and flavour that define each variety. Ageing is conducted in a combination of stainless steel tanks and neutral oak barrels, with selected cuvées aged on fine lees for texture and depth. This vessel diversity allows Bogdan Mitu to match each wine to the container that best complements its character: stainless steel for freshness and fruit purity, neutral oak for subtle complexity and roundness, lees contact for creamy texture and longevity.

"Fetească Neagră" — The Emblematic Red: The Fetească Neagră is Velo's most structured and spicy red — a wine that showcases the extraordinary potential of Romania's most emblematic indigenous variety. Fetească Neagră is a dark-skinned grape that produces wines of deep colour, vibrant acidity, and complex aromatics — structured and spicy with dark fruit depth. At Velo, it is grown on the brown forest soils of Vârteșcoiu, hand-harvested, and fermented spontaneously with native yeasts. The wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak, with minimal sulphur and no excessive manipulation. In the glass, it is deep ruby with garnet reflections. The nose offers dark cherry, plum, black pepper, and a distinct herbal note that speaks of the Carpathian foothills. The palate is medium to full bodied, with firm but ripe tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, spicy, savoury finish. It is a wine of both power and elegance — the kind of wine that makes you understand why Fetească Neagră has been Romania's signature red for centuries. Serve at 16–18°C. Decant if possible. Age 5–10 years. ~€14–€22 / ~$15–$24 USD.

"Plăvaie" — The Revived Ancient White: The Plăvaie is Velo's most distinctive and historically significant white — a wine made from an ancient local variety that was nearly lost to history and that Velo has revived for its delicate citrus and herbal character. Plăvaie is a white grape that was once widely planted in the Vrancea region but fell out of favour as international varieties took over. Bogdan Mitu recognised its potential and brought it back, tending it with organic care and vinifying it with minimal intervention. The wine is fermented spontaneously in stainless steel, with no oak influence to mask its delicate personality. In the glass, it is pale straw with greenish reflections. The nose offers delicate citrus, green apple, white flowers, and a subtle herbal note that evokes the wild grasses of the Vrancea hills. The palate is light to medium bodied, with crisp acidity, a clean mineral finish, and a refreshing, almost ethereal quality. It is a wine of purity and simplicity — proof that Romania's forgotten varieties can produce whites of genuine charm and character. Serve at 8–10°C. Drink young. ~€10–€16 / ~$11–$18 USD.

"Fetească Regală" — The Crisp, Floral White: The Fetească Regală is Velo's most widely appreciated white — a crisp, floral, and mineral wine made from Romania's most planted indigenous white variety. Fetească Regală is a versatile grape that adapts to many terroirs, but in the brown forest soils and continental climate of Vrancea, it achieves a distinctive expression: crisp acidity, floral aromatics, and a mineral backbone that speaks of the Carpathian foothills. At Velo, it is grown organically, hand-harvested, and fermented in stainless steel with spontaneous yeasts. The wine is aged on fine lees for selected cuvées, adding texture and depth without compromising freshness. In the glass, it is pale gold with bright clarity. The nose offers white flowers, citrus, green apple, and a distinct mineral note. The palate is light to medium bodied, with vibrant acidity, a creamy texture from lees contact, and a long, clean, refreshing finish. It is the perfect introduction to the Velo style — authentic, alive, and unmistakably Romanian. Serve at 8–10°C. Drink young to medium term. ~€10–€16 / ~$11–$18 USD.

"Sauvignon Blanc" — The International Expression: The Sauvignon Blanc is Velo's most internationally styled white — an elegant, dry wine that showcases the variety's potential in the Vrancea terroir. While Velo's heart beats for indigenous varieties, the Sauvignon Blanc demonstrates that international grapes, when farmed organically and vinified with minimal intervention, can express a distinctly Romanian character. The grapes are grown on the gentle terraces near the Milcov River, hand-harvested, and fermented in stainless steel with temperature control to preserve aromatic freshness. In the glass, it is pale straw with greenish reflections. The nose offers citrus, summer fruits, and delicate floral accents — grapefruit, lime, gooseberry, and a hint of fresh-cut grass. The palate is light-bodied, with refreshing acidity and a clean, mineral finish. Velo's white wines attract with notes of citrus, summer fruits, and delicate floral accents, with refreshing acidity and a clean finish — the dry Sauvignon Blanc from organic vineyards exemplifies this style particularly well. Serve at 8–10°C. Drink young. ~€12–€18 / ~$13–$20 USD.

