site.btaVino’s Winery: Expanding Wine Production in a Region Not Traditionally Known for Viticulture

BTA will present dozens of Bulgarian wineries in the New BG WINE Leads the Way series ahead of the 9th UN Global Conference on Wine Tourism, which will be hosted in Plovdiv. The forum is organized by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the UN World Tourism Organization.

Vino’s Winery in Smolyan is producing its second vintage and expanding production after the first was sold out due to high consumer interest. The winery focuses on natural wines, which are in demand primarily in the Smolyan region, said owner Stoyan Chavdarov in an interview with BTA.

This autumn, the winery is producing Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Mavrud. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Plovdiv and Ivaylovgrad regions, while fermentation and the entire production process take place in Smolyan. According to the producer, this year’s harvest has high sugar content, which improves the quality of the wines.

Last year, the winery produced about 3 tonnes of wine, and this year's plan is to produce 5.5 tonnes. For now, the focus remains on red wines. Clients include both restaurants and individual consumers in the region.

According to the winemakers, the climate in the Rhodope Mountains positively influences wine aging, with the altitude and local conditions enhancing the wine's quality.

The winery’s products have also been recognized abroad. At a wine exhibition in the Greek city of Drama, Vino’s Syrah from Smolyan ranked fifth, while the ouzo produced by the winery took second place.

Chavdarov refutes the skepticism of many who believe winemaking in Smolyan is not feasible. "With climate change, it's not unlikely that in a few years, good grapes could be grown right here in Smolyan," he said.

Vino’s Winery was established through a Bulgarian-Greek project under the INTERREG Cross-Border Cooperation Program. It was built as a complex with tasting halls, and its architectural design and interior follow the style of a modern château. Situated on one of Smolyan’s hills, the winery offers a picturesque panoramic view of almost the entire city. The project also provided modern equipment for the production process. Plans include importing Greek white wines as well.