6 days
Specific Tour
Unlimited
English
If you love wine, then you’ve come to the right place! The Sakar wine region, known for its long dry summers and leached granite soils, and it’s quickly becoming synonymous with some of the best red wines in the country. Apart from its beautiful nature, the region is also attractive for its special mystery. One of the ancient civilizations of the world, that of the Thracians, has left vivid traces of itself here through numerous cult sanctuaries, tombs and dolmens. In the immediate vicinity are the remains of the ancient fortress of “Castra Rubra”, which stood on this site 15 centuries ago and from there passed the ancient Via Diagonalis, connecting Europe with the Orient. The wine has accompanied the ancient Thracians throughout their lives. With wine they celebrated the soil of the newborn, and with wine they sent the deceased to nothing. It was food for the poor man, a pleasure for the rich and medicine for everyone. Even the slave was not deprived of it.
South Sakar is mostly known for the traditional varieties of red wines – Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, but for several years some wineries in the region have been successfully vinifying from their own plantations wines of red varieties atypical for Bulgaria – Marselan, Malbec, Petit Verdot. The vinification of the white varieties planted a few years ago – the typical French varieties from the Rhône- Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, as well as the cultivation and vinification of the Bulgarian varieties Tamyanka and Pamid – has also yielded quite good results.
Between Harmanli and Topolovgrad lies the so-called Kolarovski vineyard. Created in the 70s by the Austrian prof. Moser, who after long research, chose the place as the most suitable place in Bulgaria for growing the Merlot variety, and in 1977 the planting of the array in the village began and by 1980 its size exceeded more than 7000 acres. An interesting fact about the area is that for many years it was a border zone and there is no industry of any kind polluting the environment, which creates excellent conditions for growing extremely high quality grapes and creating organic wines. All this leads oenologists to believe that this particular region could gain worldwide recognition and become an emblem for Bulgarian wine production.
Today the region is attracting young, passionate vinters back to the land to nurture both well-known global grape varieties and those inextricably linked to the area’s past.
Arrive in Sofia and settle into your accommodation for the evening. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a trendy restaurant, where you can sample a variety of traditional Bulgarian dishes paired with local wines.
After breakfast, depart for Plovdiv, where you'll spend the next two days exploring the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant wine scene. Take a guided tour of Plovdiv's Old Town, marveling at its well-preserved Roman amphitheater, charming cobblestone streets, and colorful Renaissance houses. In the evenings, unwind at Hotel Visualiza, a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of the city. Indulge in wine-tasting dinners featuring a selection of wines from the region, accompanied by delicious local cuisine.
On the second day, venture out to Dragomir Winery in the nearby village of Brestnik, where you'll enjoy a tour of the vineyards and cellars followed by a tasting of their award-winning wines. Afterwards, savor a leisurely lunch featuring traditional Bulgarian specialties.
Discover the hidden gems of the Sakar wine region, renowned for its lush vineyards and exceptional wines. Visit two prestigious wineries, where you'll have the opportunity to meet the winemakers, explore the production facilities, and, of course, sample a variety of wines. Enjoy lunch at a charming boutique winery offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. In the evenings, unwind at Zaara Estate, set amidst rolling vineyards and olive groves. Indulge in wine-tasting dinners featuring a curated selection of wines paired with gourmet dishes prepared by a private chef. For those seeking an even more indulgent experience, upgrade to the Katarzyna Estate, a luxurious retreat where you'll enjoy exclusive tastings and dinners in a private setting.
Embark on a cultural excursion to Mezek Fortress and the surroundings, where you'll learn about the region's rich history and agricultural traditions. Enjoy lunch at the Wild Farm, a rustic farmhouse serving farm-to-table cuisine sourced from local food. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Wines of Sakar festival, where you can sample a wide range of wines and mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts.
After breakfast, bid farewell to Sakar and begin your journey back to Sofia. Along the way, make a final stop at Zagreus Winery for one last tasting session and a light lunch, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region before returning home.
Member Since 2024