"Aligoté" — The Burgundian Touch: The Aligoté is Velo's most Burgundian-inspired white — an elegant, dry style with fresh acidity that brings a touch of French sophistication to the Vrancea hills. Aligoté is a variety more commonly associated with Burgundy than Romania, but at Velo it finds a new expression in the brown forest soils and continental climate of Cotești. The wine is fermented spontaneously in stainless steel, with no oak, allowing the variety's natural acidity and citrus character to shine. In the glass, it is pale gold with bright clarity. The nose offers lemon, green apple, white flowers, and a distinct mineral note. The palate is light-bodied, with crisp acidity, a lean texture, and a long, clean, refreshing finish. It is a wine of elegance and precision — proof that Velo can master international varieties while remaining true to its Romanian soul. Serve at 8–10°C. Drink young. ~€12–€18 / ~$13–$20 USD.

"Busuioacă de Bohotin" — The Perfumed Rosé: The Busuioacă de Bohotin is Velo's most aromatic and romantic wine — a semi-dry, perfumed rosé made from one of Romania's most distinctive pink-skinned varieties. Busuioacă de Bohotin is a grape that produces wines of extraordinary fragrance — rose petals, wild strawberries, and a hint of spice — with a balanced sweetness that makes it utterly charming. At Velo, it is grown organically on the terraces near the Milcov River, hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, and fermented with minimal intervention to preserve its aromatic potential. In the glass, it is pale salmon with copper reflections. The nose offers rose petal, wild strawberry, lychee, and a hint of spice. The palate is light-bodied, with gentle sweetness balanced by fresh acidity, a silky texture, and a long, floral, elegant finish. It is a wine of romance and joy — the perfect companion to light dishes, desserts, or simply an afternoon in the Vrancea hills. Serve at 8–10°C. Drink young. ~€10–€16 / ~$11–$18 USD.

"Muscat Ottonel" — The Aromatic Semi-Sweet: The Muscat Ottonel is Velo's most luscious and fragrant semi-sweet white — a wine that captures the aromatic potential of this classic variety in its most opulent expression. Muscat Ottonel is a grape known for its intense floral and fruity aromatics, and in the continental climate of Vrancea, it achieves a balance of sweetness and acidity that is both rich and refreshing. At Velo, it is grown organically, hand-harvested, and fermented with minimal intervention to preserve its natural fragrance. The wine is finished with a touch of residual sugar, creating a semi-dry style that is perfumed, balanced, and utterly drinkable. In the glass, it is pale gold with bright clarity. The nose offers orange blossom, jasmine, apricot, and honey. The palate is medium-bodied, with gentle sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity, a silky texture, and a long, floral, elegant finish. It is a wine for dessert, for cheese, for contemplation — proof that Romania can produce sweet wines of genuine depth and character. Serve at 8–10°C. Drink young. ~€10–€16 / ~$11–$18 USD.

"Tămâioasă Românească" — The Indigenous Aromatic: The Tămâioasă Românească is Velo's most traditionally Romanian aromatic white — a wine made from one of the country's most beloved indigenous varieties, known for its intense floral perfume and delicate sweetness. Tămâioasă Românească is a grape that has been cultivated in Romania for centuries, producing wines that are synonymous with Romanian hospitality and celebration. At Velo, it is grown organically on the brown forest soils of Vârteșcoiu, hand-harvested, and vinified with minimal intervention to preserve its natural fragrance and charm. In the glass, it is pale gold with a slight haze. The nose offers intense floral notes — jasmine, acacia, orange blossom — combined with honey, apricot, and a hint of spice. The palate is light to medium bodied, with gentle sweetness balanced by fresh acidity, a silky texture, and a long, complex, floral finish. It is a wine of tradition and joy — the kind of wine that makes you understand why Romanians have cherished this grape for generations. Serve at 8–10°C. Drink young. ~€10–€16 / ~$11–$18 USD.

"Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon" — The Classic Blends: The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are Velo's most internationally recognised reds — classic blends that showcase the Vrancea terroir through the lens of two of the world's most famous varieties. While Velo's heart beats for indigenous grapes, these wines demonstrate that the brown forest soils, continental climate, and organic farming of Vârteșcoiu can produce reds of genuine quality and character. The Merlot is grown on the gentle terraces, hand-harvested, and fermented spontaneously with native yeasts. It is a lighter-textured red, with fruity notes and balance — plum, cherry, and a hint of chocolate, with soft tannins and a clean finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and depth — blackcurrant, cedar, and a touch of green pepper, with firmer tannins and a longer finish. Both are aged in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak, with minimal sulphur and no excessive manipulation. They are wines of approachability and pleasure — the perfect introduction to the Velo style for those who know Romania through its international varieties. Serve at 16–18°C. Age 3–7 years. ~€12–€20 / ~$13–$22 USD.

