About Bulgarian Wines
Wine production has over a thousand year long tradition in Bulgaria. The ancient Thracians, who populated the land in ancient times, worshipped the gods Zagreus and Dionysius and used the wine during their religious rituals. Nowadays Bulgaria is a proud producer of fine quality wines, some of which are made from unique sorts of vine, impressing wine connoisseurs worldwide.
History of wine in the Bulgarian lands
Wine is an integral part of the history of Bulgaria, it is also very much a part of Bulgarian culture, customs and spirit. The Bulgarian lands are rooted in ancient civilizations which have left an indelible imprint on modern Bulgaria. The ancient Thracians used wine as an important part of their religious rituals and as a mean of communing with their gods. Evidence for this can be found in the many shrines discovered throughout the country, which bring to mind the ancient rituals and the cult of the god of wine, Zagreus. Bulgaria is home to some of the most important archaeological discoveries, including gold and silver.
Thracian pieces, most of which were parts of beautiful sets used for serving and consuming wine.
The use of the Orphic drink in religious rituals is associated with traditions in viticulture and winemaking. Homer often mentions in his works the superior quality of Thracian wines.
With the establishment of the Bulgarian State these wine-making traditions were absorbed and preserved. Many medieval travellers who passed through Bulgaria referred to the many different types of good quality wines they were offered. In the late 19th and early 20th century a professional approach to viticulture and winemaking began to emerge and the foundations of the modern production methods were established for Bulgarian wines. Today, high-quality wines from Bulgaria can be sampled around the globe. Many of the local wines win international awards and astound foreign oenophiles with their high quality and exquisite taste.
The love of good wine and the interest in local varieties has brought about an increase of wine tourism in Bulgaria - wine tours and wine tastings. Many of the wineries in the country organize special events to introduce their newest and best products.
Wineries and Wine Tasting
Almost all wineries in the country offer wine tasting and have areas specially equipped for this purpose. Both group and private events can be organized. For more information, contact your tour operator, the local tourist information centre or one of the many wineries.
The region of Pleven, Kaylaka Park, hosts the only Wine Museum in the country.
There you can learn about the history of Bulgarian winemaking and the subtleties of wine tasting. At the museum many different wines can be tasted. The museum houses around 7,000 exhibits - old wines and wine storage and winemaking vessels. The oldest wine in the museum was produced almost 100 years ago.
