site.btaBurgas Grape Growers Expect Better Harvest This Year

The grape harvest in Bulgaria's southeastern Burgas Region is entering its active phase, as vineyard owners and winemakers told BTA Tuesday that they expect a better harvest than in 2025, with grapes showing very good quality.

In the Pomorie area, harvesting began with Muscat Ottonel, followed by Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

In the Sungurlare Valley, where white varieties also dominate, harvesting started in late August. The first yields indicate good ripeness and quality, while producers report favourable processing characteristics.

Winemakers stressed that last year’s campaign was particularly difficult due to fires, frost and freezing temperatures, whereas this year, damage from frost and hail has been limited, and yields in many vineyards are close to normal levels.

At the start of the harvesting campaign, purchase prices in the Sungurlare area range from EUR 0.50 to EUR 0.60 per kilogram, slightly below last year’s levels, according to producers. Some varieties command higher prices, like the Muscat Ottonel in the Karnobat area, which is currently offered at up to EUR 0.80– EUR 1 per kilogram, while Merlot in Sungurlare is around EUR 0.90 per kilogram. Winemakers pointed out that these are asking prices, not average regional purchase prices.

Despite the promising harvest, growers continue to face difficulties finding buyers. Supply is high, while processing plants cannot purchase all available quantities, as farmers with pre-arranged contracts have the most secure market.