Zoli has created a lovely team of volunteers and has participated in putting together a group of people with special abilities. A noble cause with a double of benefit, helping people in need while promoting the best of what Romanian wineries have to offer. Zoli is actually extremely picky with the wineries that are admitted to participate in the event. As he explains ' 'We won’t accept pity for the disabled, similarly we want to offer a selective wine event for wine lovers and producers''
In 2014 was the first time for Jancis Robinson to participate as the special guest of ROVINHUD; a solid success for Zoli who finally managed to purchase the accessible minibus for wheelchair users. And in 2015 Zoli saved his invites for two fine ladies of the wine industry, Julia Harding MW and Caroline Gilby MW which left me with no other option than accepting his invitation as well as the third Master of Wine in the team.
Each of us held a masterclass. Starting with Julia who talked about the Oxford Companion to Wine linking new entries. The “wine list” had some excellent wines like Sandhi Chardonnay from Santa Barbara, Khareba Qvevri Mtsvane from Georgia (orange wine), Shaw + Smith Shiraz from Adelaide Hills and a fascinating En Rama Sherry from Sanchez Romate.
Caroline Gilby MW then followed with the Blue Danube Masterclass. A showcase of wines from all countries across Danube, the highlights being the Chateau Bela Riesling 2012 from Egon Muller's venture in Slovacia and the Negru de Dragasani 2013 from Vitis Metamorfosis.