site.btaLozenitsa Estate: A Taste of Wine, A Place to Stay

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.

Rose, white, and red wines are produced at Lozenitsa Estate near Melnik, owner Rosen Hristov said on Sunday. To date, the winery has concentrated on domestic sales, while export initiatives are currently under discussion.

Currently, discussions are in progress with a leading Chinese company; if these are successful, Lozenitsa Estate wine will be exported under the Chinese partner’s label and brand. Otherwise, the winery would have to register its own trademark for export, which Hristov said is not currently feasible for them. He told BTA the winery started in 2017, when he made the first wines for family and friends. Later, he invited a friend to join the project, and together they expanded their shared vision into a larger business.

Currently, they manage 32 hectares of vineyards on the southern slopes of the Struma River Valley, including 12 hectares of old vines, some planted in 1978. Their holdings feature Bulgarian grape varieties such as Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Melnik 55, Melnik Rubin, Mavrud, Sandanski Misket, Ruen, Melnik 1300, and Tamyanka. The estate also cultivates internationally recognized varieties, using premium Italian plant material, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah.

The regional varieties Shiroka Melnishka Loza and Melnik 55 are in highest demand, with approximately 6 hectares dedicated to Syrah.

Hristov noted that construction began last year on a distinctive residential complex set among the vineyards. The development will include 18 contemporary houses integrated with the natural landscape, along with a restaurant, lounge bar, reception area, shop, and wine tasting hall. Amenities will also feature a spa zone, fitness centre, children’s facilities, and extensive park areas. More than 1,000 trees have been planted across 3.5 hectares. The property includes a natural lake, around which an additional 12 houses are planned.