Last summer, we came together in Transylvania for a few days of wine, art, and philosophy. What began as a playful experiment is slowly growing into a tradition! This year, I hosted the second edition of “Sipping Wine in Transylvania” in July.

The next edition takes place in October. October 13-15. I intend to organize just a few retreats every year, as I don’t want to risk turning this into an “industrial” product.

I’m faced with two choices when it comes to travel: complain about the quality of travel or help make it a little bit better.

In October, we return to the Saxon villages of Transylvania, with fortified churches and medieval architecture. The goal is to challenge you with a new philosophy of work and leisure. An avant-garde Dolce far Niente. We’ll explore themes such as:

+ how to waste your time

+ the art of procrastination

+ how to combat burnout

+ take 180+ days off/year

Why Transylvania?

“When I first visited the Saxon villages of Transylvania almost fifteen years ago, I was deeply impressed by how these medieval settlements and the wild countryside which surrounds them had remained so well preserved for so many hundreds of years. Together, they formed an extraordinary landscape and harmonious farming system, uniquely rich in biodiversity, which was the only example of its sort left in Europe.” — King Charles

Did you know that 65% of Europe’s virgin forests are located in Romania, largely in Transylvania? The region also boasts the highest density of medieval villages and fortified churches in Europe. In many ways, Transylvania is the last truly medieval corner the modern world has to offer.

Overview

Date: October 13–15, 2025
Location: Copșa Mare, a remote Saxon village between Brașov and Sibiu, Transylvania
Price: €750 alone or €600 if you share a room with a friend/significant other (excludes flights & transportation to Brașov)
Spots Available: 12 (4 remaining)
Language: English

Program: Expect a non-fancy wine-tasting experience, maybe a short hike—if the weather allows it—and a village and fortified church tour. We will organize a painting workshop coupled with a philosophical yet relaxed seminar and discussion. The cherry on the cake is a creative yet leisurely assignment. You will have the whole retreat at your disposal to finish it.

Rooms: Vintage & Timeless design evoking the Saxon passion; all rooms are equipped with a private bathroom.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner included. Low-impact food largely based on local and fresh ingredients served in a modern context yet inspired by traditional Transylvanian recipes.

Wine: Included. Wine is the rockstar of this retreat. Get ready for a laid-back wine tasting experience sponsored by two of my favorite sustainable, organic wineries in Romania: Catleya & Villa Vinea.

Transportation: Included from the city of Brașov to the village and back to Brașov after the retreat ends. The ride will take roughly 2h. Departure from Brașov 1:30 PM, October 13. Return to Brașov by 1:00 PM, October 15. Happy to help you plan your entire travel itinerary if you need any tips or guidance.

Registration & Payment

Total: €750/€600 (if you sleep in the same room with someone else)
Initial Deposit: €300 (due September 5, 2025)
Final Payment: €450/€300 (due October 5, 2025)

If you need more info or want to secure your spot: either send me a message on Instagram or an email to viziandrei@outlook.co m

Practical Information

Climate: Expect ~20°C daytime / 7°C night. Bring warm layers and comfortable hiking shoes.

Nearest Airports: 1/ Bucharest (OTP): Train from Bucharest → Brașov, then group transport provided to Copșa Mare. 2/ Brașov Airport (GHV): Limited flights from Germany and Hungary.

Reviews

“Taking a few days off to travel to Romania to be part of a retreat about wine and boredom was completely contradictory to my current busy life as a salaried lawyer. However, I knew I really wanted to sign up because Vizi was organizing it and I was sure there were other great minds there too. And I wasn’t wrong; looking back, it was truly one of the most beautiful and unforgettable retreat experiences I’ve ever had. Walks in beautiful nature, deep conversations with like-minded people around the campfire until 6 AM, inspiring inputs on lifestyle design, entrepreneurship, and creativity. I made new friends across the world and will definitely come back in the future. Take walks and seek beauty with Vizi once, and you will find it everywhere in your life from now on.” Niko Juranek

