Veliko Tarnovo Wine
What and Where to Drink in Veliko Tarnovo?
Veliko Tarnovo is not only known for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes but also for its exceptional wine. With a long-standing tradition of winemaking, this charming city has become a haven for wine enthusiasts from all over the world.
After researching Veliko Tarnovo wine, we explored the local wine scene and found the best places to indulge in its exquisite flavors. We are excited to present a comprehensive summary of our findings so that you can begin your wine journey as soon as you arrive in this remarkable destination.
As you explore the local wine shops, wineries, and wine festivals, you’ll find yourself immersed in an unforgettable experience, where each glass of wine becomes a gateway to the flavors and aromas that define Veliko Tarnovo.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Local Wine in Veliko Tarnovo
Located in northeastern Bulgaria, between the Danube, Black Sea, and Stara Planina Mountain, the Veliko Tarnovo wine region has a combination of micro-terroirs with specific features. It is these distinct characteristics that contribute to the extraordinary quality of the wines produced in the area.
Bulgarian Wine
The wines produced in the Northeastern wine region of Bulgaria are impressive representatives of world-class varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Muscat Otonel, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. But the winemakers are most proud of their local varieties like Gergana, Red Misket, Rubin, Pamid, Varna Misket, Dimyat, Evmolpia, Vrachanski Misket, and Tamyanka. These wines’ unique tastes and aroma characteristics can only be found in this area.
The region has a great variety, ranging from fresh white wines (along the sea coast) to robust reds with a dense structure (in the Danube Plain and the Pre-Balkans).
Check out our Bulgarian Wine page for more information about these wines.
Veliko Tarnovo Wine Shops
Discover the treasures of Veliko Tarnovo’s wine shops, where you can find a wide range of local wines to satisfy your palate. Step into these charming stores and let the knowledgeable staff guide you through their carefully curated selection. Whether you’re looking for a bold and robust red or a crisp and refreshing white, there’s something for every taste.
Many of these shops offer wine tastings allowing you to sample different varieties and discover new favorites. With the guidance of experts, you can learn about the wine-making process and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting your journey into the world of wines, these tastings offer a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and palate.
In addition to tastings, some wine shops offer courses for those who want to delve deeper into the art of wine appreciation. From learning how to pair wines with food to understanding the nuances of different wine regions, these educational opportunities provide a comprehensive understanding of the world of wine.
Wine Tasting Centre
Address: ul. “Kapitan Georgi Mamarchev” 14, 5000 g.k. Varusha – north, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Vino Veritas
Address: ul. “Velcho Dzhamdzhiyata” 20, 5000 g.k. Varusha – south, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Vino Veritas is a boutique wine and tasting shop.
Wine Center VIP-Wines
Address: bulevard”Krakov” 10a, 5006 Rayon Zapaden, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo Wineries
For a more immersive wine experience, head to one of the local wineries dotted across the rolling hills surrounding Veliko Tarnovo. These wineries are the pride and joy of the region, producing exquisite wines that showcase the unique terroir and grape varieties of Veliko Tarnovo. Take a tour through vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and indulge in a tasting session that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
Winery Estate Rugiewit
Address: ul. “Peyo K. Yavorov” 34, 5000 g.k. Akatsia, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Ruevit Estate (Winery Estate Rugiewit) has vineyards near the town of Byala Cherkva in the Veliko Tarnovo region. The region has a long-standing tradition of grape cultivation.
Yalovo Winery
Address: 2 Shesta, 5056 Yalovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Yalovo Winery is a small boutique winery located at the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, south of Veliko Tarnovo. Driven by their passion for wine, the visionary Anton Tanev and oenologist Dimitar Dimov embarked on a journey to create wines with a unique character that expresses the beauty of the region and their shared vision of winemaking. The wines of Yalovo Winery aim to recall past traditions by combining pure techniques and craftsmanship, resulting in a beautiful aesthetic.
Dragoshinov Winery
Address: No. 41, 5055 Natsovtsi, Bulgaria
Dragoshinov Winery is a small family winery in the village of Natsovtsi, 15 km south of Veliko Tarnovo. The winery’s annual production is less than 8,000 bottles. The first vintage of wine from the Dragoshinov cellar is 2019.
Maryan Winery
Address: 53 32, 5084 Maryan, Bulgaria
Maryan Winery is located at the base of the Stara Planina mountain, where the ideal conditions for producing exceptional wines are found. The winery uses only the finest grapes in the production of their wines. The state-of-the-art equipment used in the winemaking process was custom-made to suit the traditional techniques employed by the winery.
