Veliko Tarnovo has long been renowned as the city of history, but in recent years it has increasingly established itself as a city of flavors.
Amidst the cobbled streets and panoramic hills of the old capital, a new trend is emerging – wine tourism.
Thanks to its fertile soil and moderate climate, the region around Tarnovo and Arbanasi has maintained a winemaking tradition for centuries. Today, this tradition is being revived through modern wineries, tasting centers, and vineyards that combine the old with the new – the flavors of the past with the innovations of the present.
Wine tourism in Veliko Tarnovo region
The Veliko Tarnovo region is emerging as one of Bulgaria’s promising wine tourism destinations, combining historical heritage with a growing wine culture. The oldest winery in the country is located here – Lovico in the town of Suhindol, founded in 1909, making it more than a hundred years old.
The building has both old and new parts, which makes it especially interesting for visitors. At Lovico, guests can explore not only the modern side of winemaking but also experience the history preserved within its walls.
The region is also home to the first wine matured under the waters of the Black Sea, a creation of one of the youngest boutique wineries in the area – Lege Artis from the town of Lyaskovets. Although this is a young winery, their wines are highly regarded – all of them have won gold medals at both Bulgarian and international wine competitions.
The Veliko Tarnovo region is a great destination for people who love wine and all the experiences that come with it. Here, visitors can enjoy not only the modern face of wine tourism but also the rich traditions and deep history of winemaking in Bulgaria.
What Wines to Try in Bulgaria and the Veliko Tarnovo?
Bulgaria may not be a large country, but it boasts an impressive range of traditional grape varieties that reflect its long winemaking history.
Some of the most notable ones include:
• Gamza – a red grape variety found mainly in Central Northern and Northwestern Bulgaria. It produces light, fruity reds with delicate character.
• Red Misket – an unusual red grape used to make white wine, typical for the Veliko Tarnovo region. It’s known for its floral aroma and refreshing taste.
• Rubin – a Bulgarian hybrid created in the 1940s by crossing Syrah and Nebbiolo. It produces rich, full-bodied wines with deep color and strong structure.
• Tamyanka – one of Bulgaria’s oldest grape varieties, famous for its intense aroma and expressive, floral notes.
• Dimyat – a classic Bulgarian white grape that yields light, aromatic, and fresh wines, perfect for summer.
• Mavrud – one of Bulgaria’s most iconic red grape varieties, producing bold, tannic, and full-bodied wines with great aging potential.
In the Veliko Tarnovo region, you can taste wines made from these traditional Bulgarian grapes as well as many international varieties. It’s the perfect place to explore how old-world tradition meets modern winemaking creativity.
Wineries in the Veliko Tarnovo area
Tourists who come here not only for Tsarevets Fortress and Samovodska Charshia are increasingly leaving with more than just photographs – unique, high-quality Bulgarian wine and unforgettable memories from places like the Wine Tasting Centre and The New Vineyards.
🍷 Wine Tasting Centre – Veliko Tarnovo
Located on Samovodska Charshia, the Wine Tasting Centre is the perfect spot to get acquainted with the wines of the Veliko Tarnovo region.
In a cozy, authentic setting, visitors can sample a curated selection of Bulgarian wines – from traditional varieties like Tamyanka, Gamza, and Dimyat, to classic international favorites such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
All wines are carefully chosen from small boutique wineries across the region and are presented in an engaging, informative way by the center’s knowledgeable wine experts. The venue hosts regular tastings, short courses, and special wine events that share the stories of local producers and their craft.
You’ll leave not just with great memories, but likely with a bottle (or two) of exceptional Bulgarian wine.
Contacts:
Wine Tasting Centre
Website: https://www.winetestingbg.com/
Email: winebulgaria@gmail.com
Facebook: Wine Tasting Centre / Винен Дегустационен Център
Instagram: @winetastingcente
🍇 The New Vineyards – Arbanasi
Just ten kilometers from Veliko Tarnovo, near the picturesque village of Arbanasi, lies a new and exciting project – The New Vineyards.
Here, modern viticulture blends beautifully with the natural charm of the hills. Rows of Gamza, Kaylashki Misket, Syrah, and Chardonnay thrive in the clean air and peaceful surroundings, overlooking a breathtaking view of Tarnovo that feels like a living painting.
Visitors can enjoy tastings among the vines, themed dinners, and open-air events – the perfect recipe for a relaxing wine weekend escape. Though still young, The New Vineyards are already shaping up to be one of the region’s most promising symbols of its new wine spirit.
Today, Veliko Tarnovo is not just a destination for history lovers – it’s also a city of flavor, culture, and indulgence.
Here, wine isn’t just a drink; it’s a story – about the land, the people, and their new beginnings.
Contacts:
The New Vineyards
Email: winebulgaria@gmail.com
Facebook: The New Vineyards / Новите Лозя
Website: https://thenewvineyards.bg/bg/
