Here’s an excerpt of the article:

“Wine buffs are to get a chance to taste one on Europe’s most exclusive vintages this month – a secret wine produced entirely by residents of the continent’s last leper colony. “

Cristache Tatulea

“Hidden for years from the public eye by Romania’s former communist regime, the lepers of Tichilesti on the Danube Delta have continued an ancient tradition of wine-making stretching back to the Middle Ages. “

“Now the St Lazarus Leper Wine – named after the patron saint of sufferers of the disease – is to be sold world-wide to raise funds for the community and its 200 residents. “

The Saint Lazarus Leper Wine is named after the patron saint of those who suffer from this disease. The leper community in Tichilesti counts about 200 residents who live in pretty difficult conditions.

The launch of the “Leper wine” was inspired by the late mayor of the Tichilesti community, Cristache Tatulea, who managed to transform the little village through farming. He created this vineyard that he hoped would help support the community.

Cristache Tatulea and his Leper Wine

Unfortunately, this year he passed away after he fell in his house, but as witnesses recall, his last thoughts were of his vineyard.

Now, his friend, David Rogers, with whom he joked about selling this wine all over the world, has arranged for it to be sold through distributors in Austria. The money earned from it will go to support the leper community.

There is a website for Saint Lazarus Leper Wine. You can find out more about it there. I find it is a great thing that a small community like this can make itself known in the world for more than just the unfortunate conditions that gave birth to it.

Maybe the St Lazarus Leper Wine will grow to become an important product that could compete with other important brands, both local and international. Who knows? Hope I’ll find it in a store when I get back home, I’m really anxious to taste it.