Ahinora
AHINORA is a family winery located just a few kilometers from the majestic flow of the Danube River.
In 2008, the Genov family acquired land in the Leskovski Vrukh area near the village of Selanovtsi and planted vineyards. With the ambition to preserve and develop local winemaking traditions, they chose to work with classic Bulgarian grape varieties—white Misket Vrachanski and the popular red Cabernet Sauvignon.
Over time, they added another interesting Bulgarian white variety to their vineyards—Misket Kaylashki, developed at the Pleven Wine Institute. This variety is not only resistant to diseases but also produces fresh, fruity white wines with character.
Region: Danube Plain
Sub-region: Northwestern Bulgaria
Winemaker: Eng. Antoaneta Genova
Production capacity: 12,000 – 15,000 bottles per year
Konopane
The "Konopane" Winery is located in the village of Mogilovo, nestled in the Chirpan Heights basin.
Founded in 2018, the winery initially introduced its wines to the market under the brand "Mon Ami." The following year, two more series were launched—"Bunalya" and "Ot Lozeto."
At the beginning of 2021, the "Urtha" series was successfully introduced, named after the region where the Mavrud grape variety is grown.
The winery produces limited-edition wines, ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 bottles per series. A diverse selection of grape varieties is cultivated, including Syrah, Mavrud, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon.
Region: Thracian Lowland
Production capacity: 12,000 - 15,000 bottles
Dvor #1
Winery "Dvor #1" is a project started in 2014 by a group of friends—as both a passion for wine and a hobby, as well as an ambition. The winery was established in the town of Perushtitsa, in Industrial Yard 1. In 2019, the first commercial campaign was launched. The winery vinifies both white and red grape varieties.
At "Dvor #1", they make wine for themselves—the kind they would love to drink. They don’t indulge in fantasies, nor do they embrace the pretentiousness of wine "aristocracy" or the grandiose language of wine poetry—they simply love good wine. Their love for wine is not factored into its price; they pour it into every glass. That way, everyone who tastes it becomes part of them, part of their "Dvor" (yard). That’s why their winery is called "Dvor #1", and their wine is "WINE FOR US."
Region: Thracian Lowland
Sub-region: Western Thrace
Winemaker: Krasimir Valkov
Annual capacity: 15,000 – 20,000 bottles
DeVina
In 2016, four friends and wine enthusiasts laid the foundation for an adventure, united by the idea of creating and offering high-quality wines originating from the Northern Black Sea region. At the time, they had no idea what lay ahead, but today they realize that all the difficulties and challenges they faced were overcome together, driven by their love for fine wine.
The exact location of their family business was determined by the exceptional quality of the grapes from Dimyat variety and the wines historically produced in the Komluka area, on the border of the Devnya and Aksakovo municipalities. The preserved winemaking traditions in this region are now the foundation for the establishment of several excellent wineries.
Region: Danube Plain
Sub-region: Northern Black Sea
Winemaker: Eng. Dragomir Slavchev
Annual Capacity: 25,000 bottles
Jarava
Desi and Joro are two people who love the finer things in life – good books, traveling, conversations and laughter with friends, long evenings with a glass of wine, and beautiful music.
Over time, they developed their taste for wine and, even more so, for fine wine. They learned to distinguish tones and nuances, met masters of the craft from whom they gained knowledge, inspiration, and support.
"We dream of having a winery in Bulgaria! To create high-quality wines that bring true emotion and pleasure! Wines made with love, care, and attention, wines that tell stories!" – this is how their journey began.
This is the story of Zharava.
Region: Danube Plain
Subregion: Northern Black Sea
Winemaker: Desislava Maleevska
Annual Capacity: 15,000 bottles
Orbelia
Orbelia Winery is located at the foot of the Belasitsa Mountain in southwestern Bulgaria, near the village of Kolarovo, just 12 km from the town of Petrich. The name "Orbelia" originates from the ancient Thracian name for the mountain, meaning "white, beautiful mountain."
