site.btaStruma Valley Winery Offers Immersive Tastings amid Scenic Vineyards

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.

Libera Winery cultivates around 35 hectares of local and international grape varieties. Founded in 2013, the winery takes its name from Libera, the goddess of fertility and freedom. It is located in the village of Hotovo, Sandanski municipality, situated between Sandanski and Melnik in the Struma Valley, a wine-growing region, production and trade consultant Galin Damyanov told the Bulgarian News Agency. The diversity of grapes is exceptional. The largest areas are planted with varieties endemic to the region, including Shiroka Melnishka Loza, Melnik 55, Melnik 82, Keratsuda, and Sandanski Misket. These are complemented by international varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Muscat, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The winery relies solely on its own vineyards, covering an area of around 35 hectares. Since 2018, it has introduced less traditional grapes for the area, such as Assyrtiko, Grenache, and Mourvedre, which are used to produce a good Provence-style rose. Cabernet Franc and Syrah are grown successfully as well. There are old vineyards of Syrah, which has established as one of the winery’s best sellers.

Among Libera Winery’s recent projects is a tasting room set amidst the vineyards. It has drawn considerable interest from customers and tourists alike. Visitors can sample the full range of wines while enjoying stunning views of the vineyards. “We focus on local, regional products such as cheeses and cured meats,” Damyanov said. “This year, we experimented with a Sauvignon Blanc blended with Assyrtiko, which has been in high demand,” said Damyanov. “For our reds, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, which have been very well received. For roses we introduced a Sangiovese rose from the 2024 harvest. We have about 2 hectares of Sangiovese,” he added. According to him, the most popular wine among customers remains Melnik 55, a hallmark of the region. Muscat and Sandanski Misket are also sought-after. The winery works with partners in Belgium, England, and the United States. The majority of its production is sold on the domestic market.