site.btaAgriculture, Food Minister: Bulgaria Has 55,500 Ha of Vineyards

The area of ​​vineyards in Bulgaria amounts to over 55,570 hectares, with 61% of them with wine varieties and protected designation of origin, as well as a protected geographical indication, Agriculture and Food Minister Georgi Tahov said during the 9th Global Conference on Wine Tourism of the UN World Tourism Organization in Plovdiv on Monday.

He pointed out that 363 wineries operate in Bulgaria and in 2024 alone, over 67.2 million litres of wine were produced in the country. "Wine is part of our history, our culture. Bulgaria is an established producer that meets the general requirements for quality and protection of origin", he emphasized, adding that Bulgaria has a very wide variety of climate conditions, relief, soils, which create excellent conditions for viticulture and winemaking.

Tahov commented that the excellent qualities and uniqueness of Bulgarian wines are a prerequisite for the successful positioning on international markets, as the country currently export wine to over 50 countries in Central and Western Europe. "The Agriculture and Food Ministry actively supports the sector through the instruments of the common agricultural policy", he noted, pointing out that nearly BGN 162.5 million are planned for 2023-2027, which are for investments in the sector, for restructuring and conversion of vineyards.

The 9th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism is themed  "The Art of Wine Tourism". It takes place on October 6 and 7, and highlights the multi-faceted relationship between wine tourism and the arts, positioning both as vital tools for protecting heritage, promoting creativity and enhancing the attractiveness of rural and wine-producing destinations. Participants engage with policy makers, representatives of tourist destinations, entrepreneurs, researchers and specialists from around the world.