site.btaHeritage and Innovation Mark Limited-Edition Bulgarian Wine Series

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.

Chateau Copsa will introduce a new limited-edition range for collectors and connoisseurs this year, Chateau Copsa Winery Chief Executive Officer Petya Minkova told BTA on Tuesday.

The series will introduce Tamyanika and Pinot Noir for the first time and broaden the Angelica wine line with additional grape varieties, Minkova said.

The two limited-edition grape varieties are cultivated in newly established vineyards near Anevo village. The plantations have recently been expanded by 18 hectares to include Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Tamyanika. The first harvest is anticipated next year. Drip irrigation was implemented throughout the vineyards this year.

“Innovation works in tandem with respect for tradition,” Minkova said. In recent years, the winery has invested in advanced equipment and vinification technologies to achieve precise fermentation control and preserve the grapes’ natural aromatic qualities. Vineyard expansion and renewal are ongoing, alongside the implementation of sustainable practices such as soil management, water resource optimization, and biodiversity conservation.

Approximately 300 tonnes of grapes have already been harvested, primarily white varieties and reds picked early for rosé production. By season's end, an additional 200 tonnes are expected to be hand-picked, placed in crates, and delivered to the winery.

Harvest 2025 in the Rose Valley started under excellent conditions. A mild spring without late frosts ensured uniform vine growth. Warm days and cool nights during the summer promoted optimal sugar accumulation and preserved freshness and aromatic complexity. Minkova reported that the region avoided hail, which was crucial for maintaining grape quality.

According to Minkova, yields are stable; not exceptional, but adequate to ensure excellent concentration and high-quality grapes. Wines from white varieties such as Karlovo Misket and Tamyanika are expected to exhibit the characteristic floral aromas and minerality of the Rose Valley. For red varieties like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, climatic conditions allowed for optimal phenolic ripeness, resulting in elegant, well-balanced wines with good ageing potential.

For Minkova and her team, competitions and wine forums provide both recognition and an opportunity to assess international and regional trends. The winery consistently participates in the DiVino rankings, the Balkan Wine Festival, and key Plovdiv events such as the Young Wine Festival. Participation offers valuable feedback and the satisfaction of seeing their wines appreciated by both professionals and wine lovers. This year, Minkova and her team will present new vintages and limited editions at these and other leading forums.

The winery organizes a range of events, including wine tours, tastings of wine and rakia, concerts, and more. The newest venue is a recently outfitted cellar in Klisura, where oenologists present the wines and guide visitors through the production process from vineyard to bottle. The new tasting hall, with a capacity of up to 60 people, is designed to provide a comfortable and authentic experience.

Located in the heart of the Rose Valley, Chateau Copsa was established in 1998 by Minko Minkov, who inherited his passion for winemaking from his father, Ivan Minkov. Today, the third generation, Petya and Ivan Minkov, manage the family estate, combining tradition and innovation to produce wines that reflect the region’s heritage. The winery’s striking building is inspired by medieval castles, with the cellar integrated into the foundation. Oenologists Madelena and Angel Kuzmanov create elegant wines from Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The flagship wine is a refined white made from the indigenous red Misket grape, notable for its delicate aroma, refreshing character, and subtle hint of bitterness.

The family-owned winery manages 55 hectares of vineyards, acquired between 1998 and 2008. In 2008, the Klisura cellar and the main building with tasting rooms near Karlovo were completed. The winery welcomes visitors for tours and tastings by prior reservation and offers accommodations, two restaurants, a corporate event hall, and a wellness area with wine and rose-based therapies.