The winery was built and opened in the autumn of 2013. It owns 12 hectares of vineyards situated in the Petrich region, around the villages of Mitino and Starchevo. This area is known as the sunniest and warmest region in Bulgaria, with excellent soil conditions for growing both local and international grape varieties. The vineyard plantations include Shiroka Melnik Vine, Melnik 55, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sandanski Misket, Muscat Ottonel, and Chardonnay.
The philosophy of the winery is based on a love for Bulgarian heritage and culture, combined with local traditions and grape varieties. Orbelia Winery aims to preserve centuries-old winemaking traditions and promote the region’s indigenous grape varieties. Special attention is given to the grapes grown in their own vineyards to ensure high-quality wine production.
The winery opened its doors for the first time in 2013 with a production capacity of 100,000 liters of wine per year. The wines are aged in Bulgarian, French, and American oak barrels in a specially designated cellar. Orbelia Winery is open for visits year-round and offers various wine tastings in its tasting room, which also serves as a small museum showcasing Bulgarian traditions and lifestyle.
Region: Thracian Lowlands
Sub-region: Struma River Valley
Winemaker: Nadya Ilieva
Annual Capacity: 100,000 bottles
Gorun
Gorun is a boutique, family-run winery with a mission and vision, located 30 km from Pleven in the town of Iskar.
In 2016, in the heart of the Moesian Plateau, the vineyards of Gorun Winery were planted on the windswept hills above the Iskar River. Four years later, in 2019, a small winery was established, nestled in the river valley near the town that shares its name. Long ago, on the site of present-day Iskar, there was a small settlement known for its intelligent and forward-thinking inhabitants. It was called Gorun Mahala after the ancient oak trees (gorun in Bulgarian) in the area—an inspiration for the winery’s name. Additionally, the winery uses top-quality oak barrels, which play a key role in shaping the unique flavors of Gorun wines.
However, the choice of high-quality French and Bulgarian oak barrels is not the only factor behind the winery's success. The overall microclimate of the Pleven region, the influence of the Iskar River, and the fertile Moesian soil provide the perfect conditions for producing high-quality wines. These wines are marketed under the Gorun Winery brand in two series:
- Gorun Reserve – aged in French and Bulgarian oak barrels.
- Gorun – single-varietal wines with no oak contact, showcasing the pure expression of the local terroir.
Rosalea
It all began with two Czech entrepreneurs and passionate wine lovers who admired the rich history and culture of winemaking in the Bulgarian and Thracian lands. In 2011, Petr and Vladya arrived in Bulgaria to start a business in the IT sector, but from their very first steps in the country, they began searching for a way to establish their own winery—one where they could create wines they loved and could share, wines with an origin they deeply understood.
In 2014, with naivety and little experience, they managed to purchase land in Southern Sakar. Two years later, they planted vineyards across 11 hectares. The land became a vineyard, but their initial attempt failed, and in 2017 and 2018, almost all the vines had to be replaced. Despite the challenges, their winemaking adventure started to feel like a series of small but determined steps leading to the realization that winemaking is not just a job but a serious craft—even an art. An art that cannot exist without the dedicated people behind it.
In 2017, the first employee joined the team—agronomist Aneliya Pavlova. With her youth and determination, she took on the challenge of restoring the vineyards and, over time, became a key pillar in the winery’s production. Over the next five years, she laid the foundations of the entire process, evolving from a young agronomist into a recognized professional in the field. For these achievements, Ani holds an important place in ROSALEA’s history. Although she left the company in 2021, she left behind a beautiful and thriving vineyard, maintained by a team dedicated to its development. Leading the team is Rumen Kirilov—an agronomist and a loyal member of the winery since its inception.
In 2020, the first quantities of grapes suitable for winemaking appeared, and oenologist Ekaterina Gargova joined the team. This marked the birth of ROSALEA’s first rosé. The 2021 vintage expanded the winery’s portfolio with the introduction of the signature "Writer’s Wine" series—high-quality varietal wines aged in barrels. The idea for this collection was not new; it had been in the minds of the owners since the early years of the project. Petr’s wife, Zuzana, is not only a writer but also a passionate wine enthusiast. This unique combination of passions inspired the creation of "Writer’s Wine", because just like every book, every wine tells its own story.
