Wine tours

Wine and Dine Tours in Bulgaria

Wine tasting in Ljaskovets Bulgaria is among the countries that have the oldest traditions in wine-making. Archaeological finds confirm that even 5000 years before there was a well-developed wine industry on the Balkan Peninsula. At that time the Thracian tribes laid the foundation of the wine-growing traditions in the region – their vines are the source of today’s national pride.

Wine-growing regions

Bulgaria is subdivided into five wine-growing regions, which produce a rich diversity of grape varieties and high-quality wines.

Danube Valley
The Danube Valley (Northern region)
This region includes the central and western parts of the Danube valley, as well as the southern bank of the Danube. The region produces mainly dry white wines, classic sparkling wines and high-quality red wines: Muscat Ottonel, Gamza, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Aligote and Pamid.

Black Sea
Black Sea region (Eastern region)
Due to the ideal climate and soil more than 53 percent of the Bulgarian white wines and 30 percent of all Bulgarian wines are grown in this region. Fascinating dry and semi-dry wines with a pleasant fruity aroma and dense taste are produced here from various grape varieties, such as Dimjat, Riesling, Ugni Blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Traminer and Sauvignon Blanc.

Rose Valley
Rose Valley (wine-growing region located south of the Balkan)
South of the Balkan slopes as well as in the valley between the Balkan and Sredna gora mountains are grown primarily the grape varieties red Misket, Riesling, Rkatsiteli, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Here are produces mainly dry and semi-dry white wines and less quantity of red and flavored wines.

Thracian Valley
Thracian Valley (Southern region)
The southern Bulgarian wine-growing region includes the Thracian valley and parts of the Sakar mountain. Here are grown all red grape varieties such as Mavrud, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.

Struma Valley
The Struma Valley (South-West region)
This region occupies the South-Western parts of the country and has specific climatic conditions that are very similar to the Mediterranean climate. Here are grown mostly the “Wide Melnik Vine”, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties.

Typical Bulgarian grape varieties

The red grape variety Mavrud is the oldest and most valuable local grape variety. It is cultivated in the regions of Assenovgrad, Pazardzhik and Stara Zagora. The wine has a dark, ruby-red color, and is characterized by a complex aroma of wild berries, spices and herbs, as well as by a full-bodied and harmonious taste.

The “Wide Melnik Vine” can be found in the micro-region of Melnik, as well as in the regions of Sandanski and Petrich. The young wines have a strong cherry color and are distinguished for their typical piquant tartness. The mature wines are characterized by rich aroma, in which one can notice interesting tobacco and leather nuances. The taste is fresh with a mild tartness.

Already grown by the Thracians, Pamid was the most widely spread grape variety in the past. From it are produced bright red, light table wines for mass consumption. They are unsuitable for storage and are consumed as young wines immediately after fermentation and clarification.

Other typical Bulgarian wines are: Gamza, Red Misket, Dimjat, Rubin and Kerazuda.

If you are wine experts or just wine lovers and want to taste something new and made in Bulgaria, we will gladly propose you a program according to your wishes.

Yours,

Ulpia Tours team