"Chemical X Orange Wine" — The Experimental Frontier: The Chemical X Orange Wine is Velo's most adventurous and boundary-pushing wine — an orange wine that represents the experimental frontier of the portfolio. Made with extended skin contact, it is a wine that challenges preconceptions, pushes boundaries, and rewards the curious drinker with flavours and textures that exist nowhere else in the Velo range. The name "Chemical X" evokes the experimental, almost alchemical nature of the winemaking — a playful nod to the creative, contemporary approach that defines Velo's limited-edition releases. The wine is fermented spontaneously with native yeasts, with prolonged maceration on the skins to extract colour, tannin, and aromatic complexity. In the glass, it is amber-gold with a slight haze. The nose offers dried apricot, orange peel, herbs, and a distinct earthy minerality. The palate is textural and tannic, with pithy grip, vibrant acidity, and a savoury, mineral finish. It is a wine for the adventurous — a bridge between ancient winemaking traditions and modern experimentation, between Romania and the global natural wine community. Serve at 10–12°C. Drink young. ~€18–€26 / ~$20–$28 USD.

"Vampire's Blood — Magnum Barrel-Aged Edition" — The Barrel-Aged Statement: The Vampire's Blood is Velo's most dramatic and barrel-aged statement — a magnum-format wine that showcases the power of extended ageing in oak. The name evokes the dark, intense character of the wine — a red of depth, concentration, and complexity that demands attention. It is aged in barrels for an extended period, developing toasted notes, spice, and a velvety texture that transforms the fruit into something profound and contemplative. The magnum format adds to its presence — a wine for celebration, for sharing, for the kind of evening that becomes a memory. In the glass, it is deep ruby with garnet reflections. The nose offers black cherry, plum, vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of smoke. The palate is full-bodied, with ripe tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, complex, savoury finish. It is a wine of power and elegance — the pinnacle of Velo's barrel-aged ambitions. Serve at 16–18°C. Decant. Age 5–10 years. ~€40–€60 / ~$44–$66 USD (magnum).

"Heritage Barrique — Private Edition" — The Ultimate Collector's Piece: The Heritage Barrique is Velo's most exclusive and prestigious offering — a private edition barrique (barrel) that represents the ultimate expression of the winery's craftsmanship and ambition. This is not merely a bottle; it is an entire barrel — a 225-litre barrique of wine, presented in its original oak vessel with a custom wooden stand, engraved with the Velo crest and the "Heritage Barrique" inscription. It is the ultimate collector's piece, the ultimate statement of commitment to Velo's philosophy, and the ultimate way to experience the ageing potential of Vrancea wine in its most authentic form. The wine inside is a selection of the finest parcels, aged to perfection, developing extraordinary complexity, tertiary aromas, and a silky, integrated texture. It is a wine for the cellar, for the connoisseur, for the kind of collector who understands that the best wines are not just consumed but lived with. Price on request. ~€5,000+ / ~$5,500+ USD (full barrique).

"Fetească Neagră Rosé Ecologic — Magnum 1.5 Litres" — The Organic Rosé Magnum: The Fetească Neagră Rosé Ecologic is Velo's most generous and shareable rosé — a magnum-format, organic rosé made from Romania's emblematic red variety, finished with the purity and freshness that defines the Velo style. The Fetească Neagră grape, with its dark skin and spicy character, produces a rosé of unusual depth and complexity — pale salmon in colour, with notes of wild strawberry, rose petal, and a hint of black pepper. The organic farming ensures that the wine is free from synthetic residues, allowing the natural character of the grape and the terroir to shine through. The magnum format adds to its celebratory character — a wine for gatherings, for gardens, for the kind of afternoon that stretches into evening. In the glass, it is pale salmon with copper reflections. The nose offers wild strawberry, rose petal, citrus, and a hint of spice. The palate is light-bodied, with crisp acidity, gentle texture, and a long, refreshing, fruity finish. Serve at 8–10°C. Drink young. ~€18–€26 / ~$20–$28 USD (magnum).

Vessels & The Cellar: The Velo Winery cellar in Vârteșcoiu is a place of both tradition and innovation — a space where ancient Romanian winemaking instincts meet modern organic precision. The winery is equipped with stainless steel tanks for fermentation and ageing; neutral oak barrels for selected cuvées; and a creative, experimental corner where orange wines, pét-nats, and barrel-aged specials come to life. The combination of vessels allows Bogdan Mitu to match each wine to the container that best complements its character: stainless steel for freshness and fruit purity, neutral oak for subtle complexity and roundness, extended skin contact for textural depth and tannic grip. All wines are made with manual processes, small quantities, and a focus on quality over volume. The cellar is cool and controlled, the perfect environment for the slow, patient transformation of grape into wine. Sulphur additions are minimal, primarily at bottling. Fining and filtration are limited or absent. There is no rush, no forcing, no excessive manipulation — just the natural evolution of the must, guided by indigenous yeasts and the passage of time.