From Dying Vines to Thriving Plums: A Story of Renewal, Tradition, and the Spirit of Richiș

Seven years ago, when The Inn at Richis first acquired a small piece of land on the outskirts of the beautiful village of Richiș, we inherited something that had clearly seen better days: a neglected grape vineyard with many dying vines and years of disrepair. While others may have seen a field past its prime, we saw opportunity, purpose, and a connection to the agricultural traditions that have defined Transylvania for generations.

With countless hours of hard work, preparation, and determination, we removed the struggling vineyard and planted 80 young plum trees. It was not an easy undertaking. The soil needed care, the land needed attention, and the trees required years of nurturing. Using natural methods and organic manure, we slowly transformed the property into a thriving orchard. Season by season, the saplings grew stronger, their roots reaching deeper into the rich Transylvanian soil, becoming part of the landscape and the story of Richiș itself.

The journey has not been without challenges. For the past two years, late April frosts arrived just as the trees began to blossom, stunning the fruit production and reminding us that farming is always an exercise in patience, hope, and resilience. Nature has a way of humbling us, but it also teaches perseverance.

This year, however, the orchard has rewarded that patience. The trees survived the spring frosts and are now bearing beautiful fruit. Walking among the rows of mature plum trees and seeing the branches heavy with plums is a deeply satisfying sight, knowing the years of care that brought us to this moment.

This autumn’s harvest will become something truly special. The plums will be transformed into traditional Romanian Țuică, the beloved plum spirit that has warmed the hearts and homes of Transylvanians for centuries. They will also become homemade plum jams and jellies, crafted using traditional recipes and served to our guests at The Inn at Richiș. From orchard to table, every jar and every glass will tell the story of this land, our community, and the traditions we work to preserve.

As we look forward to a successful harvest season, we are excited about the prospect of producing an exceptional batch of Traditional Transylvanian Țuică and sharing the rich flavors of homemade plum jams and jellies with our guests. These are more than products. They are expressions of heritage, craftsmanship, and a way of life that continues to thrive in our village.

For us, this orchard perfectly reflects our guiding belief that “Transylvania is a way of Life”. It represents respect for the land, the patience to nurture something over many years, and the joy of sharing the harvest with friends, family, and visitors from around the world.

It also embodies The Spirit of Richiș: authentic, hardworking, welcoming, and deeply connected to the traditions of the past while looking hopefully toward the future.

And perhaps most importantly, it reflects The Warmth of Gemütlichkeit. The simple pleasure of gathering together around a table, sharing homemade jams at breakfast, enjoying a glass of Țuică by the fire, and creating meaningful moments with those around us.

As autumn approaches, we are grateful for this year’s bounty and excited to share the fruits of our labor with all who visit The Inn at Richiș. Here’s to a wonderful harvest, exceptional Țuică, delicious homemade preserves, and the timeless traditions that make Transylvania such a special place to call home.