According to historical and archaeological research, the territory of modern Bulgaria was the first place where grape vines were planted and the first wines were produced. In the same area, during the reign of Chen Krum from 802 to 814 AD, the first law was issued to protect the property rights of wine growers. The wine cellar, that is, the place where wine was stored in the cool vaults deep below the ground, is, apparently, also the invention of Bulgarian monastic orders.

Traditions of winemaking survived the Middle Ages and the Ottoman yoke in Bulgaria. After liberation from the Ottoman yoke winemaking began to flourish, and the Bulgarian winemaking received a powerful impetus to development. Large enterprises appeared, such as the Svyarovy Brothers wineries. In general, Bulgaria continued the winemaking traditions of Southern and Eastern Europe - the production of white wines for immediate consumption.

During the time of Bulgaria's stay under the "Iron Curtain" winemaking was monopolized, and became part of the state industry. However, the export of this wine was limited to the countries of the "Eastern bloc" within the framework of the CMEA (Union for Mutual Economic Assistance), and the standards of this wine were low. In the 1980s, the state enterprise Vinprom gradually entered the Western markets. Since then, especially after perestroika, the popularity of Bulgarian wines has been growing and they are already taking a worthy position among other suppliers of wines to the western market. No rest in Bulgaria is complete without tasting fine Bulgarian wines, among which the red varieties are especially famous.

Wine Regions

Bulgaria can be geographically divided into five wine regions. Each of them is slightly different from the others.

Northern region

The northern region covers the territories between the Danube River and the Balkan Range, stretching from the north to the south, and between the Dobruja Valley and the Yugoslav border from East to West, respectively .Wines of high quality are made from several grades of red and white grapes .Of red produced local variety of Hamza, as well as the noble Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot of various varieties .Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc are obtained from the corresponding white grape varieties .Being in Bulgaria, in the hotels of St. Elena and Constantine resort, try this wine .On a hot summer day it will bring a feeling of freshness, joy and celebration .

Eastern region

The eastern region covers the territory along the Black Sea coast, between the northern border with Romania and the southernmost point on the sea coast of Bulgaria bordering with Turkey. Wines from the Eastern region are made mainly of white grapes. They grow almost all the famous varieties of white grapes. Wines from this region are too sharp for Western taste, but highly valued by Bulgarians and residents of Eastern and Southern Europe.

Mountain regions

At the southern foot of the Stara Planina mountain, a unique microclimate is formed, which promotes the cultivation of grapes. Popular in Bulgaria, the Sungurlare Misket variety comes just from here, as well as the excellent variety of Sungurlare Devi. White wines from local grapes have a special taste. The most famous winery of the region is the Slavs.

Southern region

The southern region includes the Thracian Valley from the Balkan Range to the border with Greece and boasts a Mediterranean climate that is particularly important for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The best grade of local grapes is Mavrud. Red wines from this region are excellent. The most remarkable varieties are Yambol and Haskovo.

South-West region

The south-western region covers the Pirin Mountains. In the valleys there is a strong influence of the Mediterranean climate. Here they produce the best Cabernet. Wines with the brand "Melnik" are especially famous - a fragrant wine of good aging. By the way, it is produced at the winery Damanitsa. And another interesting local variety of white wine - Keratsuda, with the aroma of a rose, is produced only in the Bulgarian town of Kresna.