The Struma and Thracian Valleys
Bulgaria is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. The Thracians were making wine here thousands of years ago, and today the country is experiencing an impressive renaissance. Small-scale family-run operations, modern wineries, and centuries-old indigenous grape varieties such as Mavrud, Melnik, Rubin, and Tamyanka produce distinctive wines that remain largely undiscovered. During this trip, you’ll explore Bulgaria’s two most important wine regions and visit no fewer than six different wineries in the sunny Struma Valley in the southwest and the fertile Thracian Valley, where tradition and innovation go hand in hand.
Wine Tastings and Charming Cities
Along the way, you’ll not only taste excellent wines, but also discover Bulgaria’s rich cuisine, culture, and beautiful landscapes. You’ll drive from rugged yet charming Sofia through the impressive Rila Mountains and the Rila Monastery to the charming wine town of Melnik, the heart of Bulgarian winemaking. Following a beautiful route through the mountains, you’ll reach the Thracian Valley. In Plovdiv, you can wander through the charming old town or sample a selection of regional wines at one of the cozy wine bars.
Tips & Highlights: Wine Tour of Bulgaria:
- Explore the Bulgarian capital, with its imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Roman ruins of Serdica, and the charming boulevard
- In the famous Struma wine region, you'll visit Medi Valley Winery, where you'll learn all about the winemaking process and the region's unique terroirs during a guided tour
- At the renowned Villa Melnik, you'll learn about local grape varieties and taste some of the region's finest wines
- You'll visit and stay at the Zoritzna Family Estate, a boutique hotel with its own winery
- At the family-owned Villa Yustina, you'll enjoy a tour of the modern winery and an extensive wine tasting
- The prestigious Dragomir Estate is known for its high-quality boutique wines and innovative winemaking
- Starosel Winery, where centuries-old Thracian winemaking traditions are combined with modern techniques: during a tasting, you’ll discover why these wines are so highly regarded internationally
- On the way, visit the impressive Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away in the mountains
- Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe
- If you'd like, you can round out the evening with a traditional Bulgarian dinner that includes a folklore performance.
- This wine tour can be easily combined with visits to additional wineries, culinary experiences, cooking workshops, and trips to other cities, such as Veliko Tarnovo
