Bella Geza has worked to re-establish and reinvigorate wines from Romania. Across the 144-hectare vineyard 80% red grape and 20% white grape is grown. Their philosophy is to emphasize the traditional grape varieties of Carpathian Basin.  Growing white wine varieties such as Feteasca Regala (meaning Royal Maiden), Mustoasă de Măderat, an indigenous variety in Minis wine region and Furmint planted first in 2008. Among red wines Kadarka, Feteasca Neagra originally coming from inner-Transylvania were planted first in 2007. The winery is truly proud of the historically legendary red aszú vine, called Kadarisszima, which can be made in only the best vintages.

The Minis wine region, located in western Romania near the city of Arad and close to the Hungarian border, is one of the country’s oldest viticultural areas, with records of winemaking dating back over a millennium. The vineyards stretch along the western foothills of the Zarand Mountains, where the landscape provides natural shelter and varied exposures that are ideal for grape growing.

The climate is continental with notable Mediterranean influences. Warm summers and long, sunny autumns allow for excellent ripening, while the nearby hills provide protection from harsh northern winds. Winters can be cold, but the sheltered position of the vineyards reduces the risk of severe frost damage. Rainfall is moderate, though irregular, and sudden storms can occasionally challenge growers during the growing season.

Soils in Minis are highly varied, ranging from fertile clay and sandy loams to limestone and red clay with high iron content. These variations impart distinct characters to the wines, from supple fruitiness to firm structure and minerality.

The region is traditionally renowned for red wines, particularly from the indigenous Kadarka grape, which produces elegant wines with spicy, berry-driven profiles. Other important varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside white grapes such as Fetească Regală and Mustoasă de Măderat, the latter native to the region.

Wine styles range from fresh, fruit-forward reds and whites to richer, oak-aged expressions with depth and ageing potential. Key growing areas cluster around villages such as Minis and Măderat, where the combination of history, terroir and tradition continues to define the region’s unique identity.

Kadarka is an ancient red grape variety most closely associated with Hungary, where it has long played a central role in the country’s viticultural heritage. Thought to have originated in the Balkans, possibly in present-day Serbia or Bulgaria, it became widely planted across the Carpathian Basin during the Ottoman period and was historically the dominant grape in the famous Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) blend.

Viticulturally, Kadarka is a demanding variety. It ripens late and requires warm, sunny conditions to achieve full maturity. The thin skins of its grapes make it susceptible to rot and disease, particularly in humid vintages, while its naturally vigorous growth demands careful vineyard management to control yields and concentrate flavour.

Today, Hungary remains Kadarka’s heartland, with notable plantings in regions such as Szekszárd and Eger, where it produces distinctive varietal wines. Small plantings also survive in Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria, as well as in some niche vineyards in Austria.

The wines themselves are typically light to medium-bodied with fine acidity and delicate tannins. Aromas often include red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, and subtle spice, sometimes with earthy or herbal undertones. In skilled hands, Kadarka yields elegant, perfumed wines with a lively freshness, offering an appealing alternative to more robust Central European reds.