Bulgarian wines and wine production

History
The Thracian tribes worshipped the god Dyonissios as the patron of wine. With the establishment of the Bulgarian state in 681 AD the Bulgarians inherited the experience and the traditions of the local population in the cultivation of grapes and wine-producing. The winery that was found in the region of Preslav dating from the 7th to 10th century AD is a testimony to that.

Wine industry
Today, grape growing and wine production play an important role in the Bulgarian economy. The wine industry contributes to the steady development of rural regions and infertile areas, maintains the ecological balance, and encourages the appropriate and efficient use of the country’s resources.

Favourable conditions
There are numerous types of grapes and wines. The great number of sunny days in the southern parts of the country favours the red wine species, and in the North the white wine ones.

Prominent varieties
Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon from Svishtov, Sliven, Yambol, and Oryahovitsa; Mavrud from Assenovgrad and Perushtitsa; Merlot from Stambolovo and Sakar; Gamsa from Pleven, Suhindol and Novo Selo; Wine from Melnik.

Prominent varieties
White Wines: . Traminer “Khan Krum” from Preslav and Shoumen . Aligote from Lyaskovets; . Misket from Straldja; » . Sauvignon Blanc from Targovishte; . Chardonnay from Rousse and Slavyantsi . Rose from Bourgas . Muskat from Pomorie and Varna