When it comes to quality wine and gorgeous wine country, Bulgaria might not be the first country you think of. After being 45 years behind the Iron Curtain; Bulgaria is still “terra incognita” for many people around the globe. However, you might be pleased to discover that Bulgaria is home to some of the finest wines available.

Winemaking in the territory of modern Bulgaria can be traced back as far as the late Stone Age, when the population of the Eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula started cultivating wild vines and created the first local breeds. In fact, the development of viticulture in the Bulgarian region was mentioned even in early Greek mythology. Legend has it that Dionysius, Greek god of wine and agriculture, began the winemaking tradition in Bulgaria by bringing a tiny root of vine to the Thracian valley—the tradition then spread to other parts of Europe.

Today, Bulgaria’s established vine growing and wine producing traditions closely follows those of the Old World—rivaling products from France, Italy, Spain, and Greece. Bulgaria is the second largest exporter of bottled wine in the world, second only to France; it has four times more area devoted to growing Cabernet Sauvignon than California does.

The wine industry is the most competitive sector of the Bulgarian food industry. According to statistics of the Bulgarian National Vine and Spirituous and Beverages Research Institute, there are 246 registered wine producers in Bulgaria. More than 80% of Bulgaria’s wine export goes to countries like Great Britain, the U.S., Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan. Newly targeted markets include India, China, and Hong Kong.

Bulgarian wine producers apply traditional classical techniques alongside modern production technologies, according to the wisdom of wine experts from industry leaders like France. Of course, a good wine requires a good grape. That is why Bulgaria adopted a national program in 2005 for wine growing; the program’s main goals are to grow new vineyards, establish small boutique wineries, improve the quality of Bulgarian wines, and intensify competition both domestically and globally.

Wine drinking and production have roots deeply imbedded in the Bulgarian lifestyle. Proof of this is the recent renaissance of the Bulgarian wine industry. Numerous boutique wine sellers have opened alongside the old well-known wineries, adding their names beside classics like Damianiza, Vinprom Peshtera, Vinprom Russe, Vinex Preslav, and Magura.

Below we will give you practical information about the wine growing regions in Bulgaria and the names of some of the most successful Bulgarian wineries. The best way to feel the spirit of Bulgaria is to attend some of the wonderful wine tasting and wine tours  organized by most of the wineries. The wine tasting is accompanied by delicious Bulgarian food from the region, and rich folklore programmes. We promise you unforgettable time—Enjoy!
According to Bacchus magazine, the top ten Bulgarian wines for 2008 are:

1. Santa Sarah Privat 2006
2. Terra Tangra Roto 2006
3. Solitaire Elenovo Merlot 2006
4. Maxxima Private Reserve 2003
5. Logodaj Nobile Rubin 2006
6. Terra Tangra Cuvee 2006
7. Katarzyna Question Mark 2007
8. Bessa Valley Enira Reserva 2006
9. Terra Tangra Grand Reserva 2006
10.Vinissimo American Barrel 2006