Grape harvest in Romania's Tuscany-like region of Buzau doubles on last year

The grape harvest in the Buzau county, nicknamed the Tuscany of Romania, has doubled this year compared to 2012. But this will not mean double profits for grape growers, as prices during this period are several times lower than last year. The crop this year was, however, of very good quality, according to Cosmin Florea, head of the Agency for Agriculture and Rural Development Buzau. Vine growers managed to produce 12 to 15 tonnes of grapes per hectare for wine grapes, and 17 to 18 tonnes of table grapes per hectare. But prices are low: vine growers are being offered RON 0.5 per kilogram of grapes for wine, less than a half of the price offered last year. There are over 15,000 hectares of vineyards in Buzau county, and half of these are high-class vine. The region of Buzau, and especially the area of Dealu Mare, is known for its wine production. The hilly area is located between the counties of Prahova and Buzau, and benefits from a Mediterranean-like climate. editor@romania-insider.com (photo source: Lacerta website)