Lilyache
Lilyache Winery is a small boutique winery located in an old stone building in the village of the same name, near the natural rock phenomenon God’s Bridge. The winery’s team is dedicated to reviving the once widespread Cinsault grape variety, from which they produce exceptionally elegant rosé wines. The winery prioritizes the production of white and rosé wines with a strongly expressed varietal character. Each year, they also vinify small quantities of red wines, primarily based on Cinsault, along with the well-known Merlot and Syrah varieties.
Region: Danube Plain
Sub-region: Northwestern Bulgaria
Winemaker: Tsvetanka Malcheva
Production capacity: 20,000 bottles
The Jolly Vintners
They are "The Jolly Vintners", a cheerful winemaking crew united by a dream—to craft great wine. They believe that wine has been passed down to them through generations to bring joy, and they are determined to honor that tradition.
They cultivate their vineyard on land that was once a bare meadow. But this isn’t just any meadow—it lies in the Rechka area near Vratsa, the very place where Hristo Botev and his company took their last rest, received food, and drank wine before setting off towards eternity. Back then, the wine came from vines growing on this very spot, and the host and winemaker of that time was the ancestor of one of the Jolly Vintners. If you don’t believe it, visit Memorial Marker 42 on Botev’s Path and look around—you’ll find both the vineyard and the winemakers.
They grow their vines sustainably, with deep respect for nature—without irrigation, among wild grasses, herbs, sheep, and insects. Some of the grape varieties they have planted are French, perhaps inspired by Botev’s admiration for the French Revolution, but not only that. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre—grape varieties from the banks of the Rhône—have now also found a home on the banks of Rechka.
Mladen's winery
Mladen's Winery was founded in 2000 by Mladen Mihaylov in the picturesque Danube town of Tutrakan, a place that impresses with its rich millennia-old history, preserved traditions, and unique spirit.
The vineyards, situated on the steep banks of the Danube River, are cultivated with great effort and care by a family of dedicated vine growers who are the true guardians of the winery. Mastery, resilience, and the unique biodiversity of the region are the core principles that Mladen's Winery follows in the cultivation of its vines.
The winery stands out for its excellence, achieved through a continuous pursuit of innovation, in-depth knowledge, and deep respect for the terroir. In this captivating landscape, the journey of Mladen's Winery wines begins, with each bottle telling the unique story of the land, the people, and the winemaking tradition.
Region: Danubian Plain
Winemaker: Stefan Mihaylov
Annual capacity: up to 1,000,000 bottles
Libera Estate
Libera Estate is a small boutique wine project named after the goddess Libera – the goddess of fertility and freedom.
The history of Libera Estate began in 2013 when they started producing limited series of experimental wines from various grape varieties. Their goal is to present the authentic character of Bulgarian wine, combining centuries-old local traditions with their team's modern approach.
When talking about the renowned wines of the Melnik region, one cannot overlook the unique local grape varieties found only there – Melnik 55, Shiroka Melnik Vine, Melnik 82, Sandanski Misket, and Keratsuda. These varieties are, and will remain, the cornerstone of Libera Estate's production.
Tsarina
For them, wine is much more than just a drink. Since childhood, they have watched their grandfathers and fathers make wine, learning the craft from their predecessors. Wine has flowed through generations in their family, fostering a deep respect and special appreciation for it. They have preserved valuable memories and accumulated extensive knowledge about winemaking. For them, winemaking is not just a profession—it is a way of life.
They actively participate in every ritual—from pruning the vineyards in February, through the entire growing season, and during the grape harvest. They put in immense effort and responsibility, yet they see it as a celebration because the whole family comes together to reap the fruits of their labor. The work does not stop after the harvest; the grapes must be processed, the barrels filled, and every little detail carefully attended to, ensuring that the result is fine wine.
Region: Thracian Lowlands
Subregion: Western Thrace
Winemaker: Daniel Rusev
Annual Capacity: 15,000 - 17,000 bottles
Vrachanska temenuga
"Vrachanska Temenuga" is a boutique family winery located in Northwestern Bulgaria. The winery is situated 7 km from Vratsa, in the direction of Oryahovo, in the locality of Deri Vol. It takes its name from the emblematic brand "Vrachanska Temenuga," under which VINPROM Vratsa once produced beverages from the city's traditional grape variety, Vrachanski Misket.
Viticulture and winemaking in the Vratsa region have deep historical roots. The descendants of Dionysus in the Bulgarian lands are still alive today, preserving the skills of their ancestors and their knowledge of cultivating high-quality grape varieties and producing fine wines.
At the end of the 19th century, viticulture and winemaking were the primary livelihoods of many people in Vratsa. The favorable conditions for growing vines in Vratsa and the surrounding region, especially the old variety "Vrachanska Temenuga" (also known as "Vrachanski Misket"), contributed to the production of high-quality wines. The renowned producer of prestigious branded wines, Stefan Kraskiyov from Vratsa, participated in the International Wine and Liqueur Competition in Brussels in 1896, where he received an honorary diploma and the "Grand Prix." When representatives of European royal and imperial courts sought to purchase the fine wine in advance for years to come, the winemaker from Vratsa replied that "it was already reserved"—yet another testament to the reputation of the people of Vratsa as skilled viticulturists and winemakers.
Oriahovitza
The Oryahovitsa Winery was built in the late 1930s by the Bulgarian-German company "Cyclop" and was designed based on a French model for gravitational product movement. It is one of only two completed projects out of a total of five planned. Today, the winery remains one of the oldest operational wineries in Bulgaria.
The building has undergone two previous renovations, neither of which significantly altered its original layout. In recent years, a third renovation was undertaken with the primary goal of restoring the winery to its original appearance. The capacity was reduced, and the gravitational handling of grapes, must, and wine was reinstated. They have preserved as much as possible of what their predecessors left behind. However, they have also implemented technological modernization of the winemaking equipment to meet all contemporary standards.
Manastira
They are Manastira Winery. They produce high-quality red and white wines near the banks of the Topolnitsa River, at an altitude of 330 meters, where Thrace meets the hills of Sredna Gora. The unique terroir, the lovingly cultivated vineyards, and the millennia-old winemaking traditions of the region form the foundation of the distinctive character of their wine.
Balar
Their exciting journey into the world of wine began in 2006 when, after meticulous soil research, they chose the foothills of the mystical Manastirski Hills in the lands of the village of Skalitsa, southwest of the town of Yambol, as the location for their vineyards. Their winery is in close proximity to the vineyards, ensuring that the grapes retain their quality characteristics from the moment they are harvested until the start of vinification. The winery has a capacity for processing 50 tons of grapes. Their main goal is to produce limited series of wines with distinct character, and they have no intention of expanding their operations.
They employ classic techniques for producing red wine, with a predominant use of manual labor whenever it contributes to the quality of the wine.
In Old Bulgarian, "balar" means "wise, learned person." To remain as close as possible to the character of the grapes gifted to them by the Thracian land through the wines they create is, in their view, one dimension of wisdom. By applying sustainable practices and yield reduction, they merely assist the vineyard in fully revealing its potential. They submit to Nature when it is unkind to them, refraining from producing wine in years of insufficiently good harvests (for example, the 2014 vintage).
Wine Hippies
Wine Hippies is a brand created by Dimitar Nikolov and Atanas Balev. Both are well-known figures in the Bulgarian wine scene and have significant experience in the field accumulated over the years.
Dimitar Nikolov is a professional sommelier and together with his wife Donka, he runs the project Apollowine. In 2017, he created his first own series of wines, including a blend with Shiroka Melnishka Loza, vintage 2017, produced at Villa Melnik, and Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2015, which was created in collaboration with Zelanos Winery, which he consults.
Atanas Balev is a restaurateur who has achieved great success as a manager of several restaurants in Sofia and recently as an owner. There, he successfully experiments with his own series of wines.
What unites both of them is their belief that certain Bulgarian wineries excel with specific grape varieties due to the suitable terroir on which the vineyards are planted. Therefore, they decide to make a selection from different terroirs that are emblematic for particular wineries and grape varieties that correspond to their vision of honest yet extraordinary wines.
Through the Wine Hippies project, Dimitar and Atanas tell their personal story of rebels and unconventional thinkers within the context of the wine industry.
Dragomir
In the summer of 2006, they began realizing their dream of creating their own wine estate, where they could apply the knowledge, skills, perseverance, and hard work accumulated over the years to produce their own wine. They went through several winemaking locations:two years in the village of Bratya Daskalovi and ten years in Plovdiv. Then they moved to their new winery in the village of Brestnik, just 5 km from the city of Plovdiv, in February 2020, where they plan to grow old happily.
Throughout these years, they have been guided by the idea of creating wines with a unique style, uncompromising in quality and showcasing the full potential of Bulgaria’s micro-regions. Their wines are vinified using gentle technological practices and are primarily made from local (autochthonous) grape varieties such as Rubin, Mavrud, Dimyat, and their blends.
Over 14 years, the name "Dragomir" has become synonymous with quality, which they intend to build upon with each new vintage. The new wine estate of Dragomir Winery Estate is a modern and avant-garde building, designed entirely according to their vision and perfectly aligned with the style of their wines. The production capacity reaches up to 90,000 bottles per year, predominantly red wines. The winery is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and high-quality barrels. The tasting room is integrated into the production process, allowing visitors to observe part of the winemaking process while enjoying their wine.
They invite everyone to visit and turn the experience into an unforgettable pleasure together.
Region: Thracian Lowlands
Sub-region: Western Thrace
Winemaker: Konstantin Stoev
Production capacity: 70,000 – 90,000 bottles
Alexandra Estate
The beginning of the Alexandra Estate winery was set in 2012 with the purchase of 200 decares of first-class vineyards in the Sakar region, known as one of the best wine regions in Bulgaria. In 2013, Alexandra Estate expanded with another 100 decares of vineyards in the village of Rakitnitsa, Stara Zagora region, situated at an altitude of 300 meters. The carbonate-rich soils of these vineyards contribute to the excellent quality of the grapes, which include varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sémillon. These varieties bore their first fruit in 2016.
Vinification at Alexandra Estate is carried out using proprietary French barrels with capacities of 225 and 300 liters. All wines ferment and age in barrels, with even the rosé being partially fermented in French oak. Vineyard management is overseen by Atanas Shiderov and Eric Moreau, while vinification and blending are handled by Alexander Velyanov and Thierry Haberer.
Cherganovo
Cherganovo Winery – A Hidden Gem Near Kazanlak
Nestled in the heart of Bulgaria’s famous Rose Valley, near the historic town of Kazanlak, Cherganovo Winery is a boutique winery dedicated to crafting premium wines with a unique terroir expression. With vineyards thriving in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, this winery benefits from an exceptional climate, combining cool mountain breezes with abundant sunshine—perfect for growing high-quality grape varieties.
Cherganovo Winery blends traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovations, producing elegant red, white, and rosé wines that captivate wine lovers with their depth, aroma, and rich character. The winery is committed to sustainable viticulture, ensuring that each bottle reflects the purity of the land and the passion of its winemakers.
Whether you’re exploring Bulgaria’s wine heritage or looking for a true taste of the Thracian Valley, Cherganovo Winery invites you to discover exceptional wines crafted with history, tradition, and care.
Dragoshinov
This small family winery was founded in 2018 by Daniel Dragoshinov, an oenologist with nearly 30 years of experience. It is located in the village of Natsovtsi, 15 kilometers south of Veliko Tarnovo. The winery has a capacity of 12,000 liters, with an annual production that does not exceed 5,000 bottles. The first vintage from Dragoshinov Winery was in 2019.
Daniel Dragoshinov's goal as a winemaker is to produce small batches of signature wines and traditional pelin from carefully selected grapes. His professional journey has been entirely dedicated to wine, and his winemaking philosophy is to follow his senses and the unique characteristics of each harvest to create wines with character and mystery.
Bononia Estate
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The journey through time begins in the distant times of the Great Roman Empire, when the ancient Roman fortress of Bononia was located on the site of today's Bononia Estate winery. At the end of the 19th century, there was one of the first breweries in the country, which later became a winery. Over time, however, this place fell into oblivion.
In 2013, two passionate entrepreneurs, in love with aviation and Bulgaria, decided to restore the old winery and turn it into a modern wine cellar, using contemporary winemaking technologies. They acted in the spirit of dreams and traditions, creating a new beginning for this historic place.
In 2024, Bononia Estate received an extremely prestigious award, ranking 53rd in the annual international competition World's Best Vineyards Top 100. This recognition places the winery among the most beautiful, picturesque, and exceptionally well-maintained wineries and vineyards in the world. With its achievement, Bononia Estate strives to establish itself as one of the best cellars in Eastern Europe and to contribute to the popularization of Bulgaria as one of the places where winemaking originated on the continent.
Kosev
Kosev Winery is inspired by a passion for wine. It relies on the exceptional terroir of its vineyards to produce unique and complex wines. As the winery's wines evolve over time, consumers discover new flavors, depth, and nuances that make each wine irresistible year after year.
The winery's journey began in 2019 when it acquired 50-year-old Merlot vines located at the foot of the Sakar Mountain. The area has evidence of human settlements dating back to 6000 BC, with agriculture and viticulture practiced for millennia. Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and other peoples inhabited these lands in the past.
The ancient Thracian name of Sakar Mountain is Masteira, meaning "Sacred Mountain." Kosev Winery believes that the name Masteira represents the history, mystique, and uniqueness of the region where their grapes are grown. That's why it was chosen as the name for one of their wine series.
The winery's vineyards are located on the Kapaclia hill in the southern slopes of Sakar Mountain, near the Maritsa River. This creates a perfect combination of sun exposure, sufficient groundwater, and a unique microclimate that reflects in the quality of the grapes. The plantings are 55 years old, and their deep root system ensures good balance and depth in the wine.
Constant currents from the mountain to the river and back help better ripen the grapes, while large temperature amplitudes in the morning and evening (around 20°C) enhance the aromas and flavor qualities of the wines. The climate is temperate, Mediterranean, with dry summers and mild, wet winters. The geology of the area includes granites, limestones, marble, and quartz fragments that accumulate and retain heat. The soil is red clay, rich in minerals.
The absence of industrial complexes in the area is one of the reasons for the ecologically preserved, clean environment. Kosev Winery feels a great responsibility to maintain this purity and produce honest and natural wines that reflect the natural richness of nature. The vine formation is Umbrella, allowing better ventilation and preventing diseases.
Roxs winery
The winery begins its history in 2018 when Snezhana and Atanas Mutafschiyski, together with Deyana and Dako Nikolovi, decide to create their own project.
The first steps in the development of the winery take place at a rented wine cellar in the village of Vinarovo, where within one year both families manage to acquire it as their own property. Despite all the difficulties, passion and love for wine are the main driving forces that keep the dream of ROXS WINERY alive.
The winery does not yet have its own vineyards, and at this stage, the owners do not plan to make investments in this direction. As an oenologist, Mrs. Mutafschiyska has excellent knowledge of the grape varieties in the country, which allows her to make the best choice when selecting grapes.
ChaTony
The winery "ChaToni" is located on an area of 1062 square meters and has a capacity to process 500 tons of grapes. It is equipped with the most modern high-tech facilities from foreign and Bulgarian companies, including a membrane press for pomace, stainless steel fermenters, maturation tanks, and a special room where the best wines age in oak barrels. The bottling line is automated and has a capacity of 1500 bottles per hour. The winery has its own laboratory where wine analyses are carried out to monitor their quality.
