site.btaWindy Hills: Major Modernization and Vineyard Overhaul Planned at This Wine Estate Near Sliven

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 Windy Hills near Sliven is launching a full-scale modernization of its facilities and renewal of its vineyards. Over the next two years, the entire complex will be renovated, and the existing 45 hectares of vineyards will be replaced with new grape varieties tailored to current market demand.

“Our goal is to modernize the hotel, the restaurant, the tasting hall, as well as the production technology in the winery. At the same time, we are gradually replanting the vineyards, placing a stronger focus on white wines and rose,” the estate’s new owner Ventsislav Petrov said.

The estate, built more than 20 years ago, is due for a complete refresh, including the outdoor spaces and the winemaking process itself. A major part of the project is the replacement of about 45 hectares of vines surrounding the chateau. Old plantings will be entirely removed and gradually replaced with new varieties. White grapes and rose will dominate, while reds will remain limited to about 20% of the area, keeping established varieties such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Among the whites, Alexandria Muscat, Tamyanka, and Sauvignon Blanc will be prioritized.

“Market preferences have shifted, consumers now seek fresh white wines and rose. That is what we will focus on. We expect the first harvest from the new vineyards between 2027 and 2029,” Petrov said.

Alongside the renovation, the winery is preparing to revive the production of strong spirits previously made under popular local brands. The process requires time and regulatory approvals but is part of the long-term vision for the estate’s portfolio.

Currently, the winery’s capacity is about 500 tonnes of grapes per year, with a goal to reach 800 tonnes in the coming years, positioning it as a mid-sized producer. Wines will target both the Bulgarian market and international customers, without focusing on mass retail chains.

The complex’s hospitality facilities include 11 rooms, a tasting hall, and terraces accommodating about 120 guests. Starting next year, wine tourism packages will be offered to Bulgarian and international visitors. “Bulgarians truly appreciate wine and understand it well. In Bulgaria, we make small quantities but with high quality,” Petrov said.

2025’s grape harvest has been severely impacted by unfavourable weather, late spring frosts destroyed up to 100% of the yield for some varieties. “Unfortunately, the harvest this year is disastrous, but we remain committed to long-term investments and producing small but high-quality wines,” Petrov stated.