The “La Salina” winery confirms Transylvania’s potential on the international scene.
There are times when a wine doesn’t just talk about itself, but about an entire place. The results obtained by Crama La Salina at the Berliner Wine Trophy 2026 are such a moment: a confirmation that Transylvania, discreet and elegant, finds its voice more and more clearly in the world of wine.
A success with international echo
At this year’s edition of the Berliner Wine Trophy — one of the most prestigious international competitions, sponsored by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) — La Salina Winery won four gold medals and one silver medal for the wines of the ISSA range.
The competition brought together over 14,000 wines from 40 countries, and Romania was represented on the podium by eight wineries, with a total of 30 award-winning wines.
The Riesling that convinced Germany
Of all the distinctions, one stands out for its symbolism: the gold medal for ISSA Rhein Riesling 2025.
It is a result that is all the more relevant as the competition takes place in Germany — a global benchmark for this variety. Moreover, La Salina Winery was the only winery in Romania that participated with a Riesling in the competition.
“The fact that Rhein Riesling 2025 was awarded gold in a competition organized in Germany, a country considered a world benchmark for this variety, confirms the potential of the terroir of the Durga Hills for elegant and expressive white wines. After decades in which viticulture in the area was almost absent, our results in recent years show that the revitalization of vineyards and investments in modern winemaking technologies can bring other areas of Romania back on the map of quality wines”, says Ovidiu Maxim, Chief Winemaker, La Salina Winery.
A coherent, award-winning collection
The award-winning ISSA wines outline a clearly defined portfolio, oriented towards elegance and expressiveness:
Gold Medals – Berliner Gold
- ISSA Rhein Riesling 2025
- ISSA Sauvignon Blanc 2025
- ISSA Sauvignon Blanc Barrique Experience 2024
- ISSA SERENUS Fetească Albă 2023
Silver Medal – Berliner Silver
- ISSA NOSTRUM Chardonnay Barrel 2024
The jury particularly noted the aromatic expression of the Sauvignon Blancs and the finesse of the reinterpretation of a local variety in the case of Fetești Albe.
Identity built over time
For the ISSA team, these results are not accidental, but part of a broader approach.
“These awards confirm the consistency with which we build the identity of ISSA wines and the extraordinary potential of the Transylvania region for elegant and expressive wines. ISSA wines are inspired by the history of the place where our winery is located. Almost two millennia ago, the Roman castrum Potaissa was located here, and this heritage inspired both the name of the brand and the desire to bring back to the forefront the winemaking tradition of Cluj County. Through the La Salina Winery project and the development of wine tourism on the Durga Hills, we aim to give this region back the place it deserves on the wine map”, says Adina Calfa, CEO of ISSA Estate.
Transylvania, a rediscovered terroir
Located on the Durgaului Hills, near the Turda Salt Mine, La Salina Winery is currently the only winery in Cluj County. The 41 hectares of vines, planted on clay-limestone soils, offer ideal conditions for white wines with structure and freshness, framed under the Protected Geographical Indication “Transylvanian Hills”.
Since the launch of the first ISSA wine in 2014, the winery has accumulated over 70 national and international awards. A landmark moment remains 2024, when ISSA Chardonnay Barrique 2022 was named “International White Wine Revelation” at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
A name that starts to matter
Today, ISSA wines are available in both retail and restaurants and hotels, strengthening its presence in a segment where consistency and identity are essential.
But, beyond the awards, there remains a simple idea: that great wines do not only appear in established regions. They are born where there is patience, vision and respect for the place.
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