“Something I didn’t know I needed. That is what this retreat retroactively feels like. An exquisite job done by thoughtful (and overall amazing) hosts having a bunch of very different people, over a glass of wine while talking about lifestyle design, meaning, art, and beauty. But most importantly, for me, witnessing them living their life philosophy, and being brave in doing so, was and is so impactful that I am still processing and probably will still do for a while. So thank you, Geanina and Vizi, for working so diligently in making it happen to that standard. This review is coming from a very skeptical person when it comes to retreats; it was an enriching experience in a gorgeously rustic location that will definitely be revisited.” Ioana Matei

“Sipping wine in Transylvania... Exactly as it sounds, but with a twist! Your beliefs about work and leisure will be challenged. Vizi and Geanina created such a wonderful concept and gathered people from all over the world that clicked instantly. I’m from Transylvania but never visited Saxon villages; and I’m thankful to Vizi that I got to visit this particular part of Transylvania, learn a lot, make new friends and discover a new lifestyle design philosophy.” Andrei Kurtuy

“Vizi’s retreat enhanced my existential crisis, but in the best way possible. The workshop challenged every notion I had about work and leisure. However, what truly exceeded my expectations was the immersive experience of living the Sovereign Artist lifestyle. Experiencing it firsthand for a few days made it more impactful than any online lecture I’ve ever attended on the topic. The retreat’s schedule was relaxed, open, and intentionally slow-paced. Yet it feels like I’ve made more progress thanks to those three days than the past three months combined. The Romanian atmosphere, the wonderful company, deep conversations around the bonfire, the painting workshop, and the amazing food were the perfect finishing touches to an already incredible experience. Don’t think twice: join this retreat. You won’t regret it.” Björn Van Egroo

“What an excellent intellectual experience! Sipping Wine in Transylvania is a great context to confront your way of thinking, to bring new questions about how to organize your professional life, leisure time, and how to use leisure as a foundation for creativity and success. During this retreat, I’ve laid a new foundation to adapt my life in a way that will hopefully bring more joy and meaning to my personal and professional endeavors!” Alex LZR

“I didn’t think I could view boredom in a positive light and embrace it as a sort of virtue until I met Vizi and Geanina. The playground for our heartfelt and thought-provoking conversations was a fabulous Saxon estate in the heart of Transylvania; a mixture of simple elegance and true authenticity. The questions led by Vizi were needles that poked the kind of bubbles that we are all curious about. We spent our time tasting a delicious set of Romanian wines that reminded me of oaks and flavors I had never been acquainted with; then basking in the grandeur of Transylvanian fields. Stewing in stimulating conversations in front of the flames of a bonfire and tasting Romanian dishes (mulţumesc sarmale) I realized something unique: I was laughing, reciting poetry, and sipping wine with a community from all over Europe who have the same rebellious monkey mind as I do. We all resonated with Vizi’s message and this was an opportunity to solidify our emerging thoughts on work, leisure, play, and meaning. One of the highlights of this retreat was how Geanina graciously led an art painting workshop, encouraging us to hush our inner critic’s voice when doing something new. Everything in the retreat was so well-thought. I really appreciated every activity, the interesting people, and the time given to us to absorb everything. I came home with a renewed sense of possibility and a shared feeling of camaraderie. I’d repeat this experience 1000 times over.” Julia Soprani

“Sipping Wine in Transylvania... What a beautiful event! The time just stopped for 3 days as we’ve got in tune with the cozy Saxon village atmosphere. Our hosts, Vizi and Geanina, are such a lovely couple! They were very kind and caring throughout the days. They were open to sharing all of their knowledge about the history of the village and the surroundings. The workshops held by them gave me a different, valuable perspective about the dynamic between life and work. The food, the wine, the people... All were perfectly aligned to create a one-of-a-kind experience that must be lived by others too. I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to step out of the city and get to know authentic people and places that gave me new ideas which I can immediately implement in my life.” Remus Ranca