Veliko Tarnovo Wine Festival
Don’t forget to visit the wine festivals that take place in Veliko Tarnovo throughout the year. These lively events bring together wine enthusiasts, winemakers, and locals alike to celebrate the rich tradition of winemaking in the region. Sample various wines from different wineries, join in on grape stomping activities and soak up the festive atmosphere as you indulge in delicious food and live music.
Here are a couple of festivals to look out for:
Urban Wine Fest - Veliko Tarnovo
The Urban Wine Fest is a celebration of Bulgarian wine in the heart of the old capital. The debut edition was held in Veliko Tarnovo on October 7 and 8, 2023. The festive was in the Architectural-Ethnographic Complex “Samovodska Bazaar” and Khan Hadji Nikoli.
Sommelier Market Veliko Tarnovo
Sommelier Market Veliko Tarnovo had dozens of exhibitors on the 3rd floor of Mall Veliko Tarnovo, showing hundreds of wines from Bulgaria. At the festival, almost 600 people tasted new and old vintage wines and met oenologists and merchants that produced them. The event was last held in 2019; however, there is hope the event will be revised soon.
Wine Tours from Veliko Tarnovo
Below are tours that explore wineries in the Veliko Tarnovo region.
Self-Guided Winery Tour from Veliko Tarnovo
Embarking on a self-guided winery tour from Veliko Tarnovo is a fantastic way to explore the region’s wine culture at your own pace. The wineries will reveal the secrets of their fine wine and winemaking traditions, each with its own unique character and style.
If you only have one day for a wine tour, we suggest visiting the following wineries:
If you have a driver (and you definitely should), you could leave Veliko Tarnovo after lunch, visit all three wineries, and be back in Veliko Tarnovo in time for dinner. Of course, how long the tour takes will depend on how long you spend at each winery.
NOTE: Some wineries in Bulgaria require reservations for tastings and tours. We suggest you contact them ahead of time to make any necessary arrangements.
If you’re in the mood for another glass of wine once you return to Veliko Tarnovo, check out the Winery Estate Rugiewit wine shop at ul. “Peyo K. Yavorov” 34 in Veliko Tarnovo.
FAQs About Veliko Tarnovo Wine
Is Bulgarian wine good?
Bulgarian wine has been gaining recognition and popularity in recent years, with many wine enthusiasts appreciating the quality and unique characteristics of Bulgarian wines. The country has a long history of winemaking, dating back thousands of years, and its diverse climate and terroir contribute to the production of a wide range of wine styles. Bulgarian wines are known for their rich flavors, balanced acidity, and excellent value for money. Some popular grape varieties grown in Bulgaria include Mavrud, Melnik, Gamza, and Rubin. Whether Bulgarian wine is “good” ultimately comes down to personal taste preferences. It may be worth exploring different Bulgarian wines to see if they appeal to your palate.
What is the wine capital of Bulgaria?
The wine capital of Bulgaria is the city of Plovdiv. Plovdiv is known for its rich wine history and culture, with numerous vineyards and wineries located in and around the city. The region produces a variety of high-quality wines, including both traditional Bulgarian varietals and international grape varieties. The city also hosts the annual “Vinaria” wine festival, which showcases the best wines from Bulgaria and beyond. If you’re a wine enthusiast, Plovdiv is definitely worth a visit!
What is the wine region of Bulgaria?
The wine region of Bulgaria is known as the Thracian Valley. It is located in the southern part of the country and is considered one of Bulgaria’s most important and well-known wine regions. The Thracian Valley has a long history of winemaking, dating back thousands of years, and is known for producing a variety of high-quality wines, including both red and white varietals. Some popular grape varieties grown in the Thracian Valley include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The region’s climate and terroir make it ideal for viticulture, resulting in wines that are often described as rich, flavorful, and distinctive.
Where Is the Best Place To Stay In Veliko Tarnovo?
Hotels in Veliko Tarnovo
If you’re planning a trip to Veliko Tarnovo, there are many great places to stay. However, we strongly recommend staying near the castle icon on the map below for the best experience. This is in the Old Town where you can enjoy the unique architecture, close to the restaurants with amazing views over the river, and not far from all the best wine bars. And, it’s a short and easy walk to the fortress.
The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
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