Veliko Tarnovo Wine

Veliko Tarnovo sits between the Danube River and the Stara Planina mountains, in a region shaped by rolling hills, varied soils, and distinct microclimates. These natural features help define the wines of northern Bulgaria, particularly those made in the Danubian Plain.

Wines from the area include internationally known grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, along with Bulgarian varieties such as Rubin, Pamid, and Red Misket. Winemakers around Veliko Tarnovo often blend old traditions with modern techniques, producing both fresh, aromatic whites and structured reds suited to cellar aging.

To explore Bulgaria’s broader wine industry, including grape varieties and regions beyond Veliko Tarnovo, be sure to check out our detailed Bulgaria Wine page.

Northern Bulgaria’s Danubian Plain is one of the country’s key wine regions, known for its long growing season and diverse terroirs. Local producers here work with both well-known and indigenous grapes, offering a mix of familiar and distinctly Bulgarian styles.

Common international varieties grown in the area include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Riesling
• Pinot Noir

You’ll also find wines made from regional grapes such as:

• Rubin – a bold red created from Syrah and Nebbiolo
• Pamid – light-bodied, historically important Bulgarian red
• Red Misket – aromatic white grape used for still and sparkling wines
• Gergana, Dimyat, and Tamyanka – local white grapes with floral, fruity profiles

These local and international varieties make the Danubian Plain a prime destination for discovering the diversity of Bulgarian wine.

Veliko Tarnovo has several wine shops and tasting centers where you can sample and purchase bottles from across Bulgaria. These are good stops if you’re short on time or looking to explore local varietals without leaving the city.

Some shops offer informal tastings by the glass, while others host guided flights or sell wines from small producers not widely distributed. Many focus on native Bulgarian grapes, making them a useful introduction before heading to wineries outside town.

Below are a few of the top spots for wine tasting and shopping in Veliko Tarnovo.

Address: 14 Kapitan Georgi Mamarchev St., Samovodska Charshia, Veliko Tarnovo 5000

Offers 45-minute guided tastings focused on local grapes like Gamza, Red Misket, and Dimyat.

For a deeper look into Bulgaria’s wine culture, consider visiting one of the wineries located just outside Veliko Tarnovo. These producers work with both international and native grapes, and many offer tastings or vineyard tours by appointment.

The surrounding region—stretching south toward the Balkan Mountains and east into the Danubian Plain—is ideal for cultivating grapes thanks to its sunny slopes and varied soils. Whether you visit a small family-run cellar or a boutique winery with modern equipment, you’ll find wines that reflect the distinct terroir of northern Bulgaria.

Below are some of the most accessible wineries near Veliko Tarnovo.

Address: Byala Cherkva, Pavlikeni Municipality, Veliko Tarnovo Region, Bulgaria

Ruevit Estate is a small estate producing limited batches of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Located northwest of Veliko Tarnovo near Byala Cherkva.

Address: 2 Shesta Street, 5056 Yalovo, Veliko Tarnovo Region, Bulgaria

Yalovo Winery is a boutique winery south of Veliko Tarnovo focused on reviving native Bulgarian grape varieties and traditional winemaking methods.

Address: Natsovtsi Village, 5055 Veliko Tarnovo Region, Bulgaria

Dragoshinov Winery is a family-run winery producing small-lot wines near the Balkan foothills. Tastings and visits available by appointment.

Address: Maryan Village, 5084 Elena Municipality, Veliko Tarnovo Region, Bulgaria

Located at the base of the Stara Planina mountains, Maryan Winery combines traditional techniques with modern equipment to produce premium wines.

Address: Momin Sbor Village, near Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

New winery offering tastings of qvevri-aged and stainless-steel wines. Known for local hospitality and scenic rural setting.

Veliko Tarnovo hosts a small but growing calendar of wine festivals, bringing together local producers, wine merchants, and visitors. These events offer a chance to taste wines from across Bulgaria in one place—often paired with food, live music, and cultural programs.

Held in the historic Samovodska Charshia and Hadji Nikoli Inn, this open-air festival celebrates Bulgarian wine with tastings, artisan stalls, and cultural events. The first edition was launched in October 2023 and is expected to return annually.

Previously held at Mall Veliko Tarnovo, this indoor wine fair featured dozens of wineries and hundreds of Bulgarian wines. While last held in 2019, there are ongoing discussions about bringing it back in future years.