Spirit of Richiș: From Plum Orchard to Welcome Glass at The Inn at Richiș

Transylvania is a way of life.

As summer slowly gives way to autumn in the rolling hills of Transylvania, a special tradition begins at The Inn at Richiș. The leaves turn golden, the air becomes crisp, and our plum trees hang heavy with ripe fruit waiting to be gathered by hand.

For generations, families throughout Romania have celebrated this season by making Țuică, the country’s beloved plum brandy. At The Inn at Richiș, we proudly continue this time-honored tradition with plums harvested from our very own orchard, crafting what we affectionately call the “Spirit of Richiș.”

Every bottle tells a story. Every sip connects guests to the land, the culture, and the traditions that have shaped village life in Transylvania for centuries.

The Inn at Richiș Plum Orchard

Nestled behind our historic Saxon estate is our growing plum orchard, where nature dictates the rhythm of the seasons. Throughout the year, the trees are carefully tended, nourished by Transylvania’s rich soil, abundant sunshine, and clean mountain air.

By late summer and early autumn, the fruit reaches perfect ripeness. The plums develop a deep sweetness and rich flavor that can only come from being allowed to mature naturally on the tree.

Harvest season is one of our favorite times of the year.

The orchard becomes alive with activity as baskets are filled with fresh organic plums. Their sweet aroma drifts through the property, reminding us that another batch of Richiș’s traditional spirit is about to begin its journey.

The Traditional Romanian Art of Making Țuică

Making authentic Romanian Țuică is a process that requires patience, craftsmanship, and respect for tradition.

Once harvested, the plums are carefully inspected and prepared. Only the best fruit is used to create our in-house spirit. The plums are then crushed and placed into fermentation vessels where nature takes over.

Over several weeks, the natural sugars transform into alcohol through fermentation. During this stage, the rich fragrance of ripening fruit fills the air, signaling that the transformation is underway.

After fermentation comes perhaps the most important step: distillation.

Following traditional Romanian methods that have been passed down for generations, the fermented plum mash is distilled to capture the pure essence of the fruit. This process concentrates the flavor and character of the plums into a crystal-clear spirit that embodies the very soul of autumn in Transylvania.

The result is a smooth, aromatic Țuică with notes of ripe plum, sunshine, earth, and heritage.

It is more than a drink.

It is a celebration of Romanian culture.

It is the “Spirit of Richiș.”

A Tradition of Hospitality

In Romania, offering a glass of Țuică to guests is one of the oldest gestures of welcome and friendship.

Long before hotels and resorts existed, travelers arriving at village homes were often greeted with a small glass of homemade Țuică and warm conversation. The drink symbolized hospitality, trust, and friendship.

At The Inn at Richiș, we proudly carry on this tradition.

When guests arrive after their journey through the scenic villages and countryside of Transylvania, they are welcomed with a choice of two cherished local favorites:

The Spirit of Richiș Țuică

Our traditional plum brandy made from fruit harvested from The Inn at Richiș orchard. Smooth, warming, and deeply rooted in Romanian culture.

Housemade Vișinată

For guests who prefer something sweeter, we offer our homemade Vișinată, Romania’s famous sour cherry liqueur. Rich in flavor and beautifully balanced, it captures the sweet-tart character of locally grown cherries and generations of family recipes.

Whether guests choose the warmth of Țuică or the sweetness of Vișinată, their first taste offers something more than refreshment.

It offers an introduction to Transylvania.

More Than a Drink, an Experience

Many of our guests arrive seeking rest, relaxation, and authentic cultural experiences. The first sip of our Țuică or Vișinată becomes the beginning of that journey.

As they settle beside the fire, stroll through our orchard, explore the historic Saxon village, or descend into our beautifully restored wine cellar, guests discover that every experience at The Inn at Richiș is deeply connected to the traditions of this remarkable region.

The Spirit of Richiș is woven into the experience.

It reflects the patience required to grow fruit.

The craftsmanship needed to create something extraordinary.

And the hospitality that has welcomed travelers to Transylvania for centuries.

Experience the “Spirit of Richiș”

The next time you visit The Inn at Richiș, take a moment to raise a glass and savor the story behind it.

Perhaps it began months earlier on a branch in our orchard.

Perhaps it was crafted according to traditions that are hundreds of years old.

Or perhaps it is simply a reminder that the most memorable travel experiences are often the simplest: a warm welcome, a beautiful village, good company, and a glass shared among friends.

At The Inn at Richiș, we invite you to experience the authentic tastes, traditions, and hospitality of Transylvania.

Because here, “Transylvania is a way of Life.”

Learn more about your next stay at The Inn at Richiș at innatrichis.com.