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Viticulture and wine producing in the lands of present-day Bulgaria are an ageold tradition. Excavations from ancient settlements show grape seeds and berries dating back to 6,000 BC!
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In Thracian times our geographical region was famous as a place where vines were planted and wine produced. The widespread cult of Dionysus found an expression in the depiction of vines, grapes, wine-cellars and ceremonies. Homer mentioned the area's wines in both the Iliad and the Odyssey.
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During the Roman times viticulture spread to the entire Balkan Peninsula. After Slavs and Bulgarians settled and founded the Bulgarian state in 681, they inherited the millennial experience accumulated in the sphere of viticulture and wine-making.
The amazing thing is that the same area may claim property to the first vine protection decree in 2nd century AD as well as to the first prohibitionist laws implemented in history by the Bulgarian Khan Krum during his reign in 8th century AD.
During the Middle Ages a large part of the land was the property of the monasteries, devoted chiefly to vine-growing. The wine aged in a cool monastery cellars was famous throughout the country. Many foreign travelers who visited Bulgaria between the 11th and 19th centuries highly praised the country's wines.
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Nowadays Bulgaria is one of the world largest wine producers together with France, Italy, Spain and Greece.
The Bulgarian red and white wines such as Mavrud, Melnik, Gumza, Dimiat, Pamid, Muskat, and Misket are well known to connoisseurs.
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In general, South Bulgaria is known for its red wines, North Bulgaria - for its white wines.
Traditionally, Bulgaria boasts 5 wine-growing regions, specialized in the production of typical wines:
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NORTHERN REGION
High quality wines are produced from a number of different grapes, red as well as white. The reds are made from the local Gamza as well as from the noble Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties. Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc are the most prominent whites. This region is home to the fine wineries of Suhindol, Rousse and Shoumen. The whites from this region are well known in Europe, the USA and Japan.
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EASTERN REGION
The wines from the Eastern Bulgaria region are made mostly from white grapes. Almost all renowned white grape varieties may be found along with the native Misket and Dimiat. Varna and Pomorie are the leading wineries of this region. They are greatly appreciated by Europeans, Americans and Japanese.
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SUB-BALKAN REGION
These deep valleys have unique microclimates. The famous in Bulgaria Sungurlare Misket comes from here as well as the excellent Sungurlare Eau de Vie. White wines from different grapes are local specialty. Slavjantzi is a popular winery from this region.
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SOUTHERN REGION
This region boasts almost Mediterranean climatic conditions - particularly good for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot production. The best Bulgarian variety grape - Mavrud grows in the Thracian Valley and nowhere else in the world.
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It is only in Bulgaria, that the wine of the ancient Thracians is still produced and drunk - the full-bodied red Mavrud. Reds coming from this region are superb. Assenovgrad is the winery to note. The wines are well known in UK, Japan, the Scandinavian countries, Holland, Poland, Russia, etc.
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SOUTH-WESTERN REGION
The Struma Valley runs along it and brings strong Mediterranean influence in terms of climate. Fine Cabernets are produced here. The specific local sort "Wide Melnik Vine" can grow only here and if carried to another place, it withers and fades away. Melnik wine conquered yet in 13 century the dining tables of the aristocracy from Venice, Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Paris, Liverpool.
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This is an aromatic and hefty wine that ages very well and has its connoisseurs in many European countries but most of all in the Scandinavian countries, Switzerland and England. Damianitza is the winery to note. Another interesting local variety is Keratzuda, a rose type produced only in the appellation of Kresna.
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If you are not a veteran wine-traveler but love wine, you'll find a wine-country expedition a rewarding adventure.
If you're among those who are curious about wine, but not committed, a wine trip might be all it takes to start you on the path to serious appreciation.
For visitors that are serious about wine, our tours offer wine-tasting of a variety of wines from different regions.
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Private guided wine-tasting tour
8 days / 7 nights
This special tour includes visits to the most famous wineries in Northern and Eastern wine-producing regions. You will be able to taste superb Bulgarian wines, typical for the areas of Veliko Turnovo, Shoumen, Pomorie, and more...
Specially selected national food will nicely surprise you along the wine tour.
You will be very much impressed by exciting landmarks - famous historical places, cultural monuments and beautiful scenery.
Tour operators, travel agencies or corporate clients, please, ask
tour details or .
If you are private traveler(s) please, .
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Private guided wine tasting tour
8 days / 7 nights
This special tour includes visits to the most famous wineries in Southern and South-Western wine-producing regions. You will be able to taste superb Bulgarian wines, typical for the areas of Melnik, Damyanitza, Brestovitza, Assenovgrad, and more...
Specially selected national food will nicely surprise you along the wine tour. You will be very much impressed by exciting landmarks - famous historical places, cultural monuments and beautiful scenery.
Tour operators, travel agencies or corporate clients, please, ask
tour details or .
If you are private traveler(s), please, ask
tour details or .
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