Worldwide, wine tourism has seen incredible growth over the last years, almost everyone has stumbled upon at least one ad for a wine tour, wine tasting, wine experience. As wine connoisseurs and people who enjoy it, we strive to practice wine tourism. We do it as ethical, responsible and reasonable as possible, although it is clear that wine attracts only good people and is supposed to be harmless by design. Fortunately, we live in Bulgaria, where wine-making and wine tourism are also outperforming themselves, constantly improving and being able to give you a world-class wine experience. Without further ado, let’s move on to the list of wine events and wineries in Bulgaria that we visited and went through in search of great wine experiences (and memories, but they may be missing due to the nature of the activity).
Wine tourism always requires a few logistics, especially after tastings. It is not an option for us to taste wine and drive afterward. That is why we are attracted to wineries that offer accommodation – in the form of their own hotel or guest house, or in the immediate vicinity. Or, if not, at least they should be reached by regular transport or for an affordable price. Or at least they should arrange some kind of transportation for you. Or, lastly, maybe they can arrange a tour or you join a tour visiting the winery.
Our favorite wineries in Bulgaria on the map
Let’s make a remark here – as romantic as it sounds to go cycling from winery to winery, we do not recommend doing this in Bulgaria. Elsewhere in the world (e.g. Mendoza in Argentina) there are well-developed wine cycle routes that minimize the risk of accidents. We have never heard of such thing in Bulgaria so far, and cycling on or off the roads is a risky activity, especially when tasting wine.
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Todoroff Winery
At this winery and hotel was one of our first experiences in wineries outside Sofia after we had completed the sommelier course. Let’s start with the great wine spa we gave ourselves: grape seed peeling, a massage and then a dip in a wine bath. And all this while drinking wine (not the one from the bath). At the Todoroff Winery’s restaurant, we were particularly impressed by the curry, which was perfectly combined with the delicious red wines.
Midalidare Estate
A stroll on Midalidare’s premises can definitely compete with a world-class wine tour. We highly recommend a tour of the mansion, tasting and soaking up the atmosphere of the Thracian Plain.
Nearby in the village of Mogilovo is the hotel of Midalidare, where we can indulge in spa, sports or just visit the restaurant. The restaurant is the place to try the wines and pair them with gourmet dishes. If we like a delicious combination of good wine and a chic atmosphere – this is the place. And the spa and hotel recommend them to fans of the spa experiences in Bulgaria.
Edoardo Miroglio Winery
In the cold and gray late fall, we headed all the way to Elenovo, because after so many tastings we had to know what exactly was going on in one of the most famous wineries in Bulgaria. With the wine tour, we reinforced the fact that we are fans of their wines, and after that we just sat by the fireplace in the room, reading books on the leather sofas of the lobby, and when a brave ray of sun broke out, we toured the small zoo-farm.
Never give up going somewhere just because the weather is not inspiring. Sometimes it is exactly what contributes to the magic of the experience, and wine tasting is best done indoors.
Seven Generations Winery
Seven Generations Winery Hotel
The village of Mechka (means “bear”), not far from Ruse, has a huge winery. Seven Generations introduced us to interesting wines and even more stunning views from the top of the hill. Staying in such wineries is not an easy job – half of the year they’re fully booked, the place is especially known for wedding celebrations.
But if you’re lucky, you will relax in an incredible setting and see the Danube river and maybe even Romania. After our extensive lunch with wine tasting elements, we were presented with a book-autobiography by the founder of the winery – Luben Rabchev.
Rose Wine Expo, Kazanlak
The aroma of roses, Kazanlak smiles, and rosé, rosé, rosé – we strongly recommend at least one visit to the Rose Wine Festival. You follow Dionysius, who takes you to the stands of the various wineries. There is a cultural program on the main square, the whole town is bustling with life. You can combine the experience with rose-picking, and the Koprinka dam nearby gives you more ideas about things to do in that part of Bulgaria. As soon as May arrives, we are headed for a better pink world.
Needless to say, this list will be expanded with every new interesting tasting, with every new glass of wine in cellars and wineries that also offer hotel, accommodation or at least decent transportation. We look forward to suggestions, ideas, and why not invitations to wineries and wine events!
