Wine Lovers’ Guide: Bulgaria’s Best Vineyards and Wineries

In the context of European wine culture, the country of Bulgaria towers high as one of the least known yet one of the best places by wine lovers. Its hundreds of years-old wine-making traditions, fertile valleys, and indigenous grape varieties all precondition the country being a perfect destination of any person who wants to experience the rich cultural and tasting background. A Bulgaria Wine Tour will be the ideal combination of history, cuisine, and natural fantastic that can be pursued by a casual lover or a connoisseur who wants to taste the authentic flavours. Bulgaria is situated between the Black Sea and the Balkan Mountains and has a wide range of microclimates which make its wines unique and rich in flavor.

To the tourists intending to visit this wine heaven, the initial step is to ensure that the relevant travel documentation is in place. The process of applying to visit Bulgaria is not difficult, and when you are located in Oman, you can just refer to the rules of a Bulgaria Visa to Omanians. Having the appropriate Bulgaria travel visa, you may make a memorable trip through the fertile vineyards, family owned lands and the famous wine-producing companies which are known worldwide. Some companies such as Go Kite Oman simplify it by providing full travel services, including providing visas and wine tours. As soon as you set your foot in Bulgaria, you will find out that this place is not only about wine but it is a tale of culture, hospitality and the old fashioned landscapes that are just ready to be explored.

History of Bulgarian wine in brief.

The wine traditions of Bulgaria date back to a period of more than 6,000 years, which makes the country one of the oldest in the world in terms of wine production. One of the first who cultivated grapes in the country was the ancient Thracians, and the tradition started by them formed the basis of the modern Bulgarian viticulture. The production of wine was prevalent in Roman and Byzantine times, and under the reign of the Ottoman it was restricted but never stopped. Following the freedom of Bulgaria in the 19 th century, wine production re-emerged, and in the 20 th century, Bulgaria was already among the largest wine exporters to Europe and Russia.

Bulgarian wines are known today all over the world as high quality wines, which blend the native grape varieties with the suppression techniques. A Bulgaria Wine Tour gives the visitors a chance to experience this rich heritage in its entirety, both in ancient cellars and modern boutique wineries.

Bulgaria’s Wine Regions

Bulgaria has the five official wine-producing regions that are of different characteristics:

·         Danubian Plain (North Bulgaria) -fresh white wines and light reds, courtesy of cooler climates.

·         Black Sea Coast - Grows white crisp and aromatic wine that is excellent with seafood.

·         Thracian Valley (South Bulgaria) -The best known area which houses the famous Mavrud grape.

·         Struma Valley (Southwest) - Bold reds with a Mediterranean touch.

·         Rose Valley (Central Bulgaria) - This place is known not only to wines but also to Bulgarian rose oil, the symbol of the country.

·         When visiting these areas, during a Bulgaria Wine Tour one will be brought on a trip to a landscape as different as the wines.

The Best Vineyards and Wineries to visit in Bulgaria.

1. Thracian Valley Midalidare Estate.

Midalidare Estate, which is a modern wine hotel with posh amenities, is not only about wine tasting services, but it has also spa and hotel services. It suits actually those who would like to have the full luxury wine holiday.

2. Villa Melnik, Struma Valley

This is a winery owned by the family that is popular due to their award-winning reds especially those made of local grape such as Melnik 55. The vineyard tours are cordial, inviting, and very intimate.

3. Black Sea Coast, Santa Sarah Winery.

Santa Sarah located close to Varna deals with fancy white wines and rosés, which mirror the sea climate. It is a must visit place to people who like fresh and light-hearted wines.

4. Edoardo Miroglio Winery, Thracian Valley.

It is a family-owned estate that is renowned to make sparkling wines of world quality, established by an Italian entrepreneur. It stands out with its special design and cellars thus becoming a tourist attraction.

5. Domain Boyar, Danubian Plain

Domain Boyar is one of the biggest producers that are known in the international market and provides both traditional and modern styles of tasting.

6. Château Copsa, Rose Valley

Château Copsa combines romance with wine-making using its castle-like winery. The estate is particularly known because of its Muscat and white blends.

Exceptional Grape Varieties of Bulgaria.

The native grape varieties of Bulgarian wine are one of their greatest attractions, and they are not readily available in other countries:

·         Mavrud – A strong red grape that yields deep and tannic wines that have the potential to age.

·         Melnik 55- Native to Struna Valley, which produces velvety reds.

·         Gamza - Located at the north of Bulgaria, with lighter, fruit-based reds.

·         Rubin- A blending of Syrah and Nebbiolo meaning to produce bold and complex wines.

·         Dimyat - A well known white grape that is utilized as fresh and crispy wine.

·         These kinds of varieties render any Bulgaria Wine Tour a very unique experience to the wine lovers in the world.

The Wine and Food Connection

No wine tour is complete without food and Bulgaria does not fail in this aspect. Bulgarian traditional cuisine is best served with local wine. Imagery wise, imagine hearty cuisine such as banitsa (cheese pastry), kavarma (meat pastry), and grilled meat along with hearty reds or light seafood meals with crisp whites all courtesy of the Black Sea. It seems like one has taken a century-long journey into the history of hospitality and festivities after having dined in a Bulgarian vineyard.

Tour Planning Bulgaria Wine Tour.

In order to maximize on your trip, the following are some of the tips that you must consider:

·         Visa Requirements- Visa requirements make sure that you acquire a valid Bulgaria travelling visa prior to planning your itinerary. In the case of the Omani travelers, the visa acquisition process in Bulgaria is easy through the help of agencies such as Go Kite Oman that facilitate the process.

·         Best Time to Visit -The most interesting period is during the harvest (September- October) when there are festivals and grape picking experiences.

·         Transportation -You can have time to tour the vineyards at your speed by renting a car, but there are also guided tours.

·         Wine Festivals- Local celebrations such as the Trifon Zarezan Festival in February, in honor of the patron saint of winemakers, do not get missed.

What makes a Bulgaria Wine Tour?

Compared to other European wine destinations that are very commercialized, Bulgaria is full of authenticity, cheap and intimate. In this case, you can drink a glass of Mavrud as you talk to the winemaker, visit ancient Thracian places along with vineyards and stay in luxury hotels that are surrounded by endless lines of grapevines. Its beauty is in the fact that it is not spoilt, it is not so touristy, and it is best when one wants something special.

Conclusion

Bulgaria is not the best-kept wine secret of Europe anymore, it is quickly becoming known among the wine enthusiasts all around the world. Having an amazing history and interesting grape varieties, the country is the country with warm hospitality that makes the journey of a traveler unique. Not only is a Bulgaria Wine Tour a wine tasting adventure, but an adventure where one gets to experience culture, tradition and scenery which they will be talking about long after the trip. You are strolling across the Thracian Valley, or drinking cold whites on the Black Sea, but each time it seems to be a toast to life itself.

To the people considering this experience, the first step should be to get a Bulgaria Visa. In case you are located in Oman, agencies such as Go Kite Oman can take care of the Bulgaria Visa on behalf of Omanis so that you do not have to suffer any inconvenience in starting the voyage. When you are in Bulgaria you will enjoy a fruitful time of sightseeing of vineyards and winery that will live in your memory as a sweet, historical